DIY 3 tier stand

[EMTBMIKE]

I am building another rack to hold two 65 gallon and ten gallon tanks. The bottom and middle tier will hold the 65 gallon tanks. the top tier will hold two ten gallon tanks. The 65 gallon tanks measure 36"lx18"wx25"h. The stand will be 72" high. I plan on using 2x4 to make the boxes that hold the tanks. My question is should I use 2x4 or 3x6 for the legs. The stand will be built just like this except a extra tier.
http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/?action=view&current=002.jpg

[nick a]

I can't see the pic from work but keep in mind that 'legs' are under compressive load (just like a stud in a house frame) and 2x4s are very strong that way. The horizontals are under a 'deflective' load --which is where 2x4s are not quite so strong. So I wouldn't worry about making the legs bigger--just make sure the horizontals are good quality lumber and are attached properly to the legs.

[YoungAquaticPhotos]

The 2x4's should be fine. I use them for my whole rack systems. My one rack has a 125, 90, 75, 55, 16H, 37sq., & 2-29's, 3 tier using 2x4's for legs ad rails. It's been up for 4 years with no issues.

[phillyofish]

The pic doesnt look like 2x4s, you should be ok. I use 2x6s on my 100 and 150 with lag bolts and notched 4x4s for legs. but you should be fine. you can use 2x6s for the beams if it will give you peace of mind.

[EMTBMIKE]

The stand in the picture made out of 2x6. I do not have a picture of the side of that stand. Mack74 built my double 75 and 29 gallon stands. I have pictures of them. The horizontal pieces of wood are screwed into the legs with 3 screws.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/014-8.jpg
There will be a extra brace underneath the horizontal piece attached to the legs like this.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/013-3.jpg
I would prefer to use 2x4 because the back of the stand will be partially visible. But I dont want the stand to collapse either.

[EMTBMIKE]

My brother and I built a three tier fish rack today. The bottom and middle tier will house my 65 gallon tanks (36"l18"w25"h) .The top tier will hold two possibly three ten gallon tanks.
My brother helping me build it.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/036-3.jpg
Frames for the bottom and middle tiers.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/031-2.jpg
Frame for the top tier. I put supports every 12 inches. This way the 10 gallon tanks can be supported.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/032-3.jpg
I then covered it with a sheet of plywood. If I dont use three ten gallon tanks. I will use the extra space for my air pump and power strip.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/033-2.jpg

[EMTBMIKE]

The finished product. I just realized the picture is of the back of the stand. The tanks will be put in this weekend.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/mjbradshaw/040-3.jpg

[phillyofish]

lookin nice Mike

[Flareside]

Looks great Mike....have the cats started using it as a scratching post yet???..
Mine started on my latest rack...even after it was painted satin black.

They stopped when I bought them a real scratching post from Wallyworld- otherwise it was of to a chinese restaurant with them

[spyder]

why not cut notches in the legs and and put the horizontal beams in that space. I dont fully trust having the weight of the tank on just screws.

[phillyofish]

I notch out my 4x4 legs so the lateral pieces can rest on them for additional support. i have done this for my 150 and 100.

[Flareside]

notching is the best bet. A vertical leg support is another.
I lag bolted everything instead of screws as another option

[EMTBMIKE]

I don't have the proper saw to notch the wood. Other wise I would have. I also can't figure out how to use the lag bolts. My cats use the stand as a scratching post all of the time.

[spyder]

I don't have the proper saw to notch the wood. Other wise I would have. I also can't figure out how to use the lag bolts. My cats use the stand as a scratching post all of the time.

This is a great reason to BUY more tools. Like the reason I tell the gf i need more tanks because my fish need more space.

[YoungAquaticPhotos]

Lookin good Mike!

[EMTBMIKE]

I won't be buying any tools anytime soon. When ever I have a project to build. I go to my brothers house. He as a bunch.