General tips, advice, and considerations for a DIY stand

[Maddlesrain]

I'm slowly started to piece together my next build, and my boyfriend and I have been discussing building a totally tubular stand together.

I'm looking for things you like, things you wish you had/did, and overall stand recommendations. Tell me about the aquarium stand of your dreams.

My thoughts so far:
1. Peninsula tank, stand is accessible from at least one side panel and the front.
2. Panels are removable (magnets).

A couple basic questions:

1. What is the best height for viewing, in-tank maintenance, and getting to equipment? I'm thinking the display tank will be about 22" tall, and I am also tall with long arms for reaching haha.

2. What are your preferred materials? (Based on sturdiness, keeping salt creep off, aesthetics)


Help me think of all the little nitpicky things before I start sketching out ideas.

 

[RocketEngineer]

My current tank is still my favorite in terms of height. The top of the tank is just below my armpit, allowing me to reach in comfortably for light maintenance. My last tank required a stool which was a pain. I’m a short guy, you’re system may vary.

There are two materials I prefer for stands: aluminum ($$$) or wood (DIY). The company I purchased my current tank from offered an aluminum stand you assembled. The aluminum is anodized to resist corrosion. Folks have also used aluminum extrusion which can be cut then bolted together. This material is quite strong with easy to install connections. My previous tank sat on a wooden stand for many years. The polyurethane was showing its age towards the end but the stand itself was sound. The nice thing about wood was it’s ease of modification. Mounting holders or wire loops was as easy as driving in a screw.

Im aware of some steel framed stands but lack the skills/tools to weld one. Nor do I know any shop that would near me. It’s a viable option but the metal would need coating to protect it from the moisture and salt.

Hope that helps.

 

[LisaMarie]

I have one DIY stand (wood) and one Innovative Marine Stand. I love my IM stand ao much I doubt I'll ever go the DIY route again.

All of the doors (front and sides are doors-back is open) open via touch magnet and can be completely and easily removed for access. Its light but sturdy (aluminum). Nothing seems to scratch it in my busy home and the matte black finish looks amazing.

My DIY wood stand was much better than all the "pet store" stands I've ever had but it doesn't come close to this. ---- This sounds like an Innovative Marine commercial ---- but I really just LOVE this stand lol.

 

[mtraylor]

I would go with aluminum stand. Not steal. It will last longer and no rust. Powder coated steal will rust eventually due to salt. The height of stand is important to keep high enough for equipment maintenance. I prefer higher stands. Make sure ample height for all equipment.

 

[Maddlesrain]

Thank you everyone for the recommendations so far. Aluminum is looking like a strong contender as far as materials go, or at least if I could figure out doing partially aluminum (wood interior, aluminum panels?).

@RocketEngineer where did you order your aquarium from/ was the stand custom?

 

[RocketEngineer]

I’m another Innovative Marine owner. I was lucky to find a “stock” size that met my needs.