3 Tier Stand

[Andrew_B]

Right now I have a couple small tanks (29g/10g) that are just sitting ontop of my bedroom furniture. I don't like it one bit! So I decided to attempt to make my own stand to house the 29g, the 10gal, then buy a 40gal breeder. These are my plans... but after working on it a bit today, theres no way in hell it's going to look like this. Changing things on the fly. Also, with this being my first time even using power tools in years... my craftmanship is going to be rough, so I figured I'd way over design it so it doesnt collapse on me. I started off trying to use wood screws, but apparently my drill isnt good enough, or I'm far too weak to drive the screws in properly, so I've been using galvanized nails. It should still be okay since it's mostly static weight. Where here goes...

This is my origional design:


This is where I'm at now:


It's very sturdy so far. The top is slightly uneven though - about 1/8" off in some places. I'll probably use some kind of rubber to line the top with before placing the tank to even things out.

[armthehomeless]

Good luck. It seems as though you are off to a great start.

I assume you'll be using a python to change water on the 29?

[armthehomeless]

The top is slightly uneven though - about 1/8" off in some places. I'll probably use some kind of rubber to line the top with before placing the tank to even things out.

I think some people use styrofoam to take care of minor imperfections.

[Andrew_B]

With my smaller tanks, I've just been using a 6ft siphon into a bucket and manual priming. I finished the bottom portion of the stand, but didn't attach it to the columns yet. I could probably make it a bit higher for siphon reasons if needed - I didn't even think about that.

I'll look into styrofoam for leveling the top. The whole stand also rocks about 1/8", but about 15lb on two corners makes it flat again - so it shouldnt be an issue with the tank weight.

Thanks for the info!

[jhenry]

Make sure you don't support anything with a screw. Always make sure all pieces go from the bottom of the tank stacked on another 2X4 down to the bottom 2X4. That is the only thing I see wrong with what you got so far. Call me bro if you have and questions

[armthehomeless]

Cleaning tanks that close to the ground without a python SUCKS! . . . I've been there. . .

[jhenry]

Cleaning tanks that close to the ground without a python SUCKS! . . . I've been there. . .

+1

[Andrew_B]

Yeah, I see what you're talking about - should be an easy fix, will just need to double up my verticals between the top and bottom sections. I think I have more wood in my "screw up" pile than I have actually used. At least this is fun. Can't go wrong with beer, cheetoes and power tools

[Andrew_B]

Cleaning tanks that close to the ground without a python SUCKS! . . . I've been there. . .

I have the aqueon version of the python, but its garbage - I only use it to fill tanks back up. I should probably get an actual python at some point anyway

[jhenry]

There is so many way you can go wrong with beer and powertools. I was sober when I cut the tip of my thumb off. Don't mix the two again please trust me.

[Andrew_B]

!

[d1c3r]

something i noticed, even though your plans may change is that the gap between the bottom 29 gallon and the 45 may be too short making it really difficult for adding decor, catching fish and just getting in and out of the thing, but thats my 2 cents

[jhenry]

!

Go ahead and do what you want but I've been using power tools for about 22 years and there still is the possibilities for mistakes. Youre new to power tools you shouldn't mix alcohol but I have said my 2 cents my concense is free now

[Andrew_B]

I may end up just making the bottom portion a place for equipment and adding another tier straight to the right, or have it turn a corner. It would resolve these issues. I didnt think ahead enough apparently! I just measured - with the light, a 29gal tank is about 21" tall, and I only give myself about 24" if the base was on the floor. I have enough screwup pieces of wood to make another tier I'm sure.

Just messin' with ya Justin, I'm not that big of a moron - heck, it takes me a couple weeks to even get through a 6-pack these days!

[Andrew_B]

I'm done with the main section, it just needs paint. I may attempt to throw on a plywood skin, but I have a feeling a crappy job will make it look that much worse! I also decided against making it all one complete unit. I'm going to make three seperate stands, and just make it so they can link together somehow but stay freestanding.

Getting everything together really made it strong, and it no longer has a tiny wobble. The top is still very slightly uneven but ill try the few ideas above to fix that.