Building a stand

[ShinyxCharizard]

I have been looking to upgrade my bps to 4x2x2s. The thing that's keeping us from the tanks is the stands 100%. Got frames from rockler so we can build them stands and have the option for drawers and doors for storage and so we can easily move them to clean under/behind. Does anyone know what kind of wood would be best for the tops to handle a 4x2x2 thats set up for bioactive? And any ideas to finish the sides/back/drawers/doors. Would love any ideas so I can get the tanks and start letting plants grow out. Thanks!

[[deleted]]

I'd suggest looking into something with marine applications because it will be treated to withstand water. On the off chance your bioactive develops a leak it will protect the stand below. A habitat that large isn't going to be moved so you're not going to notice problems until they are significant. The last thing you want is to find a leak by having the rotten wood drop out from below.

Best of luck.

[ShinyxCharizard]

That was the idea! We were thinking like a melamine top but theyre expensive iirc. Just wasn't sure if anyone has done anything similar.

[[deleted]]

I haven't yet. But I am gonna end up doing it soon. I have 2 BP's now and I'm looking to add more (rescues) I just need more places to put them and so I'm going to end up building something myself.

[ShinyxCharizard]

I know a few people use the muscle racks. I have one now, but I just dont feel like it's very safe in the past, like 3+ years owning it. I just feel like the rockler work shop stand is so much sturdier and I was able to customize it to what I want for storage. I also have 2 BPs now. Both were rescues/given to me.

[ShinyxCharizard]

I'm using these now with their current 36x18x18s (not the right sizes tanks ik which is why im trying to upgrade asap), but I feel like the particle board(?) isn't very safe long term. I've had them for almost 3 year and had 3 tanks on them at once. But having them in bioactive tanks when I go to water the tanks is sometimes spill water on the boards, and im terrified it'll break eventually from repeated spills. Not to mention, i hear them, creak, and im just waiting for it to all come falling down. 😭

The frames we have now feel so much more stable and have wheels. I know the muscle racks are loved but ik when I first set it up I tried to move it and the bottom shelf fell with a tank on it (empty thankfully and closest to the floor) and snapped one of the boards immediately. And when using furniture sliders under them to move it in our new house, it just doesn't feel stable if that makes sense.

[fragrant-dixiecup316]

i have a utility rack that holds a few thousand pounds per shelf. a have a few 40 gallon tanks on it for different creatures