Stand question for 125 gallon build

[FishyDP]

I am looking to build a bigger stand to fit a sump. This was a freshwater setup that I drilled, and will be using as a mixed reef. I would like to use the same stand design as below, but make the stand 25" width, which will leave me 17" under the stand to fit the 16" wide sump. The tank is a standard 125 gallon, 72x18x24.

My question is, can I center the tank on top of the stand? Or have the tank sit flush with the back of the stand? If not, any suggestions on a diy stand that will work in this scenario? I am concerned with the tank not sitting on the edges of the stand. Looking for a simple budget friedly design. .thanks

 

[DIYreefer]

You definitely want to have strong bracing alon the entire perimeter of the tank itself since that's where all of the weight will be.

If you are confident in your cabinetry skills (or the skills of the person building your stand) I'd suggest using 3/4" plywood instead. That's what I used to build the stand for my 125. Not just for it to be more aesthetically pleasing (to me) but also to be able to squeeze as much usable space inside the stand as I could while still being structurally sound. I'm actually sitting in front of my tank now, here's a picture of the stand.

 

[FishyDP]

You definitely want to have strong bracing alon the entire perimeter of the tank itself since that's where all of the weight will be.

If you are confident in your cabinetry skills (or the skills of the person building your stand) I'd suggest using 3/4" plywood instead. That's what I used to build the stand for my 125. Not just for it to be more aesthetically pleasing (to me) but also to be able to squeeze as much usable space inside the stand as I could while still being structurally sound. I'm actually sitting in front of my tank now, here's a picture of the stand.

View attachment 3138386

Beautiful stand. That would work out perfectly as long as I can fit my sump, which is the triton 44 v2 (44x16x15). Do you have general plans for a 3/4" plywood stand? I took some carpentry classes last year including trim/baseboard/general woodworking, but as you can see above my skills are mediocre lol. I will be building it, as long as it is mostly straight cuts I should be good. I am confident in building a basic sturdy frame, and just have to take my time with the finish work.

 

[DIYreefer]

Beautiful stand. That would work out perfectly as long as I can fit my sump, which is the triton 44 v2 (44x16x15). Do you have general plans for a 3/4" plywood stand? I took some carpentry classes last year including trim/baseboard/general woodworking, but as you can see above my skills are mediocre lol. I will be building it, as long as it is mostly straight cuts I should be good. I am confident in building a basic sturdy frame, and just have to take my time with the finish work.

Thanks! I'm sorry but I don't have plans, unfortunately. I just kinda winged it, I had an idea in my head and hoped for the best, lol.

I would say that it's a project that requires a lower, but not beginner woodworking skill level. If you have access to a table saw then I say go for it. You really need to be able to make precise and repeatable cuts considering it will hold a glass box full of water on top of it. If you want, I can write out a cut list for you. I'm not home now, but I will double check the inside measurements when I get a chance. I'm 99% sure that your sump would fit.

 

[RocketEngineer]

 

[FishyDP]

Thanks! I'm sorry but I don't have plans, unfortunately. I just kinda winged it, I had an idea in my head and hoped for the best, lol.

I would say that it's a project that requires a lower, but not beginner woodworking skill level. If you have access to a table saw then I say go for it. You really need to be able to make precise and repeatable cuts considering it will hold a glass box full of water on top of it. If you want, I can write out a cut list for you. I'm not home now, but I will double check the inside measurements when I get a chance. I'm 99% sure that your sump would fit.

That would be awesome if you could provide a cut list, when you have time! I do own a table saw, clamps etc so should be good to go. I appreciate it! I will have to send you a frag down the road, if I ever get this project done.

 

[FishyDP]

View attachment 3138784

Thank you! So this would work on a 6-foot 125g tank with no center braces on the stand using 2x4s?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Thank you! So this would work on a 6-foot 125g tank with no center braces on the stand using 2x4s?

I would be inclined for a 2X6 top with 2X4 for the rest. the overall idea is the same.

 

[PotatoPig]

Thank you! So this would work on a 6-foot 125g tank with no center braces on the stand using 2x4s?

Just adding on to @RocketEngineer design - in case it wasn’t clear from the sketch just make sure you have the purple verticals under the corners of your tank and all four corners are in full bearing. Build the stand however deeper front/back you like after that, using whatever other verticals you need to frame out the desired stand dimensions.

(also, thank you RocketEngineer - used your plans for my own stand )

 

[BZOFIQ]

Sections of doubled up 3/4" ply is your best bet if you're to fit that sump underneath.

You can slightly overbuild the stand (width wise) to allow for 16+" clearance for the sump, as long as you have a 3/4" ply top. You can also brace the top underneath spanning the front and back, much the same way your tank is braced.

Here are possibly the best plywood plans that dont require full sheets for each of the sides.

Hope this helps.

 

[FishyDP]

Sections of doubled up 3/4" ply is your best bet if you're to fit that sump underneath.

You can slightly overbuild the stand (width wise) to allow for 16+" clearance for the sump, as long as you have a 3/4" ply top. You can also brace the top underneath spanning the front and back, much the same way your tank is braced.

Here are possibly the best plywood plans that dont require full sheets for each of the sides.

Hope this helps.

View attachment 3141484

View attachment 3141483

View attachment 3141482

So, I am thinking that I can use my current stand by removing or relocating some of the center vertical supports and add a 3/4"ply top. I would be left with 17.25" width, which is more than enough clearance for the sump. This may just do the trick

I do have 2 separate 1/2" ply "tops" secured underneath the top of the frame on my current stand, but I will likely add a another on top, especially since I will be losing some of the center vertical support. Very nice-looking stand by the way.