DIY Tank Stand

[Cdavis66]

I've been in the process of making a new tank stand and am getting pretty close to it being finished. I have a 21 gal tank and am not exactly sure what to do when I have it done.

Here are some picture of the progress. It will be painted black.

So my question is what should I do when transferring everything over?

 

[shakacuz]

first, have you dried fit everything? as in, did you make sure everything you want to keep under the tank fits? that way you don’t have to make last minute changes or additions. would be terrible to have to dismantle everything because a dosed head or something of that nature didn’t fit

definitely make sure the inside is coated/painted with something to repel or seal water out so the wood doesn’t degrade over time

 

[Cdavis66]

first, have you dried fit everything? as in, did you make sure everything you want to keep under the tank fits? that way you don’t have to make last minute changes or additions. would be terrible to have to dismantle everything because a dosed head or something of that nature didn’t fit

definitely make sure the inside is coated/painted with something to repel or seal water out so the wood doesn’t degrade over time

All that I truly have to fit is a ATO Container, Cannister filter, and a power bar; of which all fit currently. No sump or anything of that nature.

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

Nice work brother. CNC or hand.

You mean you have a full tank with water and critters.

 

[Cdavis66]

Nice work brother. CNC or hand.

You mean you have a full tank with water and critters.

Yes my tank is full of stuff lol but by hand. Not sure how much water I have to remove to move the tank...

 

[Red_Beard]

second the above. i coated mine in killz for primer and top coated with appliance enamel paint, thought that would be enough, but should have gone 2 coats. Saltwater is a very harsh environment, especially when you add lots of time to the mix.

As for the transfer method, get a couple large bins/totes that are water tight and move everything too heavy to lift into those, rock etc, along with half your water volume. Keep half the water, clean, in a separate container and add it all back. Either rinse your sand THOUROGHLY or replace it if you stir it up. fish can go in a bucket or similar while you set up their new habitat.

 

[Red_Beard]

although if you are just doing a straight across move, just the new stand, same tank. i would pull 3/4 of the water, get a friend and just heave ho.

 

[Cdavis66]

second the above. i coated mine in killz for primer and top coated with appliance enamel paint, thought that would be enough, but should have gone 2 coats. Saltwater is a very harsh environment, especially when you add lots of time to the mix.

As for the transfer method, get a couple large bins/totes that are water tight and move everything too heavy to lift into those, rock etc, along with half your water volume. Keep half the water, clean, in a separate container and add it all back. Either rinse your sand THOUROGHLY or replace it if you stir it up. fish can go in a bucket or similar while you set up their new habitat.

Okay also what type of wood was the top of your aquarium? I'm hoping for a few coats of paint at least on the top.

 

[Cdavis66]

although if you are just doing a straight across move, just the new stand, same tank. i would pull 3/4 of the water, get a friend and just heave ho.

Yes it will be same tank just a different stand. I think If I removed 3/4 of the water then I can put most of my higher up corals into the bucket with I water for the short time being.

 

[Red_Beard]

Okay also what type of wood was the top of your aquarium? I'm hoping for a few coats of paint at least on the top.

i used pine 2x6's, but i coated the whole of it (the top) in proMarine boat epoxy. it has been up 5 years now and still looks as good as day 1

 

[Red_Beard]

Yes it will be same tank just a different stand. I think If I removed 3/4 of the water then I can put most of my higher up corals into the bucket with I water for the short time being.

if you are quick, you don't even need to do that. you have about 20-30 mins they will be fine. just fill up a spray bottle full of tank water and spray them down every few minutes and they will do even better.

 

[Cdavis66]

if you are quick, you don't even need to do that. you have about 20-30 mins they will be fine. just fill up a spray bottle full of tank water and spray them down every few minutes and they will do even better.

Ahh okay I could definitely do that then. I was thinking... "what happens when the tide goes out" lol. I'm more worried about the tank shattering when picking it up.

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

Ideal material is MDO. Marine grade plywood. You don't even have to seal it. You can use it raw if you want to.

U can use any Marine grade sealer/finish.

 

[Cdavis66]

Ideal material is MDO. Marine grade plywood. You don't even have to seal it. You can use it raw if you want to.

U can use any Marine grade sealer/finish.

Interesting Ill keep that in mind for future tanks. I am still on my first tank and I'm sure it won't be the last.

 

[Red_Beard]

Ahh okay I could definitely do that then. I was thinking... "what happens when the tide goes out" lol. I'm more worried about the tank shattering when picking it up.

framed or unframed tank? a framed 29 is beefy enough not to worry. unframed, be cautious where you grab to pick it up and try not to tweak it, but it should be fine too. i would be most worried about rock structures tipping over cracking the bottom. just be careful and it will go great!

 

[Cdavis66]

framed or unframed tank? a framed 29 is beefy enough not to worry. unframed, be cautious where you grab to pick it up and try not to tweak it, but it should be fine too. i would be most worried about rock structures tipping over cracking the bottom. just be careful and it will go great!

Unframed Tank. Yeah most of my rocks can't tip over but I got 1 that is just standing separately.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I've been in the process of making a new tank stand and am getting pretty close to it being finished. I have a 21 gal tank and am not exactly sure what to do when I have it done.

Here are some picture of the progress. It will be painted black.

So my question is what should I do when transferring everything over?

Nice looking stand!

 

[Cdavis66]

Nice looking stand!

Thank you!

 

[Haggisman14]

I've been in the process of making a new tank stand and am getting pretty close to it being finished. I have a 21 gal tank and am not exactly sure what to do when I have it done.

Here are some picture of the progress. It will be painted black.

So my question is what should I do when transferring everything over?

Beautiful work!! Craftsmanship looks top notch!

 

[RocketEngineer]

Another option vs paint is black polyurethane. I used that when I made panels for a metal stand. Color and protection in one process (still did 3 coats, buffed between coats). Just an option.