Cinder Block Stand

[LanaK]

I got an interesting tank from a coworker and I need to build a stand for it. 

It is 60.5" by 16.5" by 25.5" tall and so I know that I will be making my own stand and I am thinking the traditional cinder block and 2 x 4 stand.  I would love to know what the things I should look out for as building it either this or next weekend.  I know that getting it level is important, but I wasn't sure the best way to do that.  Anything else I need to do to give it the best chance of not being a disaster?

Any and all advice appreciated!

[Marty]

If it's not going to be a show tank, you could use 4 x 4 posts and 2 x 6's just as easily as cinder blocks to make a stand.

[SKISWETPETS]

About 8-10 2x4's 8ft and a box of wood screws and you would be good to go

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

You will want to use a sheet of styro-foam between the tank and the stand to help level the tank and act as a buffer for any imperfections on the stand.

[Ron]

^ That'd definitely help with imperfections. From a leveling perspective, it'll help a tiny bit, but shouldn't be depended on for the finished product being completely level. It might adjust 1/8"-3/16" at most.

Lana, do you have access to power tools? If so, I think a basic wood stand would turn out better than a cinderblock one.

[LanaK]

I do have access to basic power tools... and a wood stand would look a lot better than cinder blocks, I just didn't know if it would be strong enough given how big that tank is and how heavy the water and everything would be...  But it sounds like you all think so.  Is there a particular site you think has a good plan for a stand?

[Ron]

I have a 72"x18"x26" that weighs just as much as yours per in^2 on a wood stand I made. I've had it in use for 12 years now. I don't have pictures at the moment, but can try to get some up.

[rcombs]

http://michigancichlid.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=4249.0

Most stands are made out of wood way thinner than a 2x4. Great lakes stands are made out of I think 1x3. Its like a snowshoe effect. The weight is distributed evenly throughout the stand and can hold much more weight than you would think. A 2x4 stand is super strong.