Gonna need a stand

[Valkyrie]

I'm not at all impressed with any of the stands at Petco, PetSmart or Drs. Foster & Smith. I'm sure that there's a lot of other places that have aquarium stands, but I'm also pretty sure they're going to all be similar. So, I'm going to tackle trying to make my own. However, I'm not what you would call...ohhh, a carpenter. ;Playful But I can follow directions as long as they're pretty clear and concise. If you know of any "plans" or instructions online, would you be so kind as to share them with me? PM if you'd rather.

I recently purchased a used 60g cube with a 20g sump and it's replacing my 29g. My 29g is going to replace my other 20g and that 20g is going to be the sump for the 29g. I prefer that the sump be entirely a bio-filter and the skimmer that I have on the 20g will be fine for the 49g total volume.
So what I need is a stand that will not only hold the 29g, but house the 20g below it. ;Wacky

Ideas? Suggestions?

TIA!

 

[iemsparticus]

I suggest that you measure the height of your skimmer first and foremost. Remember the factor in how much room you will need to remove the cup... this is typically how much room you will need to have in your stand. The only other thing that might change this is if you would like it taller than that for aesthetics, or if you are planning to mount something over your sump (like a reactor, dosing pumps, etc).

Once you know the measurement of the height you need in the compartment of your stand, let me know. I will also need to know the dimensions of your tank. Once I have these, I can give you some detailed plans.

 

[Valkyrie]

I suggest that you measure the height of your skimmer first and foremost. Remember the factor in how much room you will need to remove the cup... this is typically how much room you will need to have in your stand. The only other thing that might change this is if you would like it taller than that for aesthetics, or if you are planning to mount something over your sump (like a reactor, dosing pumps, etc).

Once you know the measurement of the height you need in the compartment of your stand, let me know. I will also need to know the dimensions of your tank. Once I have these, I can give you some detailed plans.

Wow, thanks! I'll get that info over the next few days!

 

[iemsparticus]

Wow, thanks! I'll get that info over the next few days!

Not a problem. Wood working is my other hobby... we'll get you a stand that meets all of your needs.

 

[Valkyrie]

Not a problem. Wood working is my other hobby... we'll get you a stand that meets all of your needs.

So I added the height of the tank, the skimmer and how much clearance I would need to remove the cup and it came to a total of 28".
The width of the tank, plus the space needed for the skimmer comes to 17"
The length of the 29g is 30".

The stand the 29g is on right now is 30" high and I like that just fine, a few inches taller would be fine, but not much more.

Anything else I would need to factor in? Thanks!

 

[iemsparticus]

So it sounds like you would be interested in a stand that is 30" tall, 30" long, and 17" wide?

Would you need access under the stand on the sides, or just the front?

Are you using a controller? Do you need space for any of the equipment? ATO reservoir separate from the stand I assume? Do you want the back of the stand open or closed? For that matter... do you want the stand enclosed at all, or just a frame?

Sorry... I want to make sure we get this right.

 

[Shaddow_wolf169]

I would go 32 so there is room for the light in your fuge and other stuff will come along.

 

[Valkyrie]

So it sounds like you would be interested in a stand that is 30" tall, 30" long, and 17" wide?

Would you need access under the stand on the sides, or just the front?

Yes to the dimensions, the suggestion for 32" seems reasonable, too. Access just the front.

Are you using a controller? Do you need space for any of the equipment? ATO reservoir separate from the stand I assume? Do you want the back of the stand open or closed? For that matter... do you want the stand enclosed at all, or just a frame?

Not on this particular set up. My Apex is going to be on the 6ocube and any other excess equipment as well. I tend to put most of my funds into the 55g and now the 60g. For this particular set up, I don't see myself putting anything extra into it. It will need to be enclosed, I have other pets and like to be able to limit their access as much as I reasonably can.

Sorry... I want to make sure we get this right.

Don't be sorry, perfectly reasonable questions. I appreciate the attention to detail.

 

[JoshH]

What options have you looked into material wise? Is your heart set on a wood finish? or would you like a more modern look, say acrylic panels? So many options out there and there are plenty of helpful members here who can get you to an awesome finished stand

 

[Valkyrie]

What options have you looked into material wise? Is your heart set on a wood finish? or would you like a more modern look, say acrylic panels? So many options out there and there are plenty of helpful members here who can get you to an awesome finished stand

I'm not set on any particular material. I just need it to be something I can work with considering my lack of experience. I have the tools to work with wood at least.

 

[JoshH]

Most tools are for the most part universal when it comes to different materials. Have a look into 80/20 alumnium stands, with a chop/mitre saw, drill, file set you can have yourself a great frame and you can clad it in any material you wish.

 

[iemsparticus]

Ok last question. For front access, would you like a door, or would you like the entire panel to come on and off? I do it the later way, but it's really a personal preference thing.

 

[Valkyrie]

Ok last question. For front access, would you like a door, or would you like the entire panel to come on and off? I do it the later way, but it's really a personal preference thing.

A door.