DIY stand for 125 gallon tank

[cjrose]

The stand I currently have for my tank is only 24in tall so I can't fit a skimmer under it and I don't want a HOB skimmer. Not to mention that I would like the tank to sit higher than it does. Anyway, can anyone recommend a site that has good plans for a diy stand/cabinet? My tank dimensions are 72 long, 24 high and 18 deep. Also I'm trying to talk my husband into using our 55gl tank as a sump/refuge. What do you think?
Thanks!

 

[wangotango]

Check out g a r f . o r g
-Justin

 

[number1gsxxr]

Do a search for 'DIY Stands Template and Calculator' on Reef Central forums. I'm currently building a stand for my new 75 from this template. I prefer this template over the one from GARF because there is no center brace needed and you can fit a sump easier. But essentially they are the same stand.

 

[gill again68]

For reference, I have a thread on here that shows a basic design. You could also look at jaxfishgirl as she has a recent build that is similar to mine. I think the stands we have with the frame design is a very sturdy stand that will last for years. Not saying there arent better designs but I think these are good.
Good luck and keep us posted. People really like pictures here, if they are pictures of fish and rock its makes it even better.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Here is my 125 build,not a lot of actual numbers in it but I could give them to you if your interested.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/vb/s...d.php?t=319838

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[scopus tang]

FYI, just speaking from my own experience of working with a 55 as a sump under a 125 gallon tank. The 55 is too tall to allow easy access with skimmers ect when working under the stand, unless you build a rediciously high stand. Second, the 55 is too long. the only way to get it in or out is to place it prior to the tank being set-up and then there is no way to get it in or out for cleaning, repairs, etc. We set up a 55 under a 125, and within a few months the baffles on the sump failed. We were forced to bust the 55 in order to remove it, and ended up replacing it with a smaller tank. Additionally, we ended up having to use a HOB skimmer, because it was impossible to even remove the skimmer cup beneath the stand. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by Scopus Tang
http:///forum/post/3214100
FYI, just speaking from my own experience of working with a 55 as a sump under a 125 gallon tank. The 55 is too tall to allow easy access with skimmers ect when working under the stand, unless you build a rediciously high stand. Second, the 55 is too long. the only way to get it in or out is to place it prior to the tank being set-up and then there is no way to get it in or out for cleaning, repairs, etc. We set up a 55 under a 125, and within a few months the baffles on the sump failed. We were forced to bust the 55 in order to remove it, and ended up replacing it with a smaller tank. Additionally, we ended up having to use a HOB skimmer, because it was impossible to even remove the skimmer cup beneath the stand. Just my $.02 worth.
Hiya Scopus

+1 on that.I built my base taller than the standard for a few reasons, access being one.I have a 20 long and a 29 standard under my tank.The 20 is my refugium and the 29 is so i can drip kalk into the refugium/sump.

 

[king_neptune]

Mine:

 

[king_neptune]

Lots of room:

Thats a 55g sump

 

[cjrose]

Thank you everyone for your information. It will be a while till we can build a new stand so I'm starting my info hunting now. Veni that is one beautiful stand and canopy!
I have used my 55 as a qt tank. Right now it's holding 150 lbs of rock and my inverts because I'm about ready to start hypo in my DT. Gotta love ick! When we get around to the build I will definitely post pics.
Thanks!

 

[king_neptune]

Im dealing with that very problem myself as well.
I dont want to spoil any plans, but consider that If you hypo the DT, you will kill off all the wonderful micro life you have in it. IE copopods, amphapods, micro starfish and other wonderful organisms.
Im considering my own options as well since I really want to leave my DT life alone. Im working on possibly seperating the fish and putting them in a hospital tank for the 70 day gestation period of the ICH, after the DT is naturally void of ICH, ill put the fish back in.
A little hard for me, since I have a massive foam wall that provides lots of hiding spots for my fish, they are gonna be tough indeed to catch.

 

[cjrose]

Yeah I hear ya. I figure I can always seed the tank again with pods not to mention there will still be posd on the rock on my other tank. My concern is that I would have too high a bio load in my 55qt for all the fish. I have a blue tang, yellow tang, watchman goby, red spotted blenny, and 3 chromis. When I had my tangs in the 55 qt i had a hard time with water quality at the beginning and then again at the end of their time in there. I have already taken out all the rock and it's sitting in my 55 with a hob filter, heater and powerhead.