2X4 or 4X4 for 55 gal stand??

[crazyderik]

Ive read up a little on some DIY stands, and heres my 2 questions.

Ive seen some use 2X4's and some use 4X4's ... which should I use for a 55 gallon? The price difference is a decent increase to 4X4s .

Ive also seen 1 article where a builder used L brackets when assembling... Or are long wood screws and wood glue combo good?

I do plan on placing the studs every 16" on the frame.

Any info is appreciated
I plan on buying some materials tomorrow...so sooner the better for suggestions
Thanks
D

[Angel.Zero]

I am assuming the 455 is a typo so for a 55g 2x4 are more then enough. also when I built my stand I found that steel L brackets helped to keep the unit from "rocking" so I would recommend their use as they are relatively cheap for the added lateral support. hope that helps.

[crazyderik]

Ya lol not 455 ...its a 55
Thanks for the input. Ill pick up some L brackets tomorrow

[SparKy697]

Another suggestion is to construct your stand so that the weight is supported by wood and not by the fasteners. A rail placed on top of a leg is much stronger than a rail nailed/screwed to the side of a leg.

I have 70 gallons on a 2x4 stand with no issues.

[frostby]

my 90 has only 1x6's and 1x8's.

[duke33]

Good advice sparky.

[NoSvOrAx]

I have a 180 that came with a stand made out of 1" pine.... I'd say 2x4 would be more than enough.

[Innovator]

Here's a good thread. Let me know if it doesn't connect:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...5&pagenumber=1

[odessadude]

Here are some stands I made out of 2X4's. It is more then enough to hold these 40 gallon tanks I made out of 1/2" glass. In my opinion it's better to have enough wood then not. If someone fell into one of these stands the stand would still remain. The tank would not shift either and that's one thing you want is stability for the glass.

http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...pics2_0008.jpg

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Just some information, The vertical strength of a 2x4 @ 8' is 1 tonne. So @ 2' the strength is ~ 4 tonnes x 4 legs is 16 tonnes. This is extreme tho, and any twists/defects would reduce the efficiency of the wood. It would also have to be sturdy. If the stand has a proper face/back and sides to keep everything square (either cross bracing, or a 1/2" plywood frame), a 3' high 2x4 frame can hold up even a 455Gal tank (> 2 tonnes) tho I would err on the safe side and use more then 4 legs, probably 2x8, since the horizontal flex point of a 2x4 is quite low by comparison, even on edge.