Ogpulchra Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 (edited) I went with my boyfriend's building plan, despite feeling iffy about it. Now I'm worried about using it for my 33g long. The boards are 2x3s and the longest span is 50" between vertical supports. The tank is 48"x13"x13" and will weigh about 400 lbs. I know the cinder block stands don't have vertical supports under the corners, so I thought this would be okay. Should I replace the horizontal boards the tank will sit on with 2x4s or move the vertical supports so that they are directly under the tank corners? Or is this stand strong enough as is? I chose the 50" span because I wanted to put another 33g on the bottom shelf too. I will be adding some 2x3s across the back to prevent racking. Edited March 30, 2022 by Ogpulchra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaW Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 How far off are the vertical supports from where the corners of the tank will be? Ideally, you would want the vertical supports under the corners of the tank. If you want to put another tank the same size underneath, then maybe create braces to support the corners of the aquarium on top. (Does that make sense?) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogpulchra Posted March 30, 2022 Author Share Posted March 30, 2022 (edited) The corners will be an inch away from the vertical supports. I was worried about them not being directly under, but I wouldn't have room for the other tank on the bottom. I'm a pretty anxious person, so I don't know if I'm worrying too much about it or if I should scrap the bottom tank and move the vertical supports over. Braces are a good idea. Thanks! Edited March 30, 2022 by Ogpulchra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaW Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 @Ogpulchra If it's only 1" I don't know that I would worry too much about the shear pressure. I think the wood can handle that just fine. However, if you are a worrier, braces in the corner would be a good compromise. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intuos Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 If you are worried you could try something like 10mm (sorry don't know the convertion to inches) ply board on top to add extra strength and rigidity. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 I’m a carpenter and I think it’ll hold the tank but I’d be worried about side to side rigidity. I agree with @AndreaW, some corner braces would be a good idea. I think the second 48” tank on the lower shelf might actually help with the rigidity, but I’d still add some bracing anyway. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevesFishTanks Posted March 30, 2022 Share Posted March 30, 2022 I think it will hold up your tank an easy way to increase the strength of build would be to install a sheet of thin plywood across the entire back(wall side) of the stand. it will tie the unit together and prevent racking. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrencher_Scott Posted March 31, 2022 Share Posted March 31, 2022 It would be best to put a 2x4 under the front and back on edge under where the tank edge will be. 2x's will sag laying down like that. Also, It would look pretty good too I think. Check for the "bow" of the boards and put the high part in the center up. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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