Tank Stand for 3 15-gallon tanks

[Randy-L]

I needed a place to put 3 15 gallon tanks and did not have enough room to spread out. So...

[mutts]

Thats cool, I like it

[dakar]

Looks like you are quite the woodworker (judging from the shelves and such in the background). What are the horizontal supports made from? It *looks* like it should want to tip forward, but you obviously have that sorted. Goes to show that most DIY stands made from 2x4 and 4x4 lumber are way overbuilt for the weight they are intended to support.

If you get bored and want to draw up some build plans, be sure to post them for us.

[Randy-L]

I could do that, post plans that is. I'll work on that.
By your question "What are the horizontal support made from" I take it you are acking about the rails that the tanks are resting on. I built the whole project out of construction grade lumber. The vertical members are 2x8's that I cleaned up by running the through my serfacer, same witgh the three back bembers. The rails were made from 2x4. As for why it does not tip foward, The tanks are 12 deep (front to back), that leaves only 4" sticking out the front. The center of gravity is 2" back fron the front edge of the 2x8's.

Something to concider: This unit is sitting on a concrete floor. I would not even think about putting this on carpet without a larger base and even then I would most likely fasten it to the wall at the top.

[Reef_Angel]

Your new style stand is an interesting idea. I imagine that most people who have multiple tanks in a basement or another area with a concrete floor, and have limited space to house 3 tanks like that. Did you see a set up like this somewhere, or did you dream it up. If it's your own unique woodworking plans, you should trademark them, make a smaller replica to take to several LFS's, and see if you could interest the owner's into selling one for you and see how it sells. Actually, it would make a great stand for along the walls of a pet store since most of them are just concrete floors covered in simple tile. Smaller stores could house more stock to sell. They may be not only displaying one "for sale" for you, but possibly buying some for their own stores for sales. Just a thought I guess. I like to dream big, and it could make you some extra "play" money to support your own reefing hobby. Anyway, nice job!! ......Angel

[Randy-L]

Hi Reef Angel,
I don't know about LFS using something like this but I'm sure there are a lot of hobbyists that would. The problem with selling them would be price because of the amount of labor put into it. But it is something ti think about. I do like the idea about a smaller mockup, maybe 2 5-gallon tanks made out of some good wood like wallnut.

[lReef lKeeper]

good idea, but how do you think it would hold up with 3 55gal tanks on it. that would be great for ... main tank on top, sump in middle, fugium on bottom, or reverse the sump and fugium.

[Randy-L]

Lets do the mathon that one:
8 from the floor
18 45-gallon first tank
9 space
18 45-gallon second tank
9 space
20 55-gallon
9 space
thats 91"

No I don't think that will work

[lReef lKeeper]

i figured that man, i was just messing with ya a little bit. im pretty good with power tool too. i do a lot of woodwork in my line of work. im in home remodeling and improvements.

[mutts]

i built a tank stand for my 55 gal... nothing as fancy as that, but i planned everything out myself... but in the first plans i was useing 6X6s... they told me it was a little too much... hehehe

[Randy-L]

Wow!! 6"x6"! I bet that stand didn't sag or wobble.

[mutts]

yeah it wouldn't have, they made me change it to 2X4s but i built it extreamly strong... problbly a little too strong