Todd's 180g Build-Stand Frame and Overflow done- Time for Floor Drilling!

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Todd_Sails, Jul 27, 2013.

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  1. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    Researching my stand build, I really like this design:

    DIY Stands Template and Calculator - Reef Central Online Community

    I picked out the main lumbar from my scrap wood pile, stud grade 2x4's, and 2 2x7's. I know, 2x7's?

    My question is, How High- to make the stand of course?

    My 180 is about 25in high overall,

    So I'm thinking the base be at 3ft, to the top will be right about my eye level. That will be higher than my current 125, which IMO is too low.
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2013
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  3. Scuba Ken

    Scuba Ken Ritteri Anemone

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    Fort Mcmurray, Alberta, canada
    My current set up is 36 inches stand and 36 inches high tank, which gives me 6 feet, that for me was perfect, it means that I am not stooping over to see the fish, and when I stand in front of it I get that "immersed" feeling, just have to use ladders to do any work in the tank though and lean across the top, when it comes to doing anything in the back I am going to be in big trouble, or snorkelling !
     
  4. APC

    APC Gigas Clam

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    Atlanta, GA
    My in wall is at 39 inches. I like it because I don't have to bend down to look in the tank. I do need a ladder to clean it though.
     
  5. barbianj

    barbianj Hammer Head Shark

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    My 180 with the Queen Trigger is at 33". All of the other tanks are 30"-31". Its important to make a decision between viewing height and arm length, IMO. :p
     
  6. Scuba Ken

    Scuba Ken Ritteri Anemone

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    100% I fell fowl to the short arm syndrome when doing my scape, shirt off and armpit deep ! I have invested in long sticks with grips on the end for picking up items at the back
     
  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Great advice all! That's exactly the kind of feedback I needed.


    At 36in. I'll still need a small steep ladder to be reaching in, as I do now with ease on my 125 w/o a ladder.

    I do occassionally use kitchen/Bar BQ tongs to reach things on the 125, like fallen frags, ertc.

    MY 180 is only about 3 inches taller.

    Jerry, did you build your 180 stand? Nick and I still need to make a beer trip, opps, I mean read trip up to see all your cool stuff.

    I'd like to hear/read any others advice on this?

    Also, if anyone has a better set of basic stand building plans, please post them!
     
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  9. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

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    Charlotte, NC
    My stand is at 47", 21" tall tank. I'm 6'-4" tall with a 7' wingspan. I can reach the bottom back seam of the tank standing on the ground. I did many measurements before building this to get the maximum height that would allow this.
     
  10. barbianj

    barbianj Hammer Head Shark

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    RocketEngineers design is solid. I built all of my own stands, skinned with granite sides and wood fronts.

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    Last edited: Jul 28, 2013
  11. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    Jerry, just saw this at work here tonight.

    Is that your FOWLR you use ambient light on?

    I'm bowing down and chanting 'I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy, I'm.....'

    Nice stands, I mean nice!

    And go figure, Granite sides! It's as if you had a granite shop or something LOL.
     
  12. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    My stands are both 36" tall with 125's on them. I used 2x6 for the top and bottom frame with no central bracing which was scary, but if you geek out on that RC thread the engineering is solid and I have zero issues. Where did you get a 2x7?