Aquarium Tank Stands

[jvin85]

Couldn't find anything using search.

I'm fairly new to the hobby so I don't know much about aquarium stands.

I'm looking to upgrade my current 35g(36x12) to a 65g(36x18) or a 75g(48x18).

My LFS (Big Al's) sells stingray stands. They look nice but I couldn't find any reviews online. I was wondering what people think about these stands? or if anyone has any suggestions. (or should I scrap the idea of wooden stand and just stick to bare metal?)

 

[Dark Jester]

Not much experience with prefab stands here, but if you're DIY inclined, you could just build your own. This is a pretty good plan that I've used: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/Double_55_diy_pt1.php

Can modify the dimensions any way you like, it's solid as a rock. The one I built was for a 55, but I made it wide enough to take a 75g later on if I want to upgrade, also shortened it a little (big enough for a 40 breeder, but can't fit another 55 under there at the moment). You can put one together in a day for a fraction of the cost of a premade stand.

 

[jvin85]

I am completely a DIY type of guy, but I'm hesitant as I don't believe I have the proper tools to make a DIY stand. Not to mention I want to keep it in my bedroom and so I'd have to stain the wood etc... it just seems like I would be better off buying something if I can find a reasonably priced stand.

 

[Brian_Indiana]

How much are they? I couldn't find them on the website.

How handy are you at working with wood? You can make a nice DIY 48x18 skelton stand for as low as $25 and go way up from there depending on how nice and custom you want it to be. I am really suspect on most LFS stands weight capabilities. I might be overcautious, but peace of mind is definitely worth something.

 

[Dark Jester]

I am really suspect on most LFS stands weight capabilities. I might be overcautious, but peace of mind is definitely worth something.

Same here. That's why I built the stand I did, it's way overbuilt for just a 55. Could probably load 2000 lbs on it and not have any issues.

Anyway, not much in the way of tools needed. All I used was a jig saw, drill, and straight edge. If you have a cut list, home depot/lowes will actually cut the wood for you for a little extra.

If you're planning paint/stain/trim/etc, then yeah, the cost factor will start to balance out. I just let my 3 and 5 year old boys color all over mine.

 

[jvin85]

Yeah their website didn't seem to show them anymore. I walked into my local one today and got the pricing:

Stingray Stand 48x18: $149.99 CND
Stingray Stand 36x18: $129.99 CND

Brian, that is exactly my fear (weight capabilities). I've only truly seen empty show tanks on those stands. For some reason there's no place online with reviews of such items.

Ye

 

[bbortko]

This is a simple 2x4 frame w/wainscoating slats. Cost about $100 to build for a 125. Left it plain since I plan on replacing my furniture next year and didn't want it to clash with whatever I buy. Simple, cheap, and strong enough to hold a truck.

 

[Dark Jester]

^^^ That's a really nice stand, have a blueprint for it?

 

[bbortko]

^^^ That's a really nice stand, have a blueprint for it?

Sorry no blueprint, I just made it up as I went. You can take any 2x4 plan and modify for your needs, then wrap with the wainscoating slats and stain to your liking. I figure that with the slats you will get some texture withou having to spend a lot of money on the trim needed to dress up plywood. Here is a picture of the actual frame.

 

[impala]

Stingray stands are pressed wood, down the road they will absorb spilt water and swell/expand, not to sturdy, when the tanks filled with water it's is easy to rock them back and forth. They are way to short, all big als display tanks/stands are on 4-5" platforms.
DIY is the way to go, or at the very least upgrade from the stingray!