How hard is it to build a stand for 125gal?

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smt91278

Guest
I have priced 125gal stands at the local pet store, and they run anywhere from 192.00 to 260.00. Has anyone built a decent stand for less? Or is it just easier, to just spend the extra cash not to even bother with it?
Im also considering building a hood too. At the pet store they run about 180.00. Anyone know any how to's on building one, and the cost of materials?
 
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bluedolphi

Guest
I built my own. The stand designs/plans online were all faulty IMO. Here are some photos for you.
I notched the 4x4's on top to fit the 2x4's and then notched the 4x4's again lower down to fit more 2x4. I think the pictures capture most of the details.
My stand fits my 120 gallon tank 60x18x26. Very strong and will not "rack". You can sheet the outside using 1/4" ply and then add doors, paint or cover with barn wood, or do whatever you like.
I did NOT notch the 4x4's on the ends. I just used glue and deck screws to attach the end 2x4's. I also used small "L" brackets under these end 2x4's.
Oh.... and also I used 3/4" plywood on the top of the stand. The tank sits on the 3/4" plywood. This distributes the weight amongst all supporting wood.
Also not shown, I have (3) 2x4 center braces installed. Each end of these sits in joist hangers. This bracing is extremely secure and strong. The 2x4 braces go across the top to give the tank more support, and also creates an even stronger stand.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Oh and I was able to purchase a radial arm saw, AND a table saw for $60 each from a garage sale, with part of the money I saved. These both cut as if brand new. The materials ran approx. $130.00.
 
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fever

Guest
BlueDolphi
how tall is your stand?
I need to make one that is at least 2 foot tall to clear my protien skimmer
Thanks John
 
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bluedolphi

Guest
Mine is 27" tall from bottom to the top of the 3/4" plywood that the tank sits on.
You can make it any height you need to.
I have 21 1/2" bottom to top clearance inside the stand, for my sump, etc.. I can increase this if I need to by dropping the floor inside the base.
24" to clear your skimmer!? What model skimmer is it?
 
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fever

Guest
skimmer is 22 1/2 inches high had it for about 10 years now. It's called the eliminator made by dls aquatics not sure if the company is still in buss. yet but it still works like new thanks for the reply
John
 
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bluedolphi

Guest
Sheesh..... I had not thought about the skimmer height. I hope I will have room for one of the newer popular skimmers. I will have to look into that.
I think I am going to remove the bottom bolts and go with 3" bolts, instead of 3 1/2" bolts (as I have at the top). I can then counter sink the nuts on the inside of the tank stand, and this will allow me to drop the shelf on the inside of the stand down another 4" or so. (I will be able to lower the inside shelf that the equipment sits on).
This will give me as much as 26" in height inside the stand for easier servicing of the sump, etc..
As mentioned, you can make your stand as tall as you want. I wanted to keep mine fairly low, so that the tank and stand did not overwhelm the room it is going into.
 
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