Tank Stand Height

[Nightfox364]

I am in the process of drafting a for my new 90 gallon FOWLR possible reef. I have several kids some younger. Debating 30" or 36" but have concerns on lift pressure for pumps, stability of tank, ETC. Before I begin my build I wanted to ask some seasoned hobbyist advice.
Thanks in advance.

 

[kschweer]

If your stand is built correctly you will have no problem with 36" height. I recently built a stand for my new build at 36" (tank is 21" tall) and love it. It makes viewing the tank much better in my opinion, don't have to bend or crouch down as much. The only thing is maintenance is a little more difficult. I'm pretty short to start off with and more than likely would have needed a step stool with a shorter stand so I'm ok with needing the step stool to reach the bottom.

 

[kschweer]

And here is a good stand design to go with. Seems to be pretty standard with DIY stands.

 

[austinl]

I went with a stand height of 32".

The reason for this was I took into account my tank height of 18" and wanted it to be at a certain eye height and also for ease of access into the tank so I wouldn't need a stool or anything.

I also used the above DIY stand and am just finishing the skinning process and painting, next step is putting a high gloss white finish on it ( did a test run on the top already ) feel free to check out my build thread, I will be adding some more photos soon on my progress.

 

[DSP]

The stand I'm buying for my new setup is 35 inches and it's perfect height imo

 

[Nightfox364]

Sounds like the 36" would be a good choice then. While sitting at my desk it put my line of site in the center of the tank. My seascape will be much like what "Mike paletta" had used in his 75 gallon LED video from American Reef on YouTube. Unsure about the pump coming out of my sump. Some use one pump with a ball valve and power everything. Others use multiple pumps. Rather buy once and use unions to add on....
Still worried about flow and back pressure?!?

 

[JMSKI333]

The Stand on my 90 is 35 1/2". The height is absolutely perfect for viewing but I can't do much inside the tank without a step stool. I am 5' 10". If I were to do it again I would probabaly make it the same height. I hope that helps.

 

[Blue face angel]

I went with 36 in height on my 125 . Is about perfect . The only thing is the higher the stand , the harder it is to get to bottom of the tank .

 

[Nightfox364]

Don't mind using a stool since I think I will only need to touch bottom during weekly or bi-weekly upkeep. My main concern was my freshwater are all mounted into the house not free standing and I had two pumps fail due to distance from pump on floor to top of tank.

 

[Tradewinds]

I like the extra height as it gives you more skimmer options.

 

[kschweer]

If you make sure the pump you choose is rated to handle the amount of head you will have there shouldn't be an issue. Most popular pumps should be able to handle the little extra height a taller stand would make. What pumps are you looking at? Any pump you consider make sure to look at the head loss charts they have for them and make sure the flow at the amount of head you will have is enough for your tank.

 

[Rjramos]

40" on a 120gal. 48"x24" base. The cabinet was made with oak veneer finish 3/4" marine plywood. If its well made and reinforced it will hold up an elephant. I love the stand in front and its right in your face deal too! Plus it offers room beneath to have a gravity fed  double stack sump set up. Yea I use a step stool mostly during water changes, other than that, my hands seldom need to go into the tank. I have about 5 1/2' ft of head pressure to work against and the circulation is great. You have to choose the right pump considering head pressure. Another common mistake is reducing the size of the plumbing. If the pump has a 1" outlet then keep plumbing at 1" until it reaches its highest point. Some tanks come with 3/4" bulkhead fittings at the bottom inlet, if this is the case then reduce the diameter right under the bulkhead fitting.

 

[Tradewinds]

Rjramos, that sounds like a nice stand, do you have any pictures?

 

[Nightfox364]

If you make sure the pump you choose is rated to handle the amount of head you will have there shouldn't be an issue. Most popular pumps should be able to handle the little extra height a taller stand would make. What pumps are you looking at? Any pump you consider make sure to look at the head loss charts they have for them and make sure the flow at the amount of head you will have is enough for your tank.

Considering "Ehiem" read many good things

 

[Nightfox364]

Rjramos, that sounds like a nice stand, do you have any pictures?

Only the draft. Build will start in another week or so once I check with building inspector about the floor load of the location where I would like the display tank.

 

[Rjramos]

40" stand with double sumps. The top sump is refugium . It is gravity fed from main display water and dumps by gravity into lower pump sump. Just one powerful blueline 70 pump runs all circulation and skimmer.

 

[JMSKI333]

Considering "Ehiem" read many good things

+1 I have used the Ehiem 1262 on my 90 for years. It's bulletproof.

 

[Small triggers]

Also, take into consideration the height of your skimmer...and how easy or hard it would be to get things in and out of the inside of the stand..I prefer 34-36
Depending on how tall your sump is...also, you can strap it to the wall if you are worried about your children pulling on it...

 

[Nightfox364]

Never considered strapping. There are studs I've already located for whatever reason other than to gather more information. Now I know what I can use them for other than suspending lights.
Thank you

 

[TheGrimmReefer]

My stand height is 42" you should be okay with proper support and bracing.