125 gallon stand construction question...

20 20 · #1 12/30/2007, 01:00 PM

I want to build a stand for my 6 foot 125 gallon tank to replace the stock AGA stand. Two main issues, space in the stand, and access to the inside of the stand. I'd like to have one large opening door, and one smaller one, in the front of the stand. My question is, is this structurally feasible. I'm thinking of using 2x4, and would like a 4 foot opening, and a 2 foot opening (less the 3.5" upright widths, of course), like this:

Will that be structurally sound enough to support a 'fully loaded' 125 gallon tank?

sasscuba · #2 12/30/2007, 01:18 PM

Here is my 125. 3 foot span in middle. double up 2x4's glued and screwed. I think you would be good.

tanked3333 · #3 12/30/2007, 03:53 PM

I just built a stand using 2x4's for a 170 gallon and I spaced them out 18" apart just b/c I was nervous and read that...Glass diffuses the weight to the edges though so you might be o.k..Double up on the 2x4's though. How about one 2x4 right in the middle of your 4 ' span.
You would still have plenty of access.

ej1698 · #4 12/30/2007, 04:31 PM

you'll be fine,
you don't have to overkill with double 2x4. if you can do lap joints with some glue it will be even stronger.

ej

sasscuba · #5 12/30/2007, 06:02 PM

2x4's are cheap enough so why not double up to be stronger even if it is overkill??

20 20 · #6 12/30/2007, 07:29 PM

I want that 4 foot span open for easier access. All equipment (sump/fuge, skimmer, reactors, etc) will be in the stand. Given that 'stock' stands such as AGA makes use 1x material, I'm hoping that 2x4's in the configuration in my picture would be solid enough. Each of the 4 corners would have two 2x4's, and in the back I'd have two 2x4's evenly spaced, as opposed to the one 2x4 I want in the front (for access purposes). Just trying to verify before I build that it would be structurally sound enough. I believe that most of the stands I've seen built 'DIY' are overbuilt (understandably enough). I have no engineering knowledge to back that up, just comparing to the stock stands like AGA's.

ej1698 · #7 12/30/2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

2x4's are cheap enough so why not double up to be stronger even if it is overkill??

nothing wrong with it if it makes you sleep better, I'm just saying not needed.