Tropical Fish Forums

[CSnyder00]

Everyone seems to be building tanks or filters or something related to water. I want to build my own stand. Has anyone ever done this before? I want to build one for my soon to be 55 gallon tank and I was wondering whether I should go with a certain type of wood, how high to build it, things like that, and I was browsing and found this topic, so shoot me some ideas. I think I want to build it out of red oak or cherry (even though cherry is expensive!) and do a square top with a lip around it just big enough to fit my tank inside the lip so there is no slipping around and then felt where the tank will set. then just build a simple shelf underneath. 4 legs with supports, and height adjustable foot pegs (screw them up or down for more or less height so that you can level the tank). Let me know what your thoughts are. Not sure whether I want to do this, but thinking about it seriously.
_________________
So many fish, so little time...

[Jisty Morelove]

Hi..

I'm gonna be doing the same thing myself and building a stand. I got no worrys about using wood, I've used it a lot before. But to save me typing how its done, heres a handy link.

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml

Try searching this forums for more info, this took 5mins to find .

I would also personally fix some cross section pieces to hold the center of the tank floor better.Bar that a very good guide.

Jisty Morelove
_________________
SEE the fish , FEEL the fish , BE the fish..................Not flakes AGAIN!!

[Fla_Larry]

standard #2 white pine will work fine. height, set the top of the stand
to be 29 - 30" above floor level, this will put your viewing level at the center of the tank when sitting.
_________________
House Guarded By Shotgun 3 Days A Week. Guess Which Days !

[CSnyder00]

I have seen stands at 30" and they are nice, but I was thinking a few more inches would be nice, maybe 33"-36" That extra 3 inches is all the difference, especially with a higher couch and for those walking into the room. Its not hidden, but still nice to look at sitting.
_________________
So many fish, so little time...

[Cliff Mayes]

The height can be anything (within reason) you wish. Tall or short until it gets so high it becomes unstable or short to the point of being silly.

Lumber is cheap and easy but even though you may end up using 2 X 4s because of cost it is not required to hold the weight. Legs are OK but somtimes it is less expensive to just use boards or sheets of plywood (hardwood or plain stuff) all the way to the floor.

A little planning on paper plus having the sizes handy goes a long way towards coming up with a nice stand. I have made stands with lips and without. Lips do not matter although they are nice to rest stuff on. When the tank is full it ain't goin nowhere unless someone bangs into it.

Stands are easy. Good luck!
_________________
wirehair

[CSnyder00]

Thanks guys and gals. I think I'm going to do this. I may not go with doors though. I might just go open bottom with a shelf. Do you think 4 legs with 4" X 4" boards will hold the weight?
_________________
So many fish, so little time...

[Cliff Mayes]

Doors are nice and are easy but are a pain.

One 4 X 4 would probably hold your tank which should be less than 300 pounds. Maybe a wrought iron stand could be a better choice as it relates to cost. Look around; check Craigs list and be patient.

If the legs can handle the weight no problem except that the tank needs to be supported all the way around not just the corners. A frame for the tank to rest on should be OK but legs are costly so maybe you can do without them.

By the way unless you already have the 55 take a look at a 75. Not much of a difference between the footprint of a 55 and 75 but a lot more water and a lot more room to play with. Someone tried to sell a 55 with lights and gravel and had a hard time getting $40 for it this weekend so walk slowly and carefully.
_________________
wirehair

[weircm81]