Michelle.g Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I'm trying to plan a tank stand for a tank that is 48 x 18 x 18". Two options: (I have friends/ family that have necessary equipment and expertise for either) 1. Metal stand. Probably won't cost much, but I'm worried about the legs of the stand. I live in quite an old flat with creaky floorboards, and I'm worried that all that weight on four legs is not a good idea? 2. Stand made of 4 x 2" frame, with plywood on the outside. Will cost more than metal stand. A safer way to transfer the weight to the floor though? Which is best? I think I prefer the idea of a metal stand, but is there some way to design the stand so it transfers the weight the floor more safely? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Get your metal worker friends to weld complete bottom rails at the end of the legs - the same as what is under the edge of the tank. You need to spread the weight across as many floor boards (and preferably the bearers they sit on) as possible - either that, or sit the metal stand on a thick piece of plywood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 This is my rough n ready steel 4ft tank stand. Like Conch says, build it with a top and bottom frame. The top one holds the plywood/ tank and the lower frame spreads the weight across the floor. Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle.g Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Thanks for the replies. I think I will go with the metal stand with the bottom frame. My friend who will make the stand asked me if this bottom frame will be ok even if the floor is slightly uneven? (which I hope it isn't!) I would like to have a shelf to sit the cannister filter on, so will probably have an extra frame between the bottom and top and put plywood on it for a shelf. Also, the metal will need to be coated/painted after the stand is made. Any suggestions what to use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tHEcONCH Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 If the floor is uneven then sit it all on a piece of carpet and/or plywood. Paint the stand with marine grade paint (and make sure you prepare the metal properly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpidersWeb Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Doesn't need to be perfectly flat, great if it is, but don't worry too much. That tank is 1.2m by 0.45 by 0.45, which is 243 litres. About the equivilent of 3-4 average men standing up. Not quite as serious as you think when you put it in perspective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richms Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Put some foam under the stand if it isnt even, if its not level then you have a whole nother problem of the tank ending up not level. You will need to pack it up in the lower parts with something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doch Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 get it powdercoated it covers a multitude of sins and looks great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 If you did want it to look nice ive brought almost enough tongue and groove rimu off trade me to clad a 5ft tank stand for around $50.. Just look for stuff thats been recycled from old houses etc.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ianab Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 If you did want it to look nice ive brought almost enough tongue and groove rimu off trade me to clad a 5ft tank stand for around $50.. Just look for stuff thats been recycled from old houses etc.. Yup, that should look sweet That way you can build a nice solid 4x2 or steel frame and just clad it with nice timber. The metal frame above is going to be clad with T&G macrocarpa when I get around to it :oops: Cheers Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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