Build your own stand or buy a stand what's cheaper ?

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 11:22 AM

I'm going to be running a 75 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump. I have access to wood tools and also have access to a welder and all the goodies to build a metal stand. Is it easier to just buy your own or is it cheaper to build your own stand ? Keep in mind I'll be placing this stand on a carpet filled room. But I want no issues of having to worry about a store bought stand not having room for all the sump things. Or even worse the stand bei cheap and breaking. I'd love to hear anyone's suggestions

Jewlover · 12/15/2013, 11:27 AM

A good solid wood stand will cost you more than it would cost you to build plus you can make it as big as you need for space and such.

billdogg · 12/15/2013, 11:32 AM

It sorta depends on what route you take. You can go with 2x4's and plywood skin pretty cheaply. You can go the all hardwood route like I did, and end up spending more on new toys (i mean tools) to make it than it would cost to buy several store bought stands. Even if it does end up costing more, I prefer the DIY route just because you can say "Hey - I made that myself!"

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

It sorta depends on what route you take. You can go with 2x4's and plywood skin pretty cheaply. You can go the all hardwood route like I did, and end up spending more on new toys (i mean tools) to make it than it would cost to buy several store bought stands. Even if it does end up costing more, I prefer the DIY route just because you can say "Hey - I made that myself!"

That's awesome stand do you have a thread of your build I'd like mine to look like that it'd match a few other pieces of my furniture in the room. And I agree it'd deff be just like me to say hey I built that stand and if I do a stand ill probably do a canopy as well maybe later on.

RandysReefTank · 12/15/2013, 12:04 PM

I plan to build my own stand, so that I can put doors on the ends so that the sump can go in and out without removing the tank. In addition to the "I built that", you get exactly what you want, instead of what the mass producer in a factory thinks you need.

sphinx105 · 12/15/2013, 12:16 PM

Build your own if you have the time, skills and tools. You will have unlimited options that way. I probable cut the cost in half. I had the skills and tools, but was short on time. I took me a while but I made a stand for a 90 that would hold a 55 for the sump. The sand sides are doors so I could slide the sump in and out if needed. Here is a link to my build. I'm sorry the final pics are not clear. Let me know if need more details.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1449932

Good luck, be safe and have fun!!

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandysReefTank

I plan to build my own stand, so that I can put doors on the ends so that the sump can go in and out without removing the tank. In addition to the "I built that", you get exactly what you want, instead of what the mass producer in a factory thinks you need.

Seems everyone goes with their own wood builds and I guess me making one from square stock steal would be just over kill.

billdogg · 12/15/2013, 12:30 PM

Thanks for the compliment! I made it the way I wanted to, not some mass produced piece of, well, particle board.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2323962

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphinx105

Build your own if you have the time, skills and tools. You will have unlimited options that way. I probable cut the cost in half. I had the skills and tools, but was short on time. I took me a while but I made a stand for a 90 that would hold a 55 for the sump. The sand sides are doors so I could slide the sump in and out if needed. Here is a link to my build. I'm sorry the final pics are not clear. Let me know if need more details.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1449932

Good luck, be safe and have fun!!

The build looks great nice job

billdogg · 12/15/2013, 01:00 PM

Actually, building one out of steel tubing is a fine idea. It can easily be skinned using countersunk rare earth magnets. That would make the entire inside of the stand quite accessible for maintenance. There are a number of build threads on steel stands.

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

Actually, building one out of steel tubing is a fine idea. It can easily be skinned using countersunk rare earth magnets. That would make the entire inside of the stand quite accessible for maintenance. There are a number of build threads on steel stands.

My only concern with building a steal stand is noise from pumps and everything I'd have to use sound deadning pads they are the same things they use in cars to keep out road noise and metal notice when u close a door.

Redman88 · 12/15/2013, 02:03 PM

steel would just be the frame and with the weight of full tank sitting on it you shouldn't have any problems with noise. if you do you should get better equipment.

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redman88

steel would just be the frame and with the weight of full tank sitting on it you shouldn't have any problems with noise. if you do you should get better equipment.

True ill have to get a supply list of what it'd take in wood compared to steel and do a price comparison.

biecacka · 12/15/2013, 04:42 PM

Bill does great woodwork!!
I've seen it firsthand

Corey

jlafou1 · 12/15/2013, 05:20 PM

I;ve always built my own stands. The stand and canopy for my 120 was about $300 for all the materials and that included a lot of expensive molding and stain. I slept better at night knowing the stand was sturdy and well built. Plus its nice when people realize I built it.

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 06:21 PM

Yeah that's about what a store built stand for a 75 gallon is so I guess I'm going ith the build it route and now it's time to find a way to draw it out isn't there someone on this forum some where that will draw out your stand design for you ? My neighbors real big into this hobby I coulda swore he said someone on here gave him a cad design for his in the wall stand build

tmscube · 12/15/2013, 06:29 PM

i would rather build my own then you can design it the way you want and add to it if needed .. plus the cost or way less .. still in the middle of building mine have not even cracked the 100.00 mark yet .. canopy to build along side this is going to cost me about 50.00 so i might be in 150 or less when all said and done ..

jlanger · 12/15/2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billdogg

It sorta depends on what route you take. You can go with 2x4's and plywood skin pretty cheaply. You can go the all hardwood route like I did, and end up spending more on new toys (i mean tools) to make it than it would cost to buy several store bought stands. Even if it does end up costing more, I prefer the DIY route just because you can say "Hey - I made that myself!"

Agreed.

With pre-built stands, it's the "You Get What You Pay For" scenario.
If you're looking to save money with a cheap stand, that's what you get... a cheap stand.

Doing it yourself allows you to make all the decisions for size, function and style.
By making the stand to match your home's style makes the aquarium feel like it's a part of the home; not just something in it.
I know that the aquarium is the focal point in this hobby, but that is no reason to put a beautiful tank on an ugly stand.
If you are someone that is confident with building your own stand, I say "Go for it!"

I know that my DIY stand and canopy cost a whole lot more than one I could've picked up from the store, but it is MY stand and canopy.

Good luck! and keep us posted.

jlafou1 · 12/15/2013, 07:15 PM

There's a tried and true stand design done by rocket_engineer somewhere. I've used it on all my builds without problems

Keitho109 · 12/15/2013, 07:24 PM

I'll keep everyone posted I'll be getting started within the next few weeks here most likely before the holidays since I'll have a few days off from work

tmscube · 12/15/2013, 07:46 PM

cant wait to see your build keith

Cowdogz · 12/15/2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmscube

i would rather build my own then you can design it the way you want

+1

This design lets my stand hug the wall even with HOB equipment on it:

100_9633.jpg

This is my planted freshwater tank, but I've also done this on my reef tank to accommodate HOB equipment or plumbing, etc. You won't find this on a store-bought stand.

rovster · 12/15/2013, 09:45 PM

I think I spent around $500 or a little less on my stand. I used thenice cabinet grade plywood at home depot. Having it built would have cost at least double or triple, and maybe would have been 3% nicer

mijfwb23 · 12/15/2013, 09:53 PM

I built mine for my 120g and wouldn't have it any other way. Working on the canopy today. I like being able to make it the height and width you want. Allowed me the room to put a 40g breeder underneath with room to spare for other stuff, just need to figure out what other stuff I want to put under there.
Still need to trim it out and put the doors on. Doors will be removable and held on with magnets. Building your own allows you to build one that will last the salty environment. Mines kilz primed and painted white exterior inside and black exterior outside. It will take a major flood to ruin it. All hardware is stainless steel also.

neuro · 12/15/2013, 09:58 PM

I've been doing my own quick cost comparisons for the last year or so.

If you don't have the tools yet, and you want to properly build one yourself, it will cost you more; especially if you want a stand to meet specific standards.

12/15/2013, 11:22 AM	#1
Keitho109 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 78	Build your own stand or buy a stand what's cheaper ? I'm going to be running a 75 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump. I have access to wood tools and also have access to a welder and all the goodies to build a metal stand. Is it easier to just buy your own or is it cheaper to build your own stand ? Keep in mind I'll be placing this stand on a carpet filled room. But I want no issues of having to worry about a store bought stand not having room for all the sump things. Or even worse the stand bei cheap and breaking. I'd love to hear anyone's suggestions

12/15/2013, 11:32 AM	#3
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	It sorta depends on what route you take. You can go with 2x4's and plywood skin pretty cheaply. You can go the all hardwood route like I did, and end up spending more on new toys (i mean tools) to make it than it would cost to buy several store bought stands. Even if it does end up costing more, I prefer the DIY route just because you can say "Hey - I made that myself!" __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/15/2013, 12:16 PM	#6
sphinx105 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 64	Build your own if you have the time, skills and tools. You will have unlimited options that way. I probable cut the cost in half. I had the skills and tools, but was short on time. I took me a while but I made a stand for a 90 that would hold a 55 for the sump. The sand sides are doors so I could slide the sump in and out if needed. Here is a link to my build. I'm sorry the final pics are not clear. Let me know if need more details. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1449932 Good luck, be safe and have fun!! Last edited by sphinx105; 12/15/2013 at 12:18 PM. Reason: add link

12/15/2013, 12:30 PM	#8
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Thanks for the compliment! I made it the way I wanted to, not some mass produced piece of, well, particle board. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2323962 __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/15/2013, 01:00 PM	#10
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	Actually, building one out of steel tubing is a fine idea. It can easily be skinned using countersunk rare earth magnets. That would make the entire inside of the stand quite accessible for maintenance. There are a number of build threads on steel stands. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/15/2013, 11:27 AM	#2
Jewlover Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 91	A good solid wood stand will cost you more than it would cost you to build plus you can make it as big as you need for space and such.

12/15/2013, 12:04 PM	#5
RandysReefTank Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 21	I plan to build my own stand, so that I can put doors on the ends so that the sump can go in and out without removing the tank. In addition to the "I built that", you get exactly what you want, instead of what the mass producer in a factory thinks you need.

12/15/2013, 02:03 PM	#12
Redman88 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Artesia, NM Posts: 649	steel would just be the frame and with the weight of full tank sitting on it you shouldn't have any problems with noise. if you do you should get better equipment.

12/15/2013, 04:42 PM	#14
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	Bill does great woodwork!! I've seen it firsthand Corey

12/15/2013, 05:20 PM	#15
jlafou1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 57	I;ve always built my own stands. The stand and canopy for my 120 was about $300 for all the materials and that included a lot of expensive molding and stain. I slept better at night knowing the stand was sturdy and well built. Plus its nice when people realize I built it.

12/15/2013, 06:21 PM	#16
Keitho109 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 78	Yeah that's about what a store built stand for a 75 gallon is so I guess I'm going ith the build it route and now it's time to find a way to draw it out isn't there someone on this forum some where that will draw out your stand design for you ? My neighbors real big into this hobby I coulda swore he said someone on here gave him a cad design for his in the wall stand build

12/15/2013, 07:15 PM	#19
jlafou1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 57	There's a tried and true stand design done by rocket_engineer somewhere. I've used it on all my builds without problems

12/15/2013, 07:24 PM	#20
Keitho109 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 78	I'll keep everyone posted I'll be getting started within the next few weeks here most likely before the holidays since I'll have a few days off from work

12/15/2013, 07:46 PM	#21
tmscube Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: frankfort ky Posts: 58	cant wait to see your build keith __________________ 36X36X25 Cube build Current Tank Info: in the middle of a 140.29 cube build

12/15/2013, 09:45 PM	#23
rovster Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 7,518	I think I spent around $500 or a little less on my stand. I used thenice cabinet grade plywood at home depot. Having it built would have cost at least double or triple, and maybe would have been 3% nicer

12/15/2013, 09:58 PM	#25
neuro the cat did it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: bay area Posts: 976	I've been doing my own quick cost comparisons for the last year or so. If you don't have the tools yet, and you want to properly build one yourself, it will cost you more; especially if you want a stand to meet specific standards.