2x4 aquarium stand for a 4x4x2 240g

[clownfish.mike]

I’m building an aquarium stand for a 4ft x 4ft x 2ft 240 gallon acrylic tank. Sump is 36 inch x 24 inch x 15 inch which I would like to have in the middle. Does there need to be additional bracing around the perimeter in the middle of the 4ft spans? Or in the middle of the stand itself? Or is the 4 corners sufficient? I’ve built a 210 gallon stand before but had additional bracing every 2ft for the 6ft length. Just not sure for something that is 4ft x 4ft.

 

[threebuoys]

I would use 2 x 6 for the rails. Perimeter support should be adequate without cross-members, assuming the tank has a frame around the bottom. With the frame, all of the weight is supported by the perimeter.

 

[Rappa]

If you used 2x6 across the top, you would be fine with corner posts only. Realistically, you would probably be fine with 2x4 all around, but I like to overbuild things. My stand for my first reef tank, that was made by Oceanic, was particle board all around and held the 50 gallon 36" tank just fine for 15+ years until it started swelling from leaks...

 

[clownfish.mike]

I’ve already used 2x4s for the rails. There will be a plywood top for the acrylic tank to rest on as well as plywood on the bottom for the sump. This is what I’m working with. I’d like the stand to be as minimalistic as possible.

 

[Rappa]

I think you would be fine. Looks good! You can measure the distance from a bottom point to a top point and keep an eye on it. If you notice any sagging or deflection I suppose you could always add a center support. You really wouldn't even need to nail it in... just a couple screws maybe.

 

[clownfish.mike]

I think you would be fine. Looks good! You can measure the distance from a bottom point to a top point and keep an eye on it. If you notice any sagging or deflection I suppose you could always add a center support. You really wouldn't even need to nail it in... just a couple screws maybe.

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback.

 

[threebuoys]

I’ve already used 2x4s for the rails. There will be a plywood top for the acrylic tank to rest on as well as plywood on the bottom for the sump. This is what I’m working with. I’d like the stand to be as minimalistic as possible.

I used 2 x 4 rails for a 4' x 19" 90 gallon tank with no plywood or cross joists. Thats appx 800 lbs.
Then, I used 2 x 6 rails for a 6' x 19" 125 gallon tank, also with no plywood or cross joists. Thats appx 1200 lbs.

I do have a couple of 2 x 4 cross joists in both, for rigidity, not to support the weight. Both only have corner posts and a bottom shelf 8 inches above the floor.

Both are 4 years old with no problems.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I think you'll be just fine....but let's check....the designer of the dimensional stand is a member here.... @RocketEngineer what do you think.

My question has nothing to do with strength, but from the angle of the picture, will you be able to get the skimmer out of the sump? Stand doesn't look that high, but then again, it might be the angle of the picture.

 

[clownfish.mike]

I think you'll be just fine....but let's check....the designer of the dimensional stand is a member here.... @RocketEngineer what do you think.

My question has nothing to do with strength, but from the angle of the picture, will you be able to get the skimmer out of the sump? Stand doesn't look that high, but then again, it might be the angle of the picture.

Yeah I’m familiar with their design and have followed it for other stands. I just wasn’t sure with a 4ft square tank.

As far as the skimmer goes, this will actually be a freshwater tank so no skimmer. Maybe in the future it will be salty but there should be room to maneuver one around.

 

[WvAquatics]

Your stand is perfect imo. With the cube shape I would also worry about the center load. Even with a rimmed tank. The center would be holding a lot of foce I would think. The cross braces solved that looks rock solid. Agree with @redfishbluefish the sump area looks tight. Im deali g with an aqueon stand and i have the 21" from bottom to the tank.

 

[WvAquatics]

Yeah I’m familiar with their design and have followed it for other stands. I just wasn’t sure with a 4ft square tank.

As far as the skimmer goes, this will actually be a freshwater tank so no skimmer. Maybe in the future it will be salty but there should be room to maneuver one around.

Oh freshwater your solid haha. I wanted to build a sump for my freshwater. Use drains to drain I to a fluodized media chamber.

 

[clownfish.mike]

Thanks all for the input. I beefed it up some and added the plywood. So we should be good.

 

[redfishbluefish]

That's a beast....you'll be just fine.