Stand for very large tank

[Quantumcat]

Hi there, I am going to be getting a large tank soon but have no stand for it. It will be turned into a paludarium so wouldn't be as heavy as a normal tank. Can anyone give some advice for building a cheap functional stand (doesn't have to be pretty) to support the weight? I have been browsing furniture shop websites but no hall table or anything reaches more than 2/3 of the length. The tank size is 2 metres by 1.2 metres by 60 centimetres (for non-metric people I think that's about 6 1/2 feet by 4 feet by 2 feet). Thanks a lot!

Also, there don't seem to be any posts on this, but has anyone simulated a complete contained ecosystem in a paludarium and not had to add anything to it at all? I wonder if it's possible to get nitrogen/iron/phosphate/CO2/oxygen monitors so you can tell that everything's going smoothly, and whether you need to intervene or not (like if the CO2 drops, you might add some more fish)?

[beckdg]

cheaper to buy one probably.

complete enclosed ecosystems have yet to be successful... there's always a need for something to be added or removed.

[Grimm]

Most stands for large aquariums and tank are made with 2x4's to create the main skeleton for support. Then veneered plywood is used to make it look more appealing by adding the sides and front hinged doors.

Here is a simple stand that could be cheaply and easily made.

http://www.aquariumlife.net/images/plywood.jpg

And as for the contained self maintaining ecosystem...If the 200 million dollar Biosphere II wasnt successful. I doubt anyone can build one.

[beckdg]

2x4's would be overkill, but possibly necessary if the builder isn't familiar with pocket screw jig and plywood construction.

i found out the hard way it's cheaper to buy one in most cases, used or new. i can park my car on top of my tank without even a slight wince though...

[Grimm]

For my case building a base will be much cheaper then purchasing one. Mostly because of the curved sections.

How is 2x4 overkill? They are extremely cheap, plus if you dont care what the inside looks like then it is a very effective way to make it sturdy. Almost every aquarium shop I have been to makes the bases out of 2x4's

[beckdg]

the bullet case? that's only because you'd need it completely custom. most tanks are not custom and have several fabricated stands that would cost a lot less than building one yourself to choose from.

almost every aquarium shop is building their RACKS purely as a functional piece of equipment. if you want to make yourself a beautiful viv to compliment or as a show piece in your living room and then have it sitting on 2x4's that's one thing. if, however you want it too look like appropriate furnishing for the room then 2x4's are just added cost since you'll at least want to wrap it in some veneer most likely... even if it is wood grain. there is a difference between a functional rack system and a tank stand to furnish your living room with.

2x4's will also add to the total weight of the stand making it a bear to move when it comes time. my stand was made with 2x4's and i regret not looking further into it beforehand. mostly because i can park my car on top of my tank and the stand itself weighs way more than i want to move in the event i had to. i've done demolition for a living before and i'll definitely say, i'm not looking forward to breaking the thing down at all. i've had six friends suspend they're weight on it right after we filled the tank (so added to the total weight) and i tried to knock it over and it wouldn't budge. sounds great, but not practical at all. i will be peeling carpet out of the concrete with a spade with a 6' handle when it's time to move the tank.

once your done waterproofing, sanding, sealing, building, trimming, leveling, making shelves, adding door hardware and then you add up the total price... with most tanks... check out a couple online retailers (big al's, that pet place, drs. foster and smith, etc.). i'll bet they have something in stock they could ship to you for at least $100 less than you payed in materials in most cases. with bigger tanks you likely would be better off shopping local due to shipping costs. at any rate, it's no big concern for somebody with money to blow that wants something specific and has the tools and know-how to pull it off, but for majority of people they have no idea what they're getting themselves into until the cost and time invested is overwhelming.

[RecycledAgain]

I have to agree with beck on this one although I probably wouldn't have before I built the stand for the hexagon tank. Hell, the sheet of oak ply wood was a $100 alone. I found out later that a box store sells them for $120, speaking of which ,, I still haven't stained that darn stand yet.

Dan

[Grimm]

Im just thinking for Quantum's tank though.... I cant imagine he would ever find a stand pre-made for his 6' long tank. Like he said, he hasnt found anything thus far that the tank could sit on. Plus he doesnt need it to look like a grand piano as looks arent the issue here. I say the easiest method would be the 2x4 frame (30-40$ maybe). Then to buy thin veneered plywood to cover the sides and front (1-2 sheets). Also, I dont think he will be moving this massive tank on a regular basis either...?

Quantum, what are your plans for drainage/sump tank? If you are planning a sump, then I think the openess of the 2x4 frame would ease the installation and hookup of everything from underneath.

[beckdg]

hmmm... 4' deep... i stand corrected. i'd say that's custom. my fault, grimm.

[Grimm]

In any case...Im looking forward to this build!