Will my stand support a taller tank??? :)

[Mr Cob]

Ok, so I have this perfect wall! I mean it's PERFECT for my current setup of 48" x 24" x 24", but I have room to go TALLER! Yikes!

So, it seems the simple plan would be to use the stand and canopy (which I love) and just get a custom built tank with the same dimensions but only TALLER.

I know nothing about how to figure how much my current stand will hold in terms of wieght and I'm hoping someone might be able to shed some light on the subject.

Here's some pics of my tank, stand and canopy:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/quellyo/CIMG1424.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/quellyo/CIMG1416.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/quellyo/CIMG1423.jpg

[RayAllen]

You will be fine, Thats basically like putting a 90g on a 75g stand. There a many stands out there that will hold many aquarium sizes. As long as its the same ft print and desinged to hold a aquarium I would not worry about it.

[RayAllen]

If you are still concerened its easy to reinforce the stand with a few 2x4s but I dont think you need it.

[Mr Cob]

Ray, thanks for the response.

I'm thinking of adding at least a foot in height but also considering more, though not sure I want to go too much higher otherwise I'll be complaining every time I attempt to aquascape etc...

I definitely want to keep the same footprint.

Thanks again.

[RayAllen]

Im 5' 11.5" and I find that anything that I have to get on my tip toes to reach the bottom is plenty tall enough for me and I have some long ape arms, lol.

[aquasport24]

That is my favorite return line of all time...lol....but seriously, remember one gallon of water is 8.6lbs and that is not include rocks and sand. I'll show you my how my stand was reinforced . If you decide to reinforce your stand... See you tomorrow.

[moneytank]

The stand should be fine, most are all built the same if its a "store bought" one. As long as you keep the same footprint its the same stand no matter if its 24" tall or 36" tall.
Im sure you know but in case... If you go taller you will most likely have to get new lights unless you already have 400 watters. Not to mention making it really hard to reach stuff that falls to the bottom. As said earlier every gallon you add is a little over 8 pounds but the water is displaced by the extra rock.
If you are still worried about the extra weight on the stand about the only thing you would need to add is some sort of cross brace on the back. Depending on how much taller you go its going to get more and more top heavy.

[andys0601]

I build stands and canopies as a hobby and even sell them in a few lfs. You should have no problem at all as long as the back of your stand has the same brace in the center as the front does. Most stands are built with oak ply with a veneer over it. When the wood is in a vertical position, as the sides and front would be it can withstand quite a bit of weight. The only time you really need to worry about weight is when the wood is in a horizontal position, the it would tend to bow. If you need any further assistance i would be glad to give you a few pointers.

[Captain Jack]

Consider buying a stepstool for maintenance :wink_smile:

[Mr Cob]

Consider buying a stepstool for maintenance :wink_smile:

Already have to use one on the current setup...so I'm already accustomed to this process :)


You should have no problem at all as long as the back of your stand has the same brace in the center as the front does.

Awesome! Yes, in fact the center brace in the back is the same width but 3 times the length.


Im sure you know but in case... If you go taller you will most likely have to get new lights unless you already have 400 watters. Not to mention making it really hard to reach stuff that falls to the bottom.

I will be running 2 250watt MH's and 4 110watt VHO actinics. I want the tank to look darker/eerie near the bottom and brighter as you reach the surface. SPS in the bright zone, LPS/Softies mid zone and mushrooms and low light corals at the bottom.


That is my favorite return line of all time...lol....but seriously, remember one gallon of water is 8.6lbs and that is not include rocks and sand. I'll show you my how my stand was reinforced . If you decide to reinforce your stand... See you tomorrow.

Man Giau... can't believe you are knocking my two week long project :P
It would have rocked if I didn't have 5 leaks and if I knew what I was doing. Where were YOU by the way when I needed help :)
See you tomorrow!


Im 5' 11.5" and I find that anything that I have to get on my tip toes to reach the bottom is plenty tall enough for me and I have some long ape arms, lol.

You got an inch and a half on me and I'm already on a step stool and my tip-toes when performing maintenance on the tank...a taller stool and your ape arms will work just fine on the new build!

-Thanks for everyone's input.

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[tropheusmaster]

will be fine