DIY Tank Stand Ideas

jadefox · 10-12-2007, 07:12 PM

So I'm building a tank stand for a 135-gallon tank with a footprint of 72"x18". I'm planning to frame with 2x4s and panel it so it fits the room, but I can't decide about the canopy (whether I should build a boxy one or just hang the lights). I'm planning to house a sump and refugium in the stand possibly with the refugium higher than the sump so that the overflow will gravity feed into the sump. Any words of wisdom from folks who have built their own stands before?

theplatypus · 10-12-2007, 07:17 PM

Build a canopy. Personally I don't like looking at a hanging light fixture. Not even the one over my tank.

Geoff · 10-13-2007, 09:36 AM

I like mine.

then again it is more of a combination of hood and a pendant.

G~

jadefox · 10-13-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

I like mine.

then again it is more of a combination of hood and a pendant.

G~

That's a sweet set-up, Geoff! Do you have issues with the heat from the fireplace?

jadefox · 10-13-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theplatypus

Build a canopy. Personally I don't like looking at a hanging light fixture. Not even the one over my tank.

I think I will, especially since the tank will be in the dining room, and I don't need to light up the whole room.

jadefox · 11-05-2007, 02:04 PM

So I saw this stand at the LFS yesterday. It was for a 250-gallon and it was simply six 2x4s (three in front and three in back) with no cross bracing...looked kind of sketch...lol

I'm planning to frame up two 72" x 36" sections with studs 18" on center and two 21" x 36" sections. I'll top it with 3/4 inch ply. Any thoughts before I go to the lumber store?

Wiskey · 11-05-2007, 03:09 PM

My 180 build thread has allot of junk in it, but it details the building of my hood, and has pictures right at the start of the design of my stand. I use the ply as a structual part of the stand, to strengthen aginst shear forces.

I would definitally build a hood, or surround like Geoff does,.. I hate trying to look at a tank and getting the light from the pendint in your eyes.

Whiskey

jadefox · 11-05-2007, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiskey

My 180 build thread has allot of junk in it, but it details the building of my hood, and has pictures right at the start of the design of my stand. I use the ply as a structual part of the stand, to strengthen aginst shear forces.

I would definitally build a hood, or surround like Geoff does,.. I hate trying to look at a tank and getting the light from the pendint in your eyes.

Whiskey

I agree on the hood, but I'm still working on the base...lol. So you are talking about the ply siding? I indend to use 1/2" ply for the siding which will then be faced on the front with pine panelling to match the room.