Suggestions and pics of basic/ugly tank stands for in wall construction?

meagan_myers · 05/08/2007, 02:29 PM

I am finally building a home and will have a small dedicated tank room! The tank will be viewed from the dining room. We are framing now. I plan on having an opening in the wall ready for the tank. My framer says he can build out the support for the tank now. Right now I am planning on a 5 ft. long tank, but I may need to reduce that a little smaller.

Does anyone have any suggestions and pictures of a basic support/stand for in wall layout?

BeanAnimal · 05/08/2007, 02:33 PM

You need to choose a tank before your contractor frames the area. Are you going to have a fishroom behind the tank? Is that that tank room you are talking about? 5' is not a standard glass tank length. Did you plan on glass or acrylic?

What is your budget for the WHOLE aquarium project, how much have you alloted towards the construction of the space? What are your goals?

meagan_myers · 05/08/2007, 03:10 PM

Yep, I know I need to choose a tank first. I am doing that now. I am going to measure out different sizes and see what size I am happy with. The tank will be glass, hopefully with a starfire front. Roughly 125-150 gallons. Are you sure 5' isn't a standard length?? I have a 5' long tank now (not in use) that I had planned on using as a sump.
Uh budget? Are ya kidding?! I won't be working on the tank immediatly after we build the house. I will be spending my $$ on everything else for the house first. But I will slowly buy my new equipment and upgrades etc.
I have a reef tank now, and so the in-wall will be also. Yes, I will have a small fishroom behind the in-wall tank (sorry, that's what I meant by tank room). It is pretty small and will just be enough room to have the tank and essentials. It will have a small utility sink, water line for filtration unit, dedicated circuits, drain in the floor, vent to outside etc. That's why I just want a basic/ugly stand for it. Something open underneath were I can put the large spare tank I have now as a sump.
Here is a pic of what the room will be like. A 5' tank is drawn in now.
[IMG]

[/IMG]

BeanAnimal · 05/08/2007, 03:27 PM

You could go with a 110 Tall or similar 4 foot tank. 4' and 6' tanks are the most common.

The 110 Would give you a pretty nice viewing area and still be narrow enough to allow you to utilize the fishroom better and maintain an overall large tank with a LOT of display room and habitat for somewhat larger fish.

meagan_myers · 05/09/2007, 08:14 AM

The only issue I have with tall tanks is that I am a shorty! My arms have a difficult time reaching the bottom. The other issue is that I love tangs and would like to have one without feeling too guilty.

flamenco-t · 05/09/2007, 08:48 AM

use tongs....it's better to use them than putting your hand in the tank anyway. I am always paranoid about putting my hand in the tank, I always think back to see the last time I washed my hands, washed the dishes, pet my dog (flea collar) and etc.

TO answer your question, you can make a sturdy tank out of 2x6's or 2x8's wood for 125-150 gallon tank for less than 50-60 bucks for any tank behind the wall and it will still give you plenty of room to run your sump on the bottom.

I made a simple stand fopr my 90 gallon with no center brace since I want to be able to access my sump/wet dry for the freshwater tank. Just some 2x6's and 2x4's

stan

meagan_myers · 05/10/2007, 11:49 AM

Yeah, it is more of a cleaning the glass sort of thing with me. I haven't really found a better substitution than my own hand and a razor blade.
Do you guys have a picture of your DIY stands?
Flamenco-t-- No center brace?

I haven't been much of a DIY'r so these things are new to me. I don't want to have the framer build a catastrophe!

woz9683 · 05/10/2007, 08:34 PM

I just built a stand for a 125 out of 1x4s, and anything your framer puts together will be at least 2x4s, so don't worry about it structurally. Also, no need for a center brace especially with a glass tank. The edges are the only things that contact your supports with a glass tank. It's only with acrylic that you need center support because of the acrylic's flexibility (the bottom would distort without support).

nick18tjetta · 05/11/2007, 12:26 AM

perfecto has a 5' long 140 gallon tank, and you should be able to have deep sea aquatics or oceanic make a 5' tank with a starfire front for you. I would get steel stand if it is not going to be seen.

meagan_myers · 05/31/2007, 08:25 AM

Thanks guys

bterry29 · 06/01/2007, 09:28 PM

Here are some pics of the stand I built for my 125g in wall tank. It is nothing fancy but very sturdy.

I have since added 2x4 vertical supports between the top and bottom horizontal boards.

BeanAnimal · 06/02/2007, 07:35 AM

Quote:

I have since added 2x4 vertical supports between the top and bottom horizontal boards.

I don't follow?

BeanAnimal · 06/02/2007, 07:37 AM

Also, after looking...

my only concern would be the fact that the entire front pane of the tank is not supported by the stand, but rather the wood top and drywall. Certainly not a problem if it was taken into consideration when reframing the opening.

bterry29 · 06/02/2007, 09:15 AM

Yes, there is a 2x4 that runs under the front of the tank for support of the tank and to fasten the wood top down. The 2x4's I added to the stand run vertically between the 2x6's and are attached to the 4x4 legs. This was done to provide additional suppport. I have also replaced the lights you see in the picture with MH lights.

BeanAnimal · 06/02/2007, 10:27 AM

I am rather sure that the 4x4 legs would have been plenty

The only question would have been the method in which the legs were attached to the horizontal supports. A "cripple" stud at each leg would take care of the stand top wanting to slide down the legs.

rsw686 · 06/02/2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bterry29
Here are some pics of the stand I built for my 125g in wall tank. It is nothing fancy but very sturdy.

I have since added 2x4 vertical supports between the top and bottom horizontal boards.

Personally on the 4x4 supports I would have notched them so the 2x6s rested on the top of the post. The way you have it you are relying on the fasteners to hold the weight. If you look at the construction of most decks they notch the posts. Not that what you did isn't going to holdup, its just better. Heres an example.

allstar.h2o · 06/02/2007, 03:22 PM

Yes I agree basically you will be supporting all of your weight on fasteners. Notching them and putting them farther in the corner would greatly increase strength. Looks beefy though and the beefier the better!

8BALL_99 · 06/02/2007, 07:05 PM

This one isn't really a full inwall and I also covered the outside of the stand with 3/4 oak ply.. But you get the basic idea.. I agree you want the tank supported by wood all the way down to the floow not screws or bolts.. Mine is for a 180 its built out of 2x4s and 2x6s. All the corners are 2x4s in a L and the joints are off set kinda of like you do a brick wall..HTH

05/08/2007, 02:29 PM	#1
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	Suggestions and pics of basic/ugly tank stands for in wall construction? I am finally building a home and will have a small dedicated tank room! The tank will be viewed from the dining room. We are framing now. I plan on having an opening in the wall ready for the tank. My framer says he can build out the support for the tank now. Right now I am planning on a 5 ft. long tank, but I may need to reduce that a little smaller. Does anyone have any suggestions and pictures of a basic support/stand for in wall layout?

05/08/2007, 03:10 PM	#3
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	Yep, I know I need to choose a tank first. I am doing that now. I am going to measure out different sizes and see what size I am happy with. The tank will be glass, hopefully with a starfire front. Roughly 125-150 gallons. Are you sure 5' isn't a standard length?? I have a 5' long tank now (not in use) that I had planned on using as a sump. Uh budget? Are ya kidding?! I won't be working on the tank immediatly after we build the house. I will be spending my $$ on everything else for the house first. But I will slowly buy my new equipment and upgrades etc. I have a reef tank now, and so the in-wall will be also. Yes, I will have a small fishroom behind the in-wall tank (sorry, that's what I meant by tank room). It is pretty small and will just be enough room to have the tank and essentials. It will have a small utility sink, water line for filtration unit, dedicated circuits, drain in the floor, vent to outside etc. That's why I just want a basic/ugly stand for it. Something open underneath were I can put the large spare tank I have now as a sump. Here is a pic of what the room will be like. A 5' tank is drawn in now. [IMG][/IMG]

05/10/2007, 08:34 PM	#8
woz9683 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 1,029	I just built a stand for a 125 out of 1x4s, and anything your framer puts together will be at least 2x4s, so don't worry about it structurally. Also, no need for a center brace especially with a glass tank. The edges are the only things that contact your supports with a glass tank. It's only with acrylic that you need center support because of the acrylic's flexibility (the bottom would distort without support). __________________ Michael Current Tank Info: 195G (125G Display, 70G Sump)

06/02/2007, 07:05 PM	#18
8BALL_99 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Toney, AL Posts: 3,724	This one isn't really a full inwall and I also covered the outside of the stand with 3/4 oak ply.. But you get the basic idea.. I agree you want the tank supported by wood all the way down to the floow not screws or bolts.. Mine is for a 180 its built out of 2x4s and 2x6s. All the corners are 2x4s in a L and the joints are off set kinda of like you do a brick wall..HTH __________________ The problem with political jokes is they get elected. OK, so what's the speed of dark? Why do we drive on the parkway and park in the driveway? Isn't is it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do "practice"? Current Tank Info: Custom Starfire 300,92Gallon,35 Gallon Hex,Two 40Gallons,125Gallon,

05/08/2007, 02:33 PM	#2
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	You need to choose a tank before your contractor frames the area. Are you going to have a fishroom behind the tank? Is that that tank room you are talking about? 5' is not a standard glass tank length. Did you plan on glass or acrylic? What is your budget for the WHOLE aquarium project, how much have you alloted towards the construction of the space? What are your goals?

05/08/2007, 03:27 PM	#4
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	You could go with a 110 Tall or similar 4 foot tank. 4' and 6' tanks are the most common. The 110 Would give you a pretty nice viewing area and still be narrow enough to allow you to utilize the fishroom better and maintain an overall large tank with a LOT of display room and habitat for somewhat larger fish.

05/09/2007, 08:14 AM	#5
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	The only issue I have with tall tanks is that I am a shorty! My arms have a difficult time reaching the bottom. The other issue is that I love tangs and would like to have one without feeling too guilty.

05/09/2007, 08:48 AM	#6
flamenco-t Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas-Ft Worth, TX Posts: 131	use tongs....it's better to use them than putting your hand in the tank anyway. I am always paranoid about putting my hand in the tank, I always think back to see the last time I washed my hands, washed the dishes, pet my dog (flea collar) and etc. TO answer your question, you can make a sturdy tank out of 2x6's or 2x8's wood for 125-150 gallon tank for less than 50-60 bucks for any tank behind the wall and it will still give you plenty of room to run your sump on the bottom. I made a simple stand fopr my 90 gallon with no center brace since I want to be able to access my sump/wet dry for the freshwater tank. Just some 2x6's and 2x4's stan

05/10/2007, 11:49 AM	#7
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	Yeah, it is more of a cleaning the glass sort of thing with me. I haven't really found a better substitution than my own hand and a razor blade. Do you guys have a picture of your DIY stands? Flamenco-t-- No center brace? I haven't been much of a DIY'r so these things are new to me. I don't want to have the framer build a catastrophe!

05/11/2007, 12:26 AM	#9
nick18tjetta Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 643	perfecto has a 5' long 140 gallon tank, and you should be able to have deep sea aquatics or oceanic make a 5' tank with a starfire front for you. I would get steel stand if it is not going to be seen.

05/31/2007, 08:25 AM	#10
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	Thanks guys

06/01/2007, 09:28 PM	#11
bterry29 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 10	Here are some pics of the stand I built for my 125g in wall tank. It is nothing fancy but very sturdy. I have since added 2x4 vertical supports between the top and bottom horizontal boards.

06/02/2007, 07:37 AM	#13
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	Also, after looking... my only concern would be the fact that the entire front pane of the tank is not supported by the stand, but rather the wood top and drywall. Certainly not a problem if it was taken into consideration when reframing the opening.

06/02/2007, 09:15 AM	#14
bterry29 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Midwest Posts: 10	Yes, there is a 2x4 that runs under the front of the tank for support of the tank and to fasten the wood top down. The 2x4's I added to the stand run vertically between the 2x6's and are attached to the 4x4 legs. This was done to provide additional suppport. I have also replaced the lights you see in the picture with MH lights.

06/02/2007, 10:27 AM	#15
BeanAnimal Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 20,772	I am rather sure that the 4x4 legs would have been plenty The only question would have been the method in which the legs were attached to the horizontal supports. A "cripple" stud at each leg would take care of the stand top wanting to slide down the legs.

06/02/2007, 03:22 PM	#17
allstar.h2o Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 214	Yes I agree basically you will be supporting all of your weight on fasteners. Notching them and putting them farther in the corner would greatly increase strength. Looks beefy though and the beefier the better!