More on this later, but I was lucky enough to stumble across an unbelievable deal on a HUGE aquarium (more on this later). They basically gave me a $15,000 aquarium and setup (lights, filters, the whole deal). I want to put their names here as a thank-you, but it wouldn’t be safe to put that stuff on the internet. You know who you are & thank you!
Now, I need to build a SOLID stand that can hold ~5000 lbs. Here are a few pics & details:
When building a stand for an acrylic tank, all legs must be EXACTLY the same length. A perfectly level & flat stand is a must, or you risk having the tank break. I’m told that sometimes they will work for a few months on a crooked stand but then suddenly fail catastrophically. This is a 225-gallon tank. That much water weighs ~2500 lbs and can knock walls off center and break about anything if it bursts.
I clamped the 2×4 legs together and trimmed them with a brace to make sure they were exactly the same length:
Don’t EVER use deck screws to hold weight like this. They aren’t rated for the “sheer force” of that much weight.
This build relies on multiple Lag Bolts with a mix of Ledger Screws, which are meant for this amount of weight.
It’s also important that the legs go from the top of the stand to the floor. Adding joints or “stacking” the legs on the frame is risky. It can be done, but it changes the acceptable math. 2x4s on end (vertically/compressive strength) can hold ~1000 lbs. However, if it tilts or bows, it can quickly fail. A horizontal 8′ 2×4 can only hold around 20 lbs before it starts to sag. So, do the math! Make sure your construction methods will handle what you will put on them. Then, overbuild a good amount. A good rule of thumb is to build a stand that can hold at least two times the weight of the aquarium and its contents.
I started by painting, sanding, and then re-coating the deck. It’s key to get any bumps, sharps, or ripples that will stress the tank.
This is the main “structure” of the tank. You won’t be able to see any of this once the cabinet is put on, but it is the core support system.
I can’t say that I missed the moving party. That thing must be huge! Let me know when it’s all setup and ready. I’ll come enjoy it then.
How big is this tank? Why didn’t you just buy a bathtub?
That wouldn’t be big enough.
I hope you have some good help to move that thing around! Also, having it level isn’t as important as not having any irregularities, sand, or “bumps” in the survace. Avoid those AT ALL COST!
For any fellow stand-builders out there, I’ll be adding another horizontal brace just below the top level to cover that middle span. The math doesn’t work for a single 2×4 covering that distance unsupported. There will also be 3/4″ plywood supporting the gap.