Short People with Big Tanks -- Maintenance Question

[Salty Lemon]

I just put my 26" tall tank on my 32" custom stand(it was the shortest stand I could have with a sump) and I am about 5ft so.... my 62" is not much taller than 58" of stand and tank. So I am in the same boat as you. I have no idea how I plan to do maintenance or anything on the sand bed by myself. Let alone my arm has to be about 28" from wrist to arm pit just to be able to reach the bottom once I am tall enough.

There are some great suggestions in this thread that I'm putting into play for my tall tank. I ordered the tools and I'm going to build a plank step-stool/ladder that is at least 36" high. I think that is going to help me a lot. Good luck!

 

[tripdad]

Just a heads up on stainless tools, always rinse in freshwater when your done. I have had mixed results as some stainless is better than others. I get some rust on some tools but not others. Hope it all works out.

 

[LovesDogs_CatsRokay]

Maybe something like this would do the job? https://m.lowes.com/pd/Werner-1-71-ft-x-1-ft-x-20-56-in-225-lbs-Aluminum-Work-Platform/999946108

 

[Salty Lemon]

Just a heads up on stainless tools, always rinse in freshwater when your done. I have had mixed results as some stainless is better than others. I get some rust on some tools but not others. Hope it all works out.

More useful information... Thanks Tripdad!

 

[Katrina71]

You are not alone! I'm 5'6" and have issues reaching. Not to mention dipping the front of my shirt when I really reach!

 

[Salty Lemon]

You are not alone! I'm 5'6" and have issues reaching. Not to mention dipping the front of my shirt when I really reach!

Ha! No kidding! My whole front is covered when I'm done reaching!

 

[Katrina71]

Ha! No kidding! My whole front is covered when I'm done reaching!

Don't you hate that?

 

[Captain Quint]

Ha! I'm 5' 10" or used to be...argh. I'm an inch shorter than in my prime now according to my PCP... lol, and it was hard as can be when up to a just a few years back got wet every time I did main on my 300T. My youngest son of 6' 4" never did need a step up (and still doesn't) whenever he came to spend the day and help me...his older brother of 6' 5" just laughed and said I got it pops.

 

[navathehutt]

You would need a new stand but this is the best idea I've ever seen.

I love his walk board and he has like 400 gallon ish system? he's great at customization probably could build you something

 

[vetteguy53081]

I am similar in height and after acquiring my 360g with is 32" deep, I when setting tank up broke 3 ribs on right side and two on left side bending over the top to get coral pieces in place. These two tools below became my best friend. Made for aquarium use and NO metal parts. I rinse after EVERY use

 

[tripdad]

Those are awesome!

 

[Randy the reef guy]

I too have a tall tank (40in). I bought the gorilla ladder as previously suggested and some tongs. Home depot has this stuff.

 

[Diznaster]

I love the idea of that platform in the video, but watching him handle and move it gave me a panic attack. I imagined the metal posts banging into the glass or house walls. If I was designing a standing shelf I would use something like this heavy duty drawer slide instead:
https://www.ovisonline.com/350Mm-13...ess-Steel-Drawer-Slide-53-Mm-244Lb-P2512.aspx
I built some shelves for my canning food with a heavy duty slide like this. Those can hold 300lbs at 36" extension. I stood on one at the edge while fully extended and it was very solid. Some of them can lock when extended (that would be advisable for this application) the version I linked doesn't. But it is Stainless and marine rated. A better search could probably find one that locks. A lock would not be difficult to design if you can't find a version that locks (like add a standard barrel bolt, etc..)


I'm 6'2" and still need a step ladder sometimes. If/when I design another stand for a bigger tank I am totally doing this!

 

[DEWreefing]

I Just throw my baby in tell him to grab that.

 

[Diznaster]

I Just throw my baby in tell him to grab that.

I suddenly feel stupid for trying to explain to my 3yr old why she can't help me clean the tank. Mom is going to love my plan for this weekend!

 

[Johniejumbo]

;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious I love this whole thread.

 

[Bruce Burnett]

If you can't reach the bottom in the front try reaching the back in a 30 tall by 30 deep. I also have a low ceiling in the room where my tank is and a tall stand.

 

[DEWreefing]

My son loves the tank he turn 2 on the 17th my 3 year old daughter clean the front before I come home. If she does a good job I let her feed the fish.

 

[Nailqueencat]

I’ve always used plastic long handles gripper tools as I’m only 5ft 4 and the tank is quite high. I’m so adept now, I bet I could do a laparoscopic operation easily! My family are used to me perching on one foot on a chair . Tip - ladies and gentlemen with long hair - remember to tie it back when leaning into the tank. I hate having dripping wet salty hair especially as I saw what my snails were up to the other day .

 

[Salty Lemon]

Don't you hate that?

Time to wear swimsuits during aquarium fun.