Stand construction question

[duncangweller]

Hi all,

As I plan the next build of my tank I am faced with a conundrum that I can't find the answer too elsewhere.

I plan on setting up a 55 gallon (36"x18"x20") aquarium in a peninsula style. I would like to use a 40 breeder as a sump (36"x18x18.5).

My question is, as the sump has the same footprint as the display it causes a slight problem as for fitting it in the space beneath the stand. The stand will be longer on one edge in order to fit the plumbing.

Is it essential that the uprights for the stand are directly under the display tank edge? Could it be 6 inches away? Does the upright in question even need to be there or will the 42" span be ok to be supported just at each end?

I've added a pokey sketch to illustrate what I mean.

Hope my drivel makes some sense.

Ta,
Dunc

[WarDog]

As long as your horizontal support is sound, it's not a huge issue.

[duncangweller]

Would it even be essential for the extra support to be there (the one labeled 'not under the tank')? Could I just double up the 2x4 frame beneath the DT and skip it all together?

[Myka]

Why do you need to put the plumbing out to the side? That will probably look goofy.

[duncangweller]

Peninsula style

[WarDog]

Originally Posted by duncangweller

Would it even be essential for the extra support to be there (the one labeled 'not under the tank')? Could I just double up the 2x4 frame beneath the DT and skip it all together?

No, and yes.

[gregzz4]

6 inches inboard is a lot for wood
Consider using box tubing for the top
You can drill and screw through it into your vertical wood

[intarsiabox]

Is your plumbing going to be on an external overflow? If so just the build the stand to fit the tanks and have the stand covering extend past the frame to hide the plumbing. I don't if it works in your situation but there's a YouTube video from an aquatics website that shows a 6' metal shelf unit from Lowe's that fits 40g breeder tanks one above the other just perfectly. The shelf comes in two halves so enough to make 2 stands that are 3' high.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

6 inches inboard is a lot for wood

I should clarify this
It depends on how your tank is built and how it's meant to sit on a stand
If the bottom floats like tanks with plastic trim do, then you'll need to support it right to the edge
If not, then maybe the guys @ Concept can steer you in the right direction

And this is the kind of tubing I mentioned. Comes in a variety of sizes beyond what's listed on their site
Picture
Website page

[duncangweller]

Plumbing would be external, probably a reef savvy style overflow (like you have Greg).

The only reason this issue has been arisen is because I was trying to squeeze a 40 breeder as a sump beneath the tank as I can get one cheap at Petco. I may just settle for a smaller tank for a sump and then I won't have this problem.