Attention engineers or carpenters or brainy people.

[Droopy]

If I were to build a stand for a 36 cubic foot aquarium I would need something capable of supporting at least 2500 pounds. How would you go about building such a stand and what materials would you use?

[GOPisEvil]

1. I'd go shopping at an aquarium supply place. See what they use.

Then see if you're up to building one of your own. My guess is that a frame of wood, with a solid wood top would work.

[Droopy]

2. Well, I'd need something a little more specific

I don't think I have the skills to build one of those fancy stands they have at the pet store.

[GOPisEvil]

3. It doesn't have to be fancy.

Just frame build a frame to the size of the tank. Then add some cross-bracing and supports for the top. Add the top, and some siding to cover up the framing. Stain it and there you go. I would guess some 2x4 framing would work for the frame. Even a thick piece of plywood would work for the top.

[Shell Beau]

4. Obviously I am not a brainiac, but how many gallons of water is the aquarium?

I have a 30 gallon and 50 gallon aquarium. Both are on wooden stands.

[Droopy]

5. 270 gallons

[Shell Beau]

6. That is a big ass tank!!! What kind of aquarium will it be? Saltwater?

[Droopy]

7. Yes, a reef tank

As soon as I figure out how to do that sort of thing.

[Shell Beau]

8. It is tricky! It takes a while to have the water set up.

Someone told me about 6 months or so. We were thinking of doing a saltwater tank until we realized how much work they really are. You have to keep a constant check on the waters levels. However, saltwater tanks are the most beautiful!! Good luck with it!!

[petronius]

9. Personally, I would just build a stack of cinder-blocks to the required height,

and maybe cover it with a sheet if I was feeling finicky. But then, I live in squallor...

Seriously, if I was concerned about my ability to construct the appropriate stand, I would buy one or hire someone - that size aquarium is a pretty big investment, as are the fish inside (if you're giving them a great big home, you don't want to put them in danger with an iffy foundation).

[hedgehog]

10. I have no idea if this site is worthwhile, but why not take a look?

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/diystandscabinets/DIY_Cabinet_Stand_Plans.htm

[libodem]

11. cinder blocks

lovely decor

[Richard Steele]

12. For 2500 lbs, I'd get some square steel tubing and break out the welder.

Either that, or the aforementioned pile of cinder blocks.

[cloudbase]

13. I'd weld up some angle iron. n/t

[jmowreader]

14. More like 3500 pounds, Droopy

Once you add in the weight of the tank, the water, the substrate and the live rock, 3500 lbs would be just about right.

I would use wood. Do NOT use steel. This thing is going to be full of seawater, the evaporation from which corrodes steel.

Make the legs from 4x6 timbers, and reinforce the corners with wooden gussets. Use 2x12s as the top, skirt it with 3/4" plywood, and use lots of polyurethane construction adhesive and stainless steel screws to hold it together. Put vents in it, and install a fan to pull air through it.

Then put a door in it to hold your canister filter, protein skimmer, UV sterilizer and all the other fun stuff you know you'll need.

[Rabrrrrrr]

15. 270 gallons of salt water tank? I'd plan on at least 3000 pounds.

Water, reef, rock, salt, plus the weight of the aquarium itself, plus the cover, the lights, the filters, and everything else - at least 3000 pounds.

Your salt water will weigh about 8.56 pounds per gallon, versus fresh water 8.33 pounds per gallon, an increase of 2.7%.

And, while I'm sure you've thought of this, do you have a floor that can take it?

Your total floor weight footprint will probably be close to 3200-3300 pounds, possibly more, once you add the weight of the stand, protein skimmer, miscellaneous supplies you'll put in the cabinet, and so forth.

[KG]

16. i'd use 2x4s, and 1/2 in plywood

but then, thats just me.