Stand for 75 gallon tank (2x4's, 4x4's or 2x6's)?

[IFLY2HIGH]

I'm going to be making a stand for a new 75 gallon reef. The dimensions of the tank are 48" x 18" x 21". I've seen some very nice stands being made and this is what I want and is my main concern.

I'm thinking of using either 2 - 2x4's for each corner or 1 - 4x4. The front span of the tank I'm opting for a completely open, no center brace front. Would 2 - 2x4's work or should I umph it up to 2 - 2x6's? The back would probbly have 1 or 2 braces, but would use the saem all around. I just want the front braceless for real easy maintance. I would put big opening doors to cover the area.

Thanks for any input...

- Eric

[Snailman]

I just built the frame for a stand for a 120 which is 48x24x24 and I made the frame out of 2x6's. I made the corners out of 2x6's also and biscuted the whole thing together. Skin is 3/4" birch plywood.

[The Shaman]

IFly,

I built the skeleton for my 50g(36"x18") out of 4"x4"'s for the uprights, and 2"x6"'s for the top and bottom frames. This stand also has no center brace. The bottom is covered w/ a piece of 5/8" plywood. Even though none of this will be seen, and I probably didn't have to do it, the entire frame has been stained, polyurethaned, and the bottom sealed w/ marine sealant. HTH

[LowMax]

Built stand frame for my 75 gal out of 2x4's. Top is 3/4" marine grade plywood. Sides are 3/4" oak veneer. Front is face framed solid oak with raised panel solid oak doors. Canopy is built to match stand. Every joint is glued, biscuits, and screws. If could do over again would use your idea of 2 - 2x6's on front. Would love to have wide open access. I would laminate 2x6s with 1/2" plywood between for great stability. Mine has been solid as a rock - I overbuild everything (to support reef do engineering during the day).