DIY Concrete Block Tank Stand Considerations

[CACAdmin]

With Christmas now over and some folks possibly planning a project to build a tank stand (maybe for that newly acquired tank from one of the great Boxing Day sales), I browsed the net to see if there were any different concepts in DIY stands in addition to what we have already posted here.

One thing I came across was a number of variations of stands made by stacking concrete blocks to support a plywood top upon which the tank would sit. (Most mention using 3/4 inch plywood... and some mention it should be marine grade).

A word of caution, however, before considering building a stand of this sort, I recommend considering the extra weight this will add (must greater than a wood or metal stand). A concrete block weighs 38-43 lbs., a cinder block 26-33 lbs. and even a lightweight concrete block weighs 22-28 lbs.:wideeyed: So if you consider building a stand 24 inches tall it would require a minimum of 6 blocks at a weight of anywhere from 138 lbs - 258 lbs.+ the weight of the plywood. :err: If you are placing the tank and stand on a concrete floor in your basement, you have no worries. However, it you are placing it on a wood floor that extra weight on top of an already heavy aquarium (keep in mind water weighs about 10 lbs. per gallon) needs to be factored in to what the floor joists will hold.

[PPulcher]

I've seen something similar in Doug White's fishroom (http://deltaguppies.com/). Instead of plywood, 2x4 lumber is used to create shelves. He also uses a patio paver in the arrangement as a spacer. I certainly would not want to use this on anything other than a concrete slab or basment floor.

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for the link to a pic of Doug's fishroom. A great example. :yes:

[psychoactive]

not only can it be a factor in your structural integrity of your house(the room its in) it looks very tacky lol. Ive built all my tank stands out of lumber, being a carpenter I do well as to make a structure that can hold up to or more than enough weight for my 40gallon. My next procject may be a stand for either a 60g or larger.

[Melody]

Tacky is in the eye of the beholder... and it depends on where it is. In a basement rec room it would fit right in. In a kid's room they can be painted bright colours. In a desperate fish keeper's house it can be the fastest way to get a tank up after you spent too much money on fish stuff this week and that, my friend, is always a thing of beauty. :wink:

Jay, you don't have room for another tank, remember? Like you didn't have room for the last one?:laugh:

[psychoactive]

lol yah i guess i never thought of those reasons. Ive just always had access to wood and tools i guess.

[Melody]

I think that in the name of all that is tacky, you should build everyone stands. :yes:

[psychoactive]

Lol i gladly would =-p if you either paid or supplied the lumber lol. I actually offered someone on kijiji to build them a stand for a little bit of cash so i could afford my next tank lol