Building frame for 125 gal tank

Victory652 · Sep 22, 2021

Hello Everyone! I am looking at building a frame for my 125gal tank. I am looking for ideas on the best way to design the front of the tank for accessibility and function.

My current plan is to have a metal base frame then adding wood around it for looks and function.

Tell me you ideas or what you built!!

Tank dims: 72in long, 18.5 in deep, and 22.5 in tall. Basic 125 long tank.

Below is the tank I am building it for. I adopted this tank from someone who ran it for 8years. Wasn't taking good care of it in the end. So I am trying to clean it up and revive it haha

redfishbluefish · Sep 22, 2021

I went with a wood frame because I could work with wood and used @RocketEngineer plan....a proven plan that doesn't need a center brace. Here's the plan, and the raw stand for my tank. With you having a six foot tank, you'll want a top 2x6 frame with all the rest, 2x4's. Then skin the tank with whatever fits your design wishes.

Eggs · Sep 22, 2021

I’m currently building a 125g stand myself.
I went with 2x6’s for the top frame, and plan on putting the middle supports 48” apart (centered) to have a large front opening.
The picture below is actually from RocketEngineer. See link below, post #11. It’s a stand for a 180g (also 72” length)

Reef ready stand build, for 90, 180 in future

I am planning a stand build for my 90 that will have more space below for a bigger sump and an equipment cabinet, can I see some ways reef ready owners have done this, or ideas to help? I need to make sure the braces are not in the way of the plumbing that will come thru the top of the stand...

www.reef2reef.com

Hilltop Aquariums · Sep 24, 2021

Here is a picture of the stand from my old 125. It’s probably over built but it was definitely solid and there was no center brace in the front.

Big Smelly fish · Sep 24, 2021

Yeah it nice not having the center brace, I have a large sump and needed to eliminate the real center brace . I ran five 2X4’s across the top . Gives plenty of support. Also built it 36 inches tall. Standard stands are two low for me. I like tanks a little higher for better viewing. Plus more room in sump area.