Tank Stand Height

[fernalfer]

Ok i have a 120 Gallon Tank with a stand. The problem is the stand it came with is not high enough. I have a Trigger Systems Sump and there is not much space from the bottom of the tank to the top of the sump. Plumbing will be very tough especially because i wanted to do PVC. I do think the stand is ugly but its a workable stand. Not sure i want to spend the time and money to build another stand. Question, typically what is the height of your stands? What is the typical height for a 120. 48" x 24" x24".

 

[Lynn52]

It seems store bought stands are pretty low, like 30". I like mine to be higher. I like a height that is easy to look at sitting or standing. Mine are 38 - 40" tall. I do need a step stool for cleaning but that is just a couple hours a week.

 

[Whatnow]

The average stand from lets say Marineland or similar is right around 28"

 

[dbrewsky]

how much clearance do you have to work with?

 

[reef_junkie]

I built my stand for this very reason. Freshwater tank/stand sets always short change us reefers. I needed at least 32" inside my stand for my skimmer. My last 125 was a freshwater and it still had the original stand, it would have never worked as a sump stand for most saltwater needs. Are you opposed to building a stand or at least repourposing a piece of furniture to suit your needs?

 

[Lynn52]

I have about 28" of clear access through the doors and another 5 inches once inside the cabinet. I use a standard 29 gallon as a sump and it is reasonably accessible.

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Ok i have a 120 Gallon Tank with a stand.

Hey fernalfer! Oh man I think you need to stand it in a easy way!

Not sure i want to spend the time and money to build another stand.

I agree with you! Every time when we're trying to make something unusual we spend our time and money )))
It's totally fine to have what you have right now!!!

 

[Diesel]

Pics of the stand??

 

[dbrewsky]

I can measure when i get home but i'm pretty sure I dont have more than 15-16" of clearance between my sump and stand and we should have pretty similar conditions. I believe my stand is 30" or close to. It might by tight but if you can provide a pic of the stand and sump we can offer some ideas to make it work. You might have some tight tolerance and have to play with plumbing configurations like I did, but there will probably be a way to make it work.


http://reef2reef.com/threads/dbrewskys-120-gallon-build.229666/

 

[fernalfer]

how much clearance do you have to work with?

10 inches.

Here is some pics:

 

[fernalfer]

Yeah i'm thinking a new stand build is in order. Just tried my reefoctopus skimmer and it comes right to the bottom of the tank. And who knows depending on the height of the water in the skimming part of the sump it may need to be raised up

Stand is 28" from floor to tank but the actual bottom floor starts about 2 inches off the ground so i really have 26 inches to work with.

 

[saltykid96]

My first tank was a 75 that just happen to fit perfectly on my desk that I never used so it became the stand. It was only about 30" and was a giant pain in the butt to constantly see everyone bending over to see the the tank including myself. My current build is 2 tanks on a roughly 42" stand and they couldn't look any better. Perfect height for viewing

 

[Mike Arnold]

I made mine 40"

 

[fernalfer]

40 inches just seems to high to me

 

[dbrewsky]

Fernalfer - yes, you can make that stand work using flexible tubing, which is not what your hoping to do.

Or

You could build a stand to your specifications.

I would personally take the time and effort to build a better stand in your situation. I think you would benefit in the long run from the increased size and aesthetics of a custom built stand. You could even design to larger than the footprint of the aquarium to meet your equipment and storage needs.

My main reason for suggesting this is if you went with the current stand and crammed in all your equipment to the point that it's difficult to maneuver for maintenance or simply to clean a skimmer cup, you simply won't do it for the long term.

Many of the long term successful systems on here are successful because they have minimized the effort required to perform normal maintenance tasks. If it's a struggle everytime you need to complete a task in the stand, you are less likely to do it.

This is my opinion and I hope my perspective is helpful in your decision.

 

[fernalfer]

Yes thank you for your insight and I also agree a custom stand should be made. Just dissapointing that this will set my build time way back. I understand in this hobby taking things slow is the way to go, just upset this stand won't work. My skimmer barely fits underneath. Now my question is how high of a stand do I build? Is there somewhere to look at stand plans or builds to get somewhat of an idea. Woodworking isn't my Forte either. I learn quick but definitely not my specialty.

 

[Mike Arnold]

40 inches just seems to high to me

Yes, it is a little high but the space underneath makes it very easy to access and manage the equipment; also, it puts the display tank close to eye level. 35" would have probably been a better height.

 

[fernalfer]

So from reading all your opinions i think i will go with a stand build of 36". Not super high but also big enough to give me some space to work with down below.

Think i will follow this guys build but for a 120 gallons dimensions obviously:

Part 1

Part 2

Final Product