CA2OR Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 I have a acrylic tank that measures 20 inches front to back, 24 inches side to side, and 17.5 inches from top to bottom. I need to build a stand that can support this tank but dont know what to expect as far as strength of the stand. Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 You have to figure the amount of water to be used then figure displacement,weight of tank,rocks,sand,equipment on and in tank then do the math. Your tank dimentions givin give you an empty water volume of 36.36 gallons , saltwater weighs approximately 63.6# to 64.3# per cubic foot depending on salt content, there are approx 7.4805 gallons in a cubic foot, giving you 4.8606376 cubic feet of water.Thats with nothing else in the tank. As far as the stand goes 3/4 " plywood or a 2x4 frame should be more than sufficient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 29, 2008 Author Share Posted December 29, 2008 You are the man. Love the Lyndon B. Johnson quote. Interested in partaking in this project? You seem pretty skilled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 I have a 70 gal tank my stand is built with 3/4" oak ply and 2x2 frame and holds just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
defigart Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 I always estimate salt water at 10# per gallon. I did the math above and was only 30 pounds off. I was to heavier than the math. But dont forget its not just saltwater. Youll have the mass of everything else your putting in there too. Ive built many a stand out of 2X4's they are plenty strong enough. I would expect the screws to fail before the wood as long as you build it correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 29, 2008 Author Share Posted December 29, 2008 I was gonna ask if I should use screws, nails, braces, or something else to build it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Definitely screws not nails...and glue is a plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 29, 2008 Author Share Posted December 29, 2008 some have told me about "biscit" or Dove tail joints? Does anyone know what that means? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Its a style of joint..I dont think it's needed for your size tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 29, 2008 Author Share Posted December 29, 2008 Is there any reason that I shouldn't use 2 additional tanks for filtration? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Many different people have many different ways of doing things,use what works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowpunk Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I built my own stand for a 30g some time ago. I used 1 2x4 at each corner with one extra in the middle of the back just for extra strength. There was a rectangle 2x4 frame on the bottom and top with a 3/8" sheet of plywood on top. I never put walls on it and it held great until we 86'ed it after 7 years(not because it was showing wear, because it wasn't) and put it on top of a wet bar like thing. If you built it the same way and put finish plywood around the outside with a large door in front it will hold FOREVER!!! (as long as you use screws:D) I just got rid of it 2 months ago otherwise I would say you could have it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 Thank you very muchf or the input Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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