Who makes Decent Stands?

hotdrop · Feb 15, 2019

I'm looking to buy a decent stand for a small tank either 18X18 or 24X18 in size and Im having a tough time finding anyone that has good quality stands. Any suggestions on who might build high quality modern looking stands? My budget is under $600. So far ive looked at Red Sea (their stands are MDF, swell when wet and have some odd design choices with how they did the top panel so no go), waterbox stands look good enough but not sure about material quality, Innovative marine stands look bad and appear to have quality issues and SCA stands are kind of an unknown because I cant actually get steve to show me pictures of whats available so that’s probably out as well. Any other suggestions of where to look

hdsoftail1065 · Feb 15, 2019

hotdrop said:
I'm looking to buy a decent stand for a small tank either 18X18 or 24X18 in size and Im having a tough time finding anyone that has good quality stands. Any suggestions on who might build high quality modern looking stands? My budget is under $600. So far ive looked at Red Sea (their stands are MDF, swell when wet and have some odd design choices with how they did the top panel so no go), waterbox stands look good enough but not sure about material quality, Innovative marine stands look bad and appear to have quality issues and SCA stands are kind of an unknown because I cant actually get steve to show me pictures of whats available so that’s probably out as well. Any other suggestions of where to look

The only help I can offer right now is a couple of threads to get you started until someone with recommendations chimes in. You might do a search for stands, I noticed there are several posted.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/quality-tank-stands.346318/#post-4312428

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/best-aquarium-stands-and-features.401633/#post-4797390

JOKER · Feb 15, 2019

I would just make one. I built a steel tank for my shallow reef, and have since learned to tig weld. I am now building an aluminum stand for the anemone add on tank. The aluminum is a little more costly, but looks nicer.

hotdrop · Feb 16, 2019

JOKER said:
I would just make one. I built a steel tank for my shallow reef, and have since learned to tig weld. I am now building an aluminum stand for the anemone add on tank. The aluminum is a little more costly, but looks nicer.

If i had the time I would but I really need an off the shelf product or have someone else build it due to work/life/time constraints

408Dartfish · Feb 16, 2019

I like me Redsea stand so far half year in. I’ve heard good things about SCA stands but not had one personally.

Captain Quint · Feb 16, 2019

hotdrop said:
If i had the time I would but I really need an off the shelf product or have someone else build it due to work/life/time constraints

Depending on where you live. Some cabinetmakers and various carpenters locally build great stands. Usually furniture grade and a little pricey most of the time.

A sea K · Feb 16, 2019

My LFS has a local cabinet maker who builds stands for him. Very reasonably priced and good construction as well. Just call a few of you LFS and ask if they have someone.

A sea K · Feb 16, 2019

Call your LFS and ask if they have someone. My LFS does and his work is very good, materials are sound and the stands are reasonably priced.

ca1ore · Feb 16, 2019

Mass market tank stands are crap. No small irony that most tank warranties require the use of those crap stands LOL. I guess it’s a control thing. I’d try to either find a local cabinet maker or, if you have the skills, make it yourself. I always make my own. If the earth collided with a comet my stand would be toast, otherwise .....

PookieGV · Feb 16, 2019

I can recommend waterbox. I have owned their 2017 and 2018 version and imo they made a big leap in quality. My recent experience was with a 130 platinum, but the materials were high quality, the design is strong, and the assembly was very easy.

hotdrop · Feb 16, 2019

PookieGV said:
I can recommend waterbox. I have owned their 2017 and 2018 version and imo they made a big leap in quality. My recent experience was with a 130 platinum, but the materials were high quality, the design is strong, and the assembly was very easy.

I think thats going to be the plan. Now I just have to decide if I go for the cube 20 or if I go all out and buy the 45.2. I really like the 35.1 but that size sump is completely useless.