Simple 2-tier rack design

[Ryan]

I'm in the process of building some racks to hold a 75 gallon on top and bottom. I've searched Simply but can't find any straightforward pictures or designs for using 2x4 lumber. My concern is that the bottom rack is sturdy because the "feet" or legs of my racks sit directly under the edges of the tank, but the top tank will not be that way because there's an open rack underneath it. Do the legs for the top tank go up and mount to the outside of the frame that the tank sits on? If so, are four 2x4 legs screwed into the outside of a 2x4 frame enough to support the weight of a full 75 gallon? I hope I'm being clear.

Anyway, I'm just trying to see some pictures or drawings of how best to build the rack to ensure that both tanks are safely supported. A full glass 75 gallon clocks in at like 725+ pounds.

[DonMD]

I thought this design by dozercrew is sensible, I will use it in the future: http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?120355-breeder-rack&p=1163715&highlight=#post1163715

[John_Nicholson]

I don't have pictures here and will try to find some at work tomorrow....if I forget then remind me....LOL.

-john

[Larry Bugg]

This is how I have been building my racks for about 6 years now. 2x4 and deck screws. The first rack has a 75 on top with nothing in the center but would hold another 75 but I rather use 60's in the center with the lower height. Just personal preference. Or they could hold two 20 gallons. The second rack has nothing on top and a 60 in the center. Most of the fish room is down now but I just happened to have both of these up sort of. The cross piece of 2x4 on the center holds the weight of a 75 with on issues at all using deck screws.

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164117_zpsekzqfssk.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164117_zpsekzqfssk.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164123_zps05o52osg.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164123_zps05o52osg.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164126_zpsiddi5fzd.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164126_zpsiddi5fzd.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_1641260_zps24fxpguq.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_1641260_zps24fxpguq.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164732_zpsczqupts2.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164732_zpsczqupts2.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164750_zpszeii3dxj.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164750_zpszeii3dxj.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164811_zpsb3ihwymv.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164811_zpsb3ihwymv.jpg.html)

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/Bugman30040/Rack%20Design/20150726_164848_zpsgnaotrge.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/user/Bugman30040/media/Rack%20Design/20150726_164848_zpsgnaotrge.jpg.html)

[jawfish]

If i understand you correctly yes, I have built several version on the stand pictured below, with 2X4, I once had a version that held two 86 gallon tanks, never had any issue.

The legs are doubled, the piece behind is full height, the cross members a screwed into the legs and then I screw the front part of the leg between the cross members.
To help with rigidity some siding made of 1/4 inch plywood goes a long way as well as some small 1/2X2 diagonals in the back. This will prevent the rocking.

I use 3 inch #8 wood screws.

http://i1378.photobucket.com/albums/ah116/discuspruneau/Fishroom/10947514_10204644625810267_515351697_n_zpswutrb4c7 .jpg

Cheers,
Fred

[Ryan]

Thanks for the pictures and the feedback. That certainly made me feel a bit more comfortable. We're going to go ahead and put the top racks on a few of the ones we built and do a fill test for a week or so, just to be sure. I'm sure I'm being paranoid but I'd hate to watch all those tanks and fish come crashing down.

Fingers crossed!

[John_Nicholson]

Ryan not really a good picture but here is a picture from many years ago before the fish house. Those are 120 gallon tanks on bottom and 29 gallon tanks on top. You can kind of see how it works.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/100_9373sm.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/100_9373sm.jpg.html)

Another. These tanks are 75's and I think one 55.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/100_9374sm.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/100_9374sm.jpg.html)

An even older picture of JQ and myself at his place in CA. Hard to see much but you can tell it is also pretty much the same.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/P6020004bb.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/P6020004bb.jpg.html)

Also here in a couple of weeks I will be in Sarasota. I know you are not really close but if you are going to be anywhere close between 8/8 and 8/14 please let me know. I would love to talk fish with you.

-john