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Diana K · 04-09-2011, 05:07 PM

For tanks up to 4' long...

I use a 2 x 4 box on top of the CMUs. The 2 x 4 box is carefully measured and assembled so the rim of the tank is centered on the 2 x 4s. Then a strip of foam (1/2" thick Styrofoam sold as insulation) on top of the 2 x 4s.

I stack them up this way:

First I pad the floor. I have hardwood floors and do not want them scratched. A thin sheet of foam (1/8") is fine for this, and does not crush so much as to make things un-level.

Second: a pair of CMUs (CMU = Concrete Masonry Unit. I use 8-8-16 closed end bond beam units).
I do stack them 'wrong'. The holes are sideways.

Third: Wood shelving across the full width.

Fourth and fifth: 2 more CMUs (again, holes are sideways)

Sixth: 2 x 4 box.

Seventh: 1/2" strip of foam

Eighth: The tank.

Use a level at every stage.

The holes in the CMUs are exposed, and I use them for storing some stuff, mostly a small towel that I keep handy at each tank.
For maximum strength, though, the CMUs ought to be stacked up the right way.

04-09-2011, 05:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
Diana K Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Near San Francisco Posts: 1,796 iTrader Ratings: 0 Plant Points:	Re: 40 gal and a Cinder block stand For tanks up to 4' long... I use a 2 x 4 box on top of the CMUs. The 2 x 4 box is carefully measured and assembled so the rim of the tank is centered on the 2 x 4s. Then a strip of foam (1/2" thick Styrofoam sold as insulation) on top of the 2 x 4s. I stack them up this way: First I pad the floor. I have hardwood floors and do not want them scratched. A thin sheet of foam (1/8") is fine for this, and does not crush so much as to make things un-level. Second: a pair of CMUs (CMU = Concrete Masonry Unit. I use 8-8-16 closed end bond beam units). I do stack them 'wrong'. The holes are sideways. Third: Wood shelving across the full width. Fourth and fifth: 2 more CMUs (again, holes are sideways) Sixth: 2 x 4 box. Seventh: 1/2" strip of foam Eighth: The tank. Use a level at every stage. The holes in the CMUs are exposed, and I use them for storing some stuff, mostly a small towel that I keep handy at each tank. For maximum strength, though, the CMUs ought to be stacked up the right way.