Stand foot print vs tank footprint. How much bigger should I make the stand.

[Oughtsix]

I am finally getting some time to work on the stand for my 180g this weekend. It will be a peninsula configuration (small side of the tank against the wall... long sides of the tank jetting out into the room as a room divider.

I need to pin down how much bigger I want my stand than my tank. Any thoughts? I was thinking 1"... which would give me 1/2" on each side. Which I would cover with some trim to hide the bottom of the acrylic tank.

 

[esoxlucius]

I am finally getting some time to work on the stand for my 180g this weekend. It will be a peninsula configuration (small side of the tank against the wall... long sides of the tank jetting out into the room as a room divider.

I need to pin down how much bigger I want my stand than my tank. Any thoughts? I was thinking 1"... which would give me 1/2" on each side. Which I would cover with some trim to hide the bottom of the acrylic tank.

If you make your stand bigger then when you put your trim on your trim will stand proud of your tank all the way around by 1/2". You might like it that way, me, I prefer my trim to be actually touching the tank. To achieve this I make my stands to the same footprint as the tank.

If the stand ends up fractionally too big i'll shave bits off with a small hand planer so the trim fits perfectly. If the stand ends up fractionally too small i'll use the odd washer or two behind the trim so the trim stands proud slightly making it flush with the tank.

 

[Ulu]

My DIY stands are all much larger than the tanks, because I designed them for bigger tanks, when I can afford to upgrade.
There's trim glued to the tanks, except my new acrylic 75. The stand will still be larger.

I built one stand exactly to the tank size, then was nervous until I retired it.

 

[Oughtsix]

I decided to go 1/2" larger... Which is giving me 1/4" all the way around. I have the capability and tools to relieve the back of my trim 1/4" for a flush fit. I like having the bit extra wiggle room.

If I ever replace the 180g I will build a new stand... So I don't have a lot of need to plan for future larger tanks.

I appreciate the replies!