110g and 40g breeder sump

aznflyfisherman · 04/05/2015, 11:24 AM

Hi all,

I have a situation here and need some assistance or advice. I want to use the 40g breeder tank as my sump and refugium. The problem is the middle tank stand support is in the way. If I remove the back middle support piece and run 2x4 across the tank, make a 2x4 frame all around the tank inside to reenforce the entire tank, would this be ok? Also I plan to put 2x4 support for the 40g as well since it will stick out about 1 to 2 inches from the back. Please help. Pictures are below.

110g Main tank is 48x18x30

40g Breeder tank is 36x18x16

camaroguy · 04/05/2015, 11:35 AM

I would be a little weary about modifying a commercial stand. These are usually built to pretty tight support limits so they will do what they need to but not much more. Its hard to say what it will support if you modify it.

Also, I am not sure a 2x4 would be enough if you were going to do this. It might deflect in the middle too much over 4 ft. I am currently running a 3x6 on a 40" span w/out support that seems to ever so slightly deflect.

I tend to overbuild things and be super safe with margins of error though. Someone else may be able to tell you if it would be just enough or not.

aznflyfisherman · 04/05/2015, 12:45 PM

Yeah the commercial stand seem pretty weak, maybe i just use a 30g and just add some 2x4 support for the stand itself without removing anything.

aznflyfisherman · 04/05/2015, 01:03 PM

Thats if i can fit it in there, if not i will need to use a 20g and hope it is big enough for the 110g.

aznflyfisherman · 04/06/2015, 10:09 AM

Anyone else ever modify a commercial stand by removing a center post?

04/05/2015, 11:35 AM	#2
camaroguy Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 134	I would be a little weary about modifying a commercial stand. These are usually built to pretty tight support limits so they will do what they need to but not much more. Its hard to say what it will support if you modify it. Also, I am not sure a 2x4 would be enough if you were going to do this. It might deflect in the middle too much over 4 ft. I am currently running a 3x6 on a 40" span w/out support that seems to ever so slightly deflect. I tend to overbuild things and be super safe with margins of error though. Someone else may be able to tell you if it would be just enough or not.

04/05/2015, 12:45 PM	#3
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	Yeah the commercial stand seem pretty weak, maybe i just use a 30g and just add some 2x4 support for the stand itself without removing anything.

04/05/2015, 01:03 PM	#4
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	Thats if i can fit it in there, if not i will need to use a 20g and hope it is big enough for the 110g.

04/06/2015, 10:09 AM	#5
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	Anyone else ever modify a commercial stand by removing a center post?