Stands--frustrated!

[Susan Edwards]

So I purchased a 125 megaflow tank this weekend. We decided to dump the stand as it is 4 feet tall which means to do anything with a six foot tall tank I'd be on a ladder, plus it was in worse shape upon inspection.

So I've been searching for a 72x18x24 or 30 high stand, one that is all wood, no veneer or particle board. Found some on amazon but they don't show pictures of back or inside. Even on the internet, at various sites, no images of inside. To fit a sump, I need to know what it looks like, nevermind some measurements.

Also, they are all flat topped. How does a tank with drains out the bottom fit? Hubby too busy to build one. So I'm going nuts trying to figure out what to do and where to go without it costing an arm and leg.

Okay, that's my vent...

 

[Crabs McJones]

So I purchased a 125 megaflow tank this weekend. We decided to dump the stand as it is 4 feet tall which means to do anything with a six foot tall tank I'd be on a ladder, plus it was in worse shape upon inspection.

So I've been searching for a 72x18x24 or 30 high stand, one that is all wood, no veneer or particle board. Found some on amazon but they don't show pictures of back or inside. Even on the internet, at various sites, no images of inside. To fit a sump, I need to know what it looks like, nevermind some measurements.

Also, they are all flat topped. How does a tank with drains out the bottom fit? Hubby too busy to build one. So I'm going nuts trying to figure out what to do and where to go without it costing an arm and leg.

Okay, that's my vent...

You would most likely have to drill the drain holes yourself. Because of the different styles of tanks, single center overflow, dual side overflow, one or two return lines. If they predrilled then there'd have to be a bunch of holes to accommodate the different styles of tanks.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Almost worse than shopping for a couch isn't it ?


So, what kind of stand do you want?
You've probably looked at all of them. Anything catch your eye yet ?

I hope I don't get flamed but, I looked at a Red Sea the weekend and geez , what an ugly piece of furniture that is.
Yea all the stuff fit but....

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Try finding an R&J stand, recommend the "Extreme" stands as they are 36" tall instead of 28". You will have to drill your own holes though.

 

[Susan Edwards]

lols @saltyfilmfolks It is indeed. Okay on drilling my own holes. Had assumed that but figured I'd make sure! I won't flame yuou but I like the looks of the RS sets. I think they look sleek. A lot has "caught" my eye. Just don't want to pay 1000+ for a stand. Heck, I don't spend that much on my regular furniture!

@Js.Aqua.Project I'll look at those tanks. As I'm only 5 foot, the taller stand may or may not be what I want this time around, although my red sea is nearly 5 foot. Either way I'd be on a step ladder!

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

R&J's normal stands are shorter, the "Extreme" stands are just taller. I don't know if they sell direct, you may have to go through an LFS.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

lols @saltyfilmfolks It is indeed. Okay on drilling my own holes. Had assumed that but figured I'd make sure! I won't flame yuou but I like the looks of the RS sets. I think they look sleek. A lot has "caught" my eye. Just don't want to pay 1000+ for a stand. Heck, I don't spend that much on my regular furniture!

@Js.Aqua.Project I'll look at those tanks. As I'm only 5 foot, the taller stand may or may not be what I want this time around, although my red sea is nearly 5 foot. Either way I'd be on a step ladder!

I found plain wood stands at both Home Depot and harbor fright that you can set a car on. Roughly arts and crafts style would meet some mods and doors but.....

 

[Susan Edwards]

Hey, great idea!

 

[Sycoticrealm]

Can you build your own? I build all my tank stand it not hard at all and in most cases a nice circular saw and a good blade all i ever need.
Besides a good power drill for screwing the stand together.
A level and that about it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hey, great idea!

I tried to find a picture on the net to no avail unfortunately.

 

[BigJim]

You can look at glasscages.com. You would need to sand and stain it yourself, but the prices aren't outrageous. I bought a canopy from them and was happy with the quality.

 

[jsker]

I found plain wood stands at both Home Depot and harbor fright that you can set a car on. Roughly arts and crafts style would meet some mods and doors but.....

That is a big tank though, and I find that with production cabinets at the big box stores, have a lot of shortcuts, cheap plywood, and finish

If it is not a budget concern and even it if there is a budget, have you considered having all your idea wrapped up in one and have someone besides your busy husband build it for you? Some old retired guy at church just itching to get off the couch and play with his toys in the garage

If you stay simple and have a plan laid out even going to a cabinet shop may be cost effective. Get three bids and let them know that you are getting three bids.

I know @saltyfilmfolks can use a skill saw. You have some great wood available out in California to build with.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

That is a big tank though, and I find that with production cabinets at the big box stores, have a lot of shortcuts, cheap plywood, and finish

If it is not a budget concern and even it if there is a budget, have you considered having all your idea wrapped up in one and have someone besides your busy husband build it for you? Some old retired guy at church just itching to get off the couch and play with his toys in the garage

If you stay simple and have a plan laid out even going to a cabinet shop may be cost effective. Get three bids and let them know that you are getting three bids.

I know @saltyfilmfolks can use a skill saw. You have some great wood available out in California to build with.

Hahaha. I'm a real slow carpenter.

The stand is actually really solid. Just like a diy with 2x4 2x6. 2x12 too. No finish , raw wood. So just bones.
For us newb carpenters it's just the bones and needs some skinning.

 

[redfishbluefish]

One note of interest in looking for a short stand.....make sure your skimmer will fit! And be able to be taken out and cleaned! 24 inch stand is not that big. That step stool isn't looking so bad now. I actually went the other way with my stand....didn't want to bend down to look into the tank. If I remember correctly, 40.5 inches high.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Sorry, double post.

 

[splix]

I'd say glass cages would be your best bet for price and quality. That I know of at least.

 

[klp]

You can look at glasscages.com. You would need to sand and stain it yourself, but the prices aren't outrageous. I bought a canopy from them and was happy with the quality.

You can get them with a removable side door from Glass Cages for getting equipment in and out like a refugium etc. I am considering that, just don't buy the aquariums. Too many bad reviews.

 

[Greybeard]

I had a small local fab shop weld up a stand, 1.5" square tube, 11 gauge steel. Had another local company sandblast and powder coat it. Total cost, about $700.

Of course, I had some rather odd plans for my stand...