Tank stand height help

originalozzyo · 01/06/2006, 01:29 PM

What do most of you guys prefer for the height of your tank and stand setup. Do you prefer having a tank high up off the ground so when you look into your tank you almost look eye level near the top of the water and only have to look down a bit. Or do you like it when you sit in your sofa and just have to look straight ahead into your tank. I can't decide which one i want to design for my new setup. I'm ordering a 150 gallon tall tank which is 28" high and i don't know if i should build a stand that a tall one or have one that sits a little lower. Any pics of similar sized setups would be greatly appreciated.

SeanT · 01/06/2006, 01:34 PM

My tank stand is 40 inches.
I don't like having to bend over to look at things.

Sean

Dubbin1 · 01/06/2006, 01:36 PM

I built mine at 3ft so I don't have to bend over to see in it but my tank isn't as tall as yours. I will say that when I had my 110 it was a real pain to do anything in the tank and the stand was the standard height as the stock stands.

KingsX · 01/06/2006, 04:15 PM

I like to be able to get in the tank without a ladder, so right now all my tanks are on 30" stands, but for access and equipment maintenence under the stand (basic convience), I think the next one I build will be at least 36" or maybe even 40" hmmmm....

SDguy · 01/06/2006, 04:42 PM

Put it this way, I bet you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks they built their stand too tall. But I'm sure you could find plenty of people who don't have enough clearance in their stand for all that equipment. I'd say go at least 36". So you need a step ladder. Me too. I'll worry about that when 95.

Craig Lambert · 01/06/2006, 04:42 PM

Mine is 27.5" (It was a custom job for its original location). It's definately too short. Take my advice and go 32" or even a bit higher. You are going to need a sizeable skimmer in your sump for a tank that big. I have a 20" skimmer, and it is a real pain to remove it from a 16" high sump. There is just barely enough room to get it in and out for cleaning. I wouldn't go too high though. Wouldn't want to be "top heavy".

eidillitih · 01/06/2006, 04:55 PM

I built mine 36", wish I went 40.

KDodds · 01/06/2006, 05:40 PM

Tank height has a lot to do with it. My 450 is 30" high and sitting on a 30" stand. Design-wise, for practical maintenance reasons, it's nicer to have, IMO, a tank that does not top above your armpits when on the stand. With a high tank (over 24") this is probably not aesthetically possible (stand would have to be way too short). As it is, my tank tops over shoulder height. Feeding is still a breeze, but scraping requires a step ladder. I chose this height for the stand for that reason, but also to sit "in between" so that it could be enjoyed from a standing or sitting position.

Craig Lambert · 01/06/2006, 05:45 PM

Good Lord eidillitih!!

Wanna build one for me? That's a 10!

Darroll · 01/06/2006, 06:08 PM

I just finished building my stand and at 37" tall I can just get my hands into the top. I have seen a lot of tanks that are smaller and just didn't like them. My friends want me to build them a new stand to raise their tanks as well. You will definatly not regret going taller than normal.

Princess Di · 01/06/2006, 07:28 PM

My tank is 36" tall and sits 44" off the ground. It is a walk around, so I really like the heighth. However, I do need a ladder to get to the top. (check my gallery)

Sindjin · 01/06/2006, 07:49 PM

I pulled up a bar stool, grabbed my tape measure and built my stand to 35". I figured I would be sitting their drinking a beer and enjoying my tank. Sure enough I was right!

Rikko · 01/06/2006, 08:05 PM

I built mine 30" since that plus the tank height hit my armpit exactly. My current (old) tank is a good 40" off the ground and it's a nightmare to service it.

simion3 · 01/06/2006, 08:23 PM

I have a 90 that is 24" high on a stand thats 42" I think and its a huge pain I hate it so much, plus I cant see the tank well when im sitting on the couch. I made a new stand thats 36" I think im gonna like it much better.

Cprowler · 01/20/2006, 11:06 PM

I just built mine 40" tall and love it. I have a special step that I use to service it.

racrumrine · 01/20/2006, 11:10 PM

My 180 stand is 36". Next time, I'd go taller.

Best of luck,

Roy

rhenie · 01/20/2006, 11:46 PM

My stand is 37", but my tank is 27" tall. I personally wish my stand was 4" shorter. It is a pain to reach anything in my tank. I have way more than 4" of clearance under my tank for my refugium, lighting, supplies, protien skimmer etc...

Just my personal preference. I orginally ordered a smaller stand and this is what was delivered. I was anxious to get started so I didn't send it back, but I wish I had.

By the way, I'm 6 ft tall. But this tank is in a room where we are mostly sitting. Not that you can't look up and see an amazing saltwater tank. I just think it could be just as amazing and easier to work with at 4" shorter.

Just my FYI.

R

01/06/2006, 01:29 PM	#1
originalozzyo Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 144	Tank stand height help What do most of you guys prefer for the height of your tank and stand setup. Do you prefer having a tank high up off the ground so when you look into your tank you almost look eye level near the top of the water and only have to look down a bit. Or do you like it when you sit in your sofa and just have to look straight ahead into your tank. I can't decide which one i want to design for my new setup. I'm ordering a 150 gallon tall tank which is 28" high and i don't know if i should build a stand that a tall one or have one that sits a little lower. Any pics of similar sized setups would be greatly appreciated.

01/06/2006, 01:34 PM	#2
SeanT Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Wilmington, North Carolina Posts: 13,860	My tank stand is 40 inches. I don't like having to bend over to look at things. Sean __________________ My tank was cool. Current Tank Info: Barebottom (the tank not me...at least not at the moment).

01/06/2006, 04:15 PM	#4
KingsX Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Kirkland, Washington. Posts: 196	I like to be able to get in the tank without a ladder, so right now all my tanks are on 30" stands, but for access and equipment maintenence under the stand (basic convience), I think the next one I build will be at least 36" or maybe even 40" hmmmm.... __________________ What is understood, need not be discussed. Current Tank Info: 100gal. display. 30gal fuge, 30 gal sump with PM Bullet 2 & pan-world 100px 2X 250MH,SG @ 1.022. 110 Lbs. live rock, Fiji & Marshall Isl.4x65 2 actinic, 2 daylight

01/06/2006, 04:42 PM	#5
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	Put it this way, I bet you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who thinks they built their stand too tall. But I'm sure you could find plenty of people who don't have enough clearance in their stand for all that equipment. I'd say go at least 36". So you need a step ladder. Me too. I'll worry about that when 95. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

01/06/2006, 04:42 PM	#6
Craig Lambert Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,897	Mine is 27.5" (It was a custom job for its original location). It's definately too short. Take my advice and go 32" or even a bit higher. You are going to need a sizeable skimmer in your sump for a tank that big. I have a 20" skimmer, and it is a real pain to remove it from a 16" high sump. There is just barely enough room to get it in and out for cleaning. I wouldn't go too high though. Wouldn't want to be "top heavy". __________________ "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend all day in a boat drinking beer." Current Tank Info: 75G Tank, 29G Sump, 100lbs LR, AquaC EV-180, Iwaki MD-20RT return Tunze nano streams 4X54 t-5/Icecap Ballast & SLR's 2x110 vho actinic

01/06/2006, 01:36 PM	#3
Dubbin1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 11,540	I built mine at 3ft so I don't have to bend over to see in it but my tank isn't as tall as yours. I will say that when I had my 110 it was a real pain to do anything in the tank and the stand was the standard height as the stock stands.

01/06/2006, 04:55 PM	#7
eidillitih Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Euless Tx. Posts: 1,160	I built mine 36", wish I went 40. __________________ What you achieve or fail to achieve is directly related to what you do or fail to do It's the Journey that makes the Destination so sweet C. Taylor, M.Ed. Current Tank Info: 190g, 250lbs Live Rock, Vertex Alpha skimmer, 2x Tunze 6100's, Vortech 40mp, Queit one return, 220watts vho, 750MH, 60gal. Melev Sump, DIY Stand and Canopy, JBJ 1/4 Chiller, and other Man toys

01/06/2006, 05:40 PM	#8
KDodds Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Suffern, NY Posts: 2,731	Tank height has a lot to do with it. My 450 is 30" high and sitting on a 30" stand. Design-wise, for practical maintenance reasons, it's nicer to have, IMO, a tank that does not top above your armpits when on the stand. With a high tank (over 24") this is probably not aesthetically possible (stand would have to be way too short). As it is, my tank tops over shoulder height. Feeding is still a breeze, but scraping requires a step ladder. I chose this height for the stand for that reason, but also to sit "in between" so that it could be enjoyed from a standing or sitting position. __________________ The sum of my knowledge is great, the sum of my ignorance greater still Kieron Dodds Administrator Inside Aquatics Current Tank Info: 450 Reef/180 FOWLR/125 ARLC/40 Seahorse/12 Planted/12 Planted

01/06/2006, 05:45 PM	#9
Craig Lambert Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,897	Good Lord eidillitih!! Wanna build one for me? That's a 10! __________________ "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend all day in a boat drinking beer." Current Tank Info: 75G Tank, 29G Sump, 100lbs LR, AquaC EV-180, Iwaki MD-20RT return Tunze nano streams 4X54 t-5/Icecap Ballast & SLR's 2x110 vho actinic

01/06/2006, 06:08 PM	#10
Darroll Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 358	I just finished building my stand and at 37" tall I can just get my hands into the top. I have seen a lot of tanks that are smaller and just didn't like them. My friends want me to build them a new stand to raise their tanks as well. You will definatly not regret going taller than normal. __________________ ME == Still Learning Fish are friends, not food Current Tank Info: 75g w/ 20g sump, 250w MH 10K, 2x65 actinics, ~40lbs LR, Coralife Super Skimmer 220

01/06/2006, 07:28 PM	#11
Princess Di Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So. Or. Coast Posts: 221	My tank is 36" tall and sits 44" off the ground. It is a walk around, so I really like the heighth. However, I do need a ladder to get to the top. (check my gallery)

01/06/2006, 07:49 PM	#12
Sindjin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,436	I pulled up a bar stool, grabbed my tape measure and built my stand to 35". I figured I would be sitting their drinking a beer and enjoying my tank. Sure enough I was right! __________________ SeaTest Hydrometer?.... $8.00 Seachem Marine Test Kit? ...$24.00 The look on my wife's face as I'm staring out into our 35 acre lake and wondering how much salt I'll need?... Priceless. Current Tank Info: 120 gallon, DIY Stand & Canopy, 2-250w 14ks w/ 2- 110 VHO actinics, ASM G-3, 50g sump, 46x tank turnover.

01/06/2006, 08:05 PM	#13
Rikko Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 1,328	I built mine 30" since that plus the tank height hit my armpit exactly. My current (old) tank is a good 40" off the ground and it's a nightmare to service it. __________________ Remember: safety last when you ain't got no money. -- Damon Wayans Current Tank Info: 120 gallon mixed reef; 8 gallon stomatopod nano; 77 gallon freshwater planted

01/06/2006, 08:23 PM	#14
simion3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 238	I have a 90 that is 24" high on a stand thats 42" I think and its a huge pain I hate it so much, plus I cant see the tank well when im sitting on the couch. I made a new stand thats 36" I think im gonna like it much better.

01/20/2006, 11:06 PM	#15
Cprowler Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,758	I just built mine 40" tall and love it. I have a special step that I use to service it.

01/20/2006, 11:10 PM	#16
racrumrine Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Francisco Posts: 2,290	My 180 stand is 36". Next time, I'd go taller. Best of luck, Roy

01/20/2006, 11:46 PM	#17
rhenie Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Frisco, Texas Posts: 107	My stand is 37", but my tank is 27" tall. I personally wish my stand was 4" shorter. It is a pain to reach anything in my tank. I have way more than 4" of clearance under my tank for my refugium, lighting, supplies, protien skimmer etc... Just my personal preference. I orginally ordered a smaller stand and this is what was delivered. I was anxious to get started so I didn't send it back, but I wish I had. By the way, I'm 6 ft tall. But this tank is in a room where we are mostly sitting. Not that you can't look up and see an amazing saltwater tank. I just think it could be just as amazing and easier to work with at 4" shorter. Just my FYI. R