Tank Stand building questions

BradMugs · 12/03/2010, 04:47 PM

Between work and family I am trying to build a stand for my new 90 tank to replace my 55 that developed a leak - I need to work fast before I loose everthing in the 55 - it's still holding water but I don't know how long that is going to last.

I got the stand built last night - pine 2X4's and 2X6's. Had help from a friend of mine (well he built it I paid for it). I think I could park my car on it and it's level and square.

Now for the questions

1 - it will eventually be covered and I want to seal the wood before I go much further. Don't really care about the color and my friend gave me a few suggestions. Use either a pylyurathane or paint with Kills and then paint. What do you suggest?

2 - The stand is 3 feet tall and the tank is 25 inches. It will be about 5 inches from the wall to allow for plumbing in the back. He though maybe putting a lag bolt through the frame and into a joist to stabilize it - I've never seen this done in all the builds I've looked at. Suggestions?

Thanks

redfishblewfish · 12/03/2010, 05:09 PM

1. I've just used a good primer and then an exterior latex. If you go with polyurethane, make sure it is a marine spar varnish / polyurethane.

2. I'm assuming you built the RC stand with 2x4's and 2x6's. If that is the case, it is overbuilt to the max....you could support an elephant. No anchor is needed into the adjoining wall.

TwistedGA · 12/03/2010, 05:23 PM

Adding to the above,
1 - If your in a hurry to get it setup, you could go with a top that is already waterproof, laminate, tile, marble, granite, whatever you like or can afford. It adds a pretty nice touch if your choose the right look.

2 - I have never seen anyone have a need for this, possibly a good investment in earthquake territory. I have a 55g sitting on a 30" stand with a tank height of 20" plus an additional 10" of canopy sitting on it. I'd have to be intentionally trying to knock this thing over to get it to budge.

You should have no issues at all. Hope you get everything done before the 55g makes a mess.

BradMugs · 12/03/2010, 05:46 PM

Red Fish Blue Fish - yes, it looks over built but I feel better 8^)
Yes, Spar Varnish would be what I'd use there.

TwistedGA - wasn't going to go with a solid top - my current isn't and I appeicate being able to see/inspect the bottom of the sand but granite and marble sound very nice, just can't afford it - Last earthquake I can remember was in the mid 60's

Thank you both for responding and I'm sure I'll have more questions - trying to get some pictures before it's done so I can document....

on the spot · 12/03/2010, 06:26 PM

I'd go with paint - the primer coat drys super quick, You can topcoat in a very short amount of time. Doesn't need to be exterior, and a semigloss or high gloss will provide plenty of protection with a very durable finish.

12/03/2010, 04:47 PM	#1
BradMugs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Aurora, CO, USA Posts: 440	Tank Stand building questions Between work and family I am trying to build a stand for my new 90 tank to replace my 55 that developed a leak - I need to work fast before I loose everthing in the 55 - it's still holding water but I don't know how long that is going to last. I got the stand built last night - pine 2X4's and 2X6's. Had help from a friend of mine (well he built it I paid for it). I think I could park my car on it and it's level and square. Now for the questions 1 - it will eventually be covered and I want to seal the wood before I go much further. Don't really care about the color and my friend gave me a few suggestions. Use either a pylyurathane or paint with Kills and then paint. What do you suggest? 2 - The stand is 3 feet tall and the tank is 25 inches. It will be about 5 inches from the wall to allow for plumbing in the back. He though maybe putting a lag bolt through the frame and into a joist to stabilize it - I've never seen this done in all the builds I've looked at. Suggestions? Thanks

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12/03/2010, 05:09 PM	#2
redfishblewfish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 716	1. I've just used a good primer and then an exterior latex. If you go with polyurethane, make sure it is a marine spar varnish / polyurethane. 2. I'm assuming you built the RC stand with 2x4's and 2x6's. If that is the case, it is overbuilt to the max....you could support an elephant. No anchor is needed into the adjoining wall.

12/03/2010, 05:23 PM	#3
TwistedGA Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 38	Adding to the above, 1 - If your in a hurry to get it setup, you could go with a top that is already waterproof, laminate, tile, marble, granite, whatever you like or can afford. It adds a pretty nice touch if your choose the right look. 2 - I have never seen anyone have a need for this, possibly a good investment in earthquake territory. I have a 55g sitting on a 30" stand with a tank height of 20" plus an additional 10" of canopy sitting on it. I'd have to be intentionally trying to knock this thing over to get it to budge. You should have no issues at all. Hope you get everything done before the 55g makes a mess.

12/03/2010, 05:46 PM	#4
BradMugs Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Aurora, CO, USA Posts: 440	Red Fish Blue Fish - yes, it looks over built but I feel better 8^) Yes, Spar Varnish would be what I'd use there. TwistedGA - wasn't going to go with a solid top - my current isn't and I appeicate being able to see/inspect the bottom of the sand but granite and marble sound very nice, just can't afford it - Last earthquake I can remember was in the mid 60's Thank you both for responding and I'm sure I'll have more questions - trying to get some pictures before it's done so I can document....

12/03/2010, 06:26 PM	#5
on the spot Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Michigan Posts: 1,010	I'd go with paint - the primer coat drys super quick, You can topcoat in a very short amount of time. Doesn't need to be exterior, and a semigloss or high gloss will provide plenty of protection with a very durable finish.