Need Help Building a stand for a 120gl

seanothon

seanothon

Member
I just picked up a 120gl that is factor drilled with 2 bulkhead for $120. Pretty good deal, I thought, the only problem being that it did not come with a stand. I have two options at the moment.
A. I know where I could get a 150gl of the same dimensions that has a stand and canopy for $300. Only problem with this is spending a lot more money.
B. Make my own stand out of cheap material (i.e. 2x4 or something similar). Something like this: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/at...7&d=1275746658
The problem with the second option is the aesthetics.
Anyone have a guess as to how much i would spend making my own stand? Anyone have any suggestions on material?
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Depends how fancy you want to get and what type of material you want to use....you can save space inside the stand and avoid using torsion panels which are just as strong. Check out my build thread or 2quills stand build for ideas....
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
I would figure out what you are willing to spend and then go from there. There are so many options out there and different ways to build a stand it could cost your anywhere from like $50 bucks to build a basic frame out of 2x4's all the way upto several hundred if you want to create really nice piece.
If you are looking to do something half way respectible for relatively cheap then I'm thinking...probably 2x4 frame and white pine wood for outer skin for around $200 dollars or so after painting, or staining and finish. Typically, cheap and saltwater aquariums are not words that you generally find that close together lol.
I.E. Just wanted to add that I'm sure you want to get your tank set up asap but if you have a little patience and save up a little money to do build something nice then I think it will be well worth it in the long run.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
1x4's used in torsion panel construction method would be overkill pleanty strong.... If you look at store bought 3/4"material stands, you have to remember the weight is distributed out to the corners.
 
sparty059

sparty059

Active Member
And don't forget! Leave yourself with room to put a sump/refugium under there! The person I bought my cabinet off of didn't take it into consideration and now I'm having one hell of a time fitting everything in there!
Example, don't make a 2 door cabinet with a stud between them dividing the two doors!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
seanothon

seanothon

Member
Yeah. I was planning on fitting a 55gl in there as I am constructing it. I also plan on having the tank closer to eye level. The extra height won't cause a problem, will it?
 
sparty059

sparty059

Active Member
So far with my learning curve it seems like the more space you have in your stand the far better off you are. You might have to get longer pipping and tubing, but that's much better than having to spend hundreds more in smaller equipment.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by seanothon
http:///forum/post/3292503
Yeah. I was planning on fitting a 55gl in there as I am constructing it. I also plan on having the tank closer to eye level. The extra height won't cause a problem, will it?
The height won't cause any problems as long as it's a sturdy build. I just started building a stand for my 120G, myself. And I am also using a 55g for my sump.
In order to do this I am building an oversized stand. The stand will be 2ft longer than the tank itself with an extra foot of length on either side. The canopy will be the same width with something cabinets built in on each side of the tank that tie into the canopy. So essentially the canopy and side cabinets will be one piece. But these side cabinets are more for decoration than anything, i won't be able to hold very much inside of them. I'm only going to make doors on the sides and will probably install my timers in them and the electrical stuff for the lights and fans.
My stand will also be 40" tall. This will be plenty of room for the 55G sump as well as a good size skimmer, pluss plenty of room for plumbing. Mine will 2 big doors with a vertical piece in the center which will be removable in the event that I eve want to remove the sump.
Just some ideas...hope it helps.
Here's a shot of the frame...it's all I've got done so far.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I prefer taller stands over the traditional height!!!! I'm not tall by any means, but hate bending over to look at something if I can avoid it. My stand I'm building I 40" as well. Height shouldn't be an issue or extending it as well!
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Be sure to waterproof it inside. I did 3 coats a day for 5 days. Keeps it lasting longer since no rot or moisture gets into the wood.
Then I sealed all the seams with a bead of silicone. If water spills inside, it holds.
 
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