Wife has almost got me convinced.

[sampsonndelila]

--My wife wants my large (300gal) aquarium moved across the room. Just across the room she says! She says we will just let a little water out next time we do a water change and we can pull it across the floor 26 feet to its new location.
--She cannot grasp that the acrylic weighs in at about 200 lbs, the live rock weighs 500 lbs +, and that water weighs about 8lbs a gallon. Hmm so even if I let a little water out it would be like 2000 lbs to gingerly drag across the tile in my house...
--Needless to say that is not going to happen. But she has me thinking, I really want to build a new stand. I really hate the stand I have now. Mostly because it’s too short. I want my stand to be at least 40 inches I was thinking that 42 inches sounded about right.
--Now getting to my question or statement, is there any reason I shouldn’t go that high with a stand? Stability issues? I know I will have to take down my tank almost completely to do this, it is possible. I want to build the stand before hand and just move everything in one day.
--I am sure there are a few threads out there with ideas on building new and exciting stands. I know I want to incorporate a power strip, fuge and sump. I want my stand to be strong enough and beautiful enough for the living room of my house. Any ideas on other things I should include in my build?
--Would you think it would be better to buy a pre-made stand? Anyone have a 96x24 inch stand 42 inches tall just sitting round they don’t want anymore.

[ballardjr2000]

I think for a 42" tall stand you would want to make a bigger foot print for stability. The wider at the base the less issue of it tipping over. for what to add to the stand, that list can be endless...Think about what you want in the stand itself, draw out the plans and plan plan plan, think about room for a RO/Di unit, auto top off, etc etc. Also you can incorporate fans in the stand as well for the sump fudge, to reduce heat etc. just some thoughts...but for one fore sure i would say a bigger foot print. better safe than sorry.

[sampsonndelila]

I agree it might look nicer too. I would like it to look fancy. I guess with that size of a unit storage would be endless. I will defiantly plan and research a lot.

[sampsonndelila]

I was thinking I could build one, has any one done this? Do you have a rough number of how much you spent on it?

[hobogato]

you do not have to make the footprint bigger for stability. if you use hardwood plywood skin on a 2x4 frame with some 1x3 pine for molding, your material cost will be about $300 for the lumber.

when i get home from work i will find/post a pic of the one i built for a 180 that was that tall, just 72x24 instead - it cost about $500 in materials because it was more decorative.

[Bill S]

You might just have Ace build it for you - he's very good, and very reasonable on price. It WILL look like furniture, when he's done.

But, you will have to PM him for it - he won't volunteer to build it for you, you have to ask.

[seamonkey2]

yeah Ace will do a great job, and mine use to be 46" tall, the taller the better, IMO

there is nothing like looking at the middle of the tank while standing straight.

Jose

[sampsonndelila]

I agree, I hate bending down to look in the tank. So what are your thoughts on doors? I was thinking 4 smaller doors. Then I thought how about 2 huge ones that don’t look like doors, just a seam down the middle of the stand. I think I might be able to do that if I use 2x6 instead of 2x4 to frame under the tank. I would love to have the convenience of a completely open front.
The sump and fuge would slide right in and out of the front. I think most home tank stands are slightly over built. Although I do know my tank weighs in over a ton.

[hobogato]

if it were me, in order to have an open front and be sure it was strong enough, i would use two 2x6s laminated togeter for the front/top horizontal frame. then, in the front two corners, use two 2x4 verticals in each. then, for the doors, make them look like pairs of doors with molding - even tho they are only two large doors, it would look like four doors which would look better imo

[sampsonndelila]

--I was thinking if the doors had that magnet thing where you push in and it pops out. It would look sleek and clean with no handles.
--With the laminated 2x6 I see how you would install the cross braces for support but how would you suggest attaching the 2x6 laminated together to 4x6 sides. Applying these 4x6s to the 4x4 risers?
--All I can envision is enough water falling on the floor my entire down stairs will be 2 inches deep with fish water…

[hobogato]

here is a quick sketch of how i would do it

[seamonkey2]

Carter, have no fear, let Ace do it and you'll be a happy camper, the door deal is easy money, Ace did a stand for me with that exact set up, and it works perfectly.

make all doors and panels with magnets and you can remove the side panels to work around the sump, its very handy.

remember the taller the better.

Jose

[sampsonndelila]

OK nice sketch, I see laying the 2x6 lay right on top of the 4x4. Maybe I could toe nail it together.

[hobogato]

no toenailing - drill a counter sink hole in the top of the inside 2x6 and use a 3" long deck screw to bolt it to the vertical stud

[sampsonndelila]

Oh I see. Like a lag bolt. That would be much stronger.

[The Butcher]

Honestly Hobogato (Ace), is there anything you DON'T know how to do? You truly are a "Teacher" in every sense of the word. :thumbs_up:

[sampsonndelila]

What a dumb idea to move my tank; but I will be doing it after we build my new stand this weekend anyways. Any thoughts or prayers would be appreciated.

[ErikH]

Carter, call me a few hours before the move. My schedule changes instantaneoulsy so if I can, I'll give you a hand.