[Chadwick1]

Hello, im looking at building a stand for my 135. The one I have now is kinda junky and too short. Can you guys post some pics so I can maybe get a better idea?

 

[Rizup]

Here's a shot of my DIY stand and canopy. Pic was taken last Sunday after I finally added some fish to the tank.

Mike

 

[trippingpara]

Here's my post with pics. My stand is considerably higher than those sold at the LFS. Since I am rather tall, I was sick and tired of hunching over to look at the fish, so I made mine at counter height (36") - the standard ones sold at fish stores are around 28" to 30" high. The overall height of the tank with canopy is 5'6". Its at the perfect viewing height when sitting down and I don't have to bend over too much to look at the fish up close.

http://www.cichlidforums.com/attachment ... 1206576166
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http://www.cichlidforums.com/attachment ... 1206576658

Sorry about the links, I have yet to figure out how to put photos into the posts themselves. If you know how, please let me know!!

As for the stand: I constructed two platforms out of 2x4s. These two platforms would become the top and bottom of the stand. I then attached 2x4s to the four corners as well as in the middle. I then attached 3/4" cabinet grade plywood to the sides and part of the back. The plywood was also used inside for the shelves and the door backgrounds. I then used AAA Grade Pine for the cabinet face and canopy. I was looking for a stand that looked more like a piece of furniture than some of the commercial stuff that I saw at the LFS.

The canopy houses three T5 HO lights and a pair of Moonlight LEDs. I also installed a 3.5" fan. I opted to use a piano hinge with a simple lift top in lieu of the heavier style canopy where the entire front lifts.

Everything was finished with an oil based stain with multiple coats of an oil based polyurethane.

 

[a_c_arnold]

Here's my stand, this pic makes it look a little more red than it actually is. I eventually plan on making a matching canopy.

 

[Rizup]

Trippingpara, I also built my stand to 36" high and I really like it. Not only did I feel the same way about the shorter stands at the LFS, but the extra height came in handy for my 55g sump. As for posting pics in the message, just use the following format and put the link in the middle of the two tags:

I also built the top and bottom frames out of 2 x 4's on edge, but for the corner and rear center posts I notched 4 x 4's so that the top and bottom frames sat on the 4 x 4's and were bolted and screwed to them. I also used 3/4" plywood on top and 1/2" on the bottom and laid foam under the tank and the sump. The rest was all about making it look good and to match the rest of the furniture in the room - select pine trim, red oak plywood, etc. The canopy is a foot tall including the portion that covers the tank trim.

Stand with door open (Still some work to finish in there including DIY ATO hooked to my AC3! :thumb: )

Closeup:

For the front I wanted to be able to get the 55g sump in and out, so I installed a 2 x 4 center brace rather than having a 4 x 4 like the rear, and I also offset it to the left side and doubled up the front 2 x 4's on the top frame. Let me know if you have any questions - I didn't take any pics while building because I was working in the garage in 10 degree weather !

 

[jwal]

Here's my stand, this pic makes it look a little more red than it actually is. I eventually plan on making a matching canopy.

awesome :thumb:

 

[Chadwick1]

nice stands guys! Im really leaning toward the idea of making one 36", I hate seeing low tanks

 

[prowler09]

a_c_arnold - very sexy stand! and tank too lol :thumb:

 

[jwal]

i made my stand 36"...so much better than those low tanks. unless you're really short i can't see why you would want a 2' tall stand.

 

[lotsofish]

My hubby has made most of our stands.
This is for a 5' x18" by 21" deep.

 

[shadowdrag0n]

a_c_arnold did u made ur background? or where did u buy it ?

 

[Chadwick1]

I love the stand

 

[cholile]

outstanding. all of them are great.

 

[gtsum]

very nice!

 

[mithesaint]

My stand is 36" tall as well. I love the height for appearance purposes, but it's a bit of a pain to clean, I have to get out a step ladder! Otherwise I'm happy with it. Total height is 6' exactly.

 

[Chadwick1]

pretty fancy looking!! Its great!

 

[venustus19]

this is my 90 DIY stand... the whole front of the stand comes off so i have no obstructions in my way when i setup my sump... plus i can get as big of a sump possible to fit down there since the whole thing is open...

i just used heavy duty kitchen door maginets on all 4 corners, so when i want to take it off, i just pull it off and work... works great.

 

[iceblue]

Before.

After.

The whole thing can be pulled away from the the tank and stand. Add a couple curtains and it doubles as a Punch and Judy show.

 

[Chadwick1]

iceblue...what size tank?

 

[iceblue]

iceblue...what size tank?

It's a 6' long 84g tank.
Kind of hard to see but there's a piano hinge across the top near the back that allows me to open the hood for feeding and maintenance.