Need advice on building stand for 125 tall

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Gabby, May 22, 2015.

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  1. Gabby

    Gabby Spaghetti Worm

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    Hi everyone!
    So, recently I got a great deal on a 125 Gallon acrylic tank with dimensions 66Lx13.5Wx30H, and it is drilled with a corner overflow. I'll be building my own stand with the help of my dad, who has experience building furniture. My questions/concerns are:

    Are there any special considerations I need to.... consider when making a stand for a tall and narrow tank like this?

    Will it be easy to tip over if I don't make my stand wider than the footprint of the tank?

    This is my first drilled tank- it has a corner overflow with holes in the bottom. Is it better/easier to just leave the underneath of tank empty rather than putting it on some kind of flat support board with a hole cut out for the overflow plumbing? Or is the ability of the bottom to support its own weight compromised because of the drilling?

    Also, I know nothing about corner overflows, but can someone explain why I need two holes in the bottom? (see pic)


    Thanks!
    Gabby
     

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  3. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    The big hole is the drain from the tank and small one is return from dump. I would consider what you want for the sump before deciding on dimensions.
     
  4. Gabby

    Gabby Spaghetti Worm

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    My sump is through the wall in the basement, so I don't need to worry about fitting it underneath. Just would need some storage area for supplies.

    EDIT: This is the reason I'm concerned about it tipping over, because it would be so top heavy without a sump underneath.
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2015
  5. Stovebolt-V8

    Stovebolt-V8 Feather Duster

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    For what it might be worth I would recommend you have it near 31" tall but make the depth close to 24". You could slide the tank forward if you don't want to see the wood edge. That would help your stability quite a lot. Don't forget that the tank with water is VERY heavy, use only solid quality wood, NO pressboard! :mad: Must be nice to have the sump below in the basement :)

    PS: I'd say it's a mater of choice on a solid top with holes for the tubes or open with cross braces. I prefer a solid top with plus size holes for the tubes :)
     
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  6. Gabby

    Gabby Spaghetti Worm

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    Thanks for the advice Stove! If I went with 24" for the depth, that would also leave room for future upgrades! :rolleyes:

    Yes, it is really nice being able to have the sump in the basement. We have a split-level, so it's perfect because the DT is on concrete, so I don't have to worry about tank weight, and the sump stays cool, hidden, and quiet in the basement :)
     
  7. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    I think there is enough weight there to not worry about tipping over, provided the stand is well leveled. I have never seen anyone build the stands wider than the tanks for the purpose of stability (I have seen it to accommodate larger sumps). I would recommend that if you are worried, you strap the stand to the wall with a simple "L" bracket. Then there is no chance of a tip over.
     
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  9. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Agreed with above. 800+ lbs doesn't move too easily.
     
  10. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Alot depends on the surface the stand will be placed.If it is flat i.e. tile,hardwood,concrete etc. it should be fine.If it is to be placed on carpet that could make it a little unstable and I would add a brace to the wall as coylee already suggested.
     
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  11. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    OK Gabby, hold the phone here a minute.....

    I've built my own stand for my current 180 DT (also a basement sump system).
    Mine is all glass, and the area underneath the stand is open.
    It supports on the perimeter, and has two crossbaces across the top too.

    Here's where I'd like you to hold up a minute.

    YOU have an acrylic tank- different animal.
    From what I've read on the stand building, etc,
    The entire bottom MUST be supported.
    Yes, there can be a cut out and/of holes drilled for the returns and drains for the
    Reef ready however.

    Gabby- you also questioned the two holes in the overflow.
    If you'd like to know all about that, AND, a better alternative to using only 1 for the drain instead of both,
    Look up the 'Herbie Overlfow'- lots of threads on it on different boards.
    Trust me- learn about this and whether you use it or not, you'll know all you'll ever need to know about using that style drain/overflow.

    Also- the stand-
    Look up 'Rocket Engineer' Stand Template design- use this as your guide and your stand will never fail.
    This one is mostly on Reef Centrals board (the dark side)

    Good luck and congrats on the new tank
     
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  12. Gabby

    Gabby Spaghetti Worm

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    Thanks Todd! I didn't know acrylic tanks HAD to have a support underneath the entire bottom! I'll look up those things you mentioned.

    I may end up trading this acrylic tank for something that is more cube-like anyway. I'm not sure how I'll like having a tall and narrow tank... Anyone know of anyone who's tried a tank with these dimensions?

    Lucky I'm not in much of a hurry and probably won't do the transfer until this fall, so I've got plenty of time for planning :)