Custom Aquarium Stand Question

[RyanRX7]

I was looking to build a custom stand to hold my 125 gallon (475 liters). The design I would be required to use in order to fit it in the space I have available is a little odd. I was curious of peoples answers as to weather or not it'll work. I know aquariums must be supported on the edges, and in this case it will be, but the 2x4 supporting it will not be directly supported. The attached drawing will show what I mean, construction will be out of 2x4 lumber. Thanks for the help.

 

[the420buzz]

Are you not able to center out the top piece, so instead of a 7" overhang on one side, it'd reduce it to 3.5" on either side? 7" seems a bit iffy to me, but I'm not exactly your go-to guy on building. Just my 2 cents.

 

[RyanRX7]

That's correct, due to the shape of the area I would like to place the tank, I'm unable to center the overhang and cut it down to anything less then 7". Thanks for the reply

 

[RyanRX7]

To add an additionl dimension to look at, I've figured that about 102lbs will be above that 7" section. That's only 51lbs per 2x4 on the overhang there.

 

[Tolak]

I would think for seven inches it wouldn't be a problem. My biggest concern would be warping over time, this could be eliminated by taking a pair of 1x4's, screwing & gluing to create a sort of laminated 2x4 that would be more resistant to this due to the differing grain.

I have something similar on a large rack, the back corner overshoots one leg by 13". This is an end that holds three 20 gallon tanks, the entire thing has a 2x6 perimeter with 4x4 legs, measures 3'x10'. The back legs run up to the ceiling joists, that is the reason for the overhang. It's been holding strong for two years, I don't see it having a problem.

 

[RyanRX7]

Not a bad idea on the laminated 2x4 idea, that would indeed add a little more rigidity to the whole works. Thanks for the idea. I guess I could always bump those top rails up to 4x4s if you folks think it may be worth it.

 

[OldMan47]

I have a lip that is about 2 feet high in my family room and wanted to nestle a pair of tanks into a corner of that room. I have a stand almost exactly the way you have proposed to build yours. In my case I was only holding up a 29 gallon and used 1x4 lumber for the rails but it is hanging over in a cantilever effect much like yours would be. Mine hangs over about 4 inches and is doing fine after about 4 years like that.

This is the overhang on the stand. It is simply relying on the stiffness of the 5/8 inch plywood shelf to prevent it sagging.

 

[reflex1]

From the looks of things and what you describe - I don't believe you will have any problems with warping or whatever - you could always cut a short piece of 2x4 and nail/screw under the shelf and to the main cabinet.

 

[henryfg]

What's beneath the overhang? If it were possible to put something on top so that the weight on the overhang is supported by whatever the overhang is on then you would definitely have nothing to worry about.