Bigger stand for my 55?

[browniebuck]

I have a 55 gallon with a standard store bought stand. I hate that I have to kneel down to look at the tank all of the time (I'm not THAT tall...only 6'3"). Is there a SAFE way to build a taller stand for this tank? Has anyone ever done this before or have pictures of what this could look like?

 

[jdl]

google
"diy stand calculator"
click the 2nd link, reef central one

 

[allenk]

Sure, you could make a taller stand. But you better also make it with a bigger footprint, especially if it is on carpet. The higher the center of gravity, the greater the chance of it tipping.
I have a 55 as well and I don't like the stand because you can't fit a decent refugium underneath. Building a taller and deeper stand would have that added benefit.

 

[wattsupdoc]

If you have some decent woodworking skills a DIY stand is not a big deal. Often, these are built with 2X4 frame and then skinned with something. I used 1x$ to skin mine then stained. Many will use oak plywood, either 1/2in ish or even as thin as 1/4in/ Let me see if I can find a link to a build ...
This is one We built for my wifes cousin. It is a modified copy of my 135 stand. ....
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/302092/125-gal-bench-stand-bilud

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by allenk
http:///forum/post/3020011
Sure, you could make a taller stand. But you better also make it with a bigger footprint, especially if it is on carpet. The higher the center of gravity, the greater the chance of it tipping.
I agree completely. I built a tall (42") stand for a 55g tank a while ago, and it was so shaky... the stand was solid... but you could push against the tank with one finger and the whole thing would rock...
Even adding a few inches of total front-to-back depth was enough on my next 55g stand build to address that.

 

[joncat24]

Yeah, you would be suprised at what a couple extra inches can do....lol.
I would build a stand about 48x18 so you would have room for a decent sized sump/refugium.

 

[shrimpy brains]

Just a thought, if you didn't feel like moving the tank to build a new stand. Is ther any room to create a sitting area in front of tank. You could get short stools, use chairs facing sideways against tank, or custom build bench or trunk with storage area for aquarium neccessities.

 

[browniebuck]

So if I were to, say, build a stand that would fit say a 120 lengthwise that was a little deeper (front to back)...I should be ok? and if I made it deep enough...I could feasibly upgrade at a later date and not have to worry about a stand?!?!?
maybe 76"long by 28-30" deep by 36-40" tall with a couple sections that have supports at maybe 22" from both sides?? with a nice solid top????
I have never delved into woodworking but have a few friends that have the tools that would be needed (and experience) and would be willing to help for a nice gentlemanly payment (made after work is finished, of course) of a case or two.