Tank Stand Evolution...

[DN328]

Hey Folks...I've had my tank for about 9 months now and with the lead from my bro-in-law, made a wood wrap for my metal stand. It's not yet complete, as doors are still needed, but wanted to share the progress to date.

This was a real pain in the butt to paint as it had so many parts (including pieces to the door). It probably doesn't look like it from the picture but probably could have painted 4 bedrooms in the time to paint this lol. We're not carpenters or painters by any stretch, but thought it turned out well. It's not perfect, but good enough.

One other thing I like about the design it that there are two end panels and two side panels that are attached like the puzzle - no bolts holding on to the metal stand. It still has a tight fit and can easily and quickly be removed.

Again, just wanted to share in case others (w/metal stands) were ever thinking about this. Let me know if you have any questions.

Before:

After:

 

[xraycer]

Nice!

Especially like how everything is set up so clean underneath there.

 

[millerkid519]

By far the nicest and cleanest tank I have seen as a complete setup. Used the kiss method I see.

 

[DN328]

Thanks for the kind responses Dinh (viet ?) and JM. LOL, I don't how simple it is JM, but I am into the clean look...it can be a challenge in this hobby for sure...

 

[kody929]

That's phenomenal. I can only hope one day I can build a set up like that. I just recently built a wood stand and that was about my limits as I had planned for a sump but didn't have enough confidence to do it. How hard was it to build and how did you test the sump ?

 

[DN328]

That's a nice looking stand you have there - I'd be proud to produce that. This was our first crack at a wood wrap for the metal. Our goal was to make it so pieces that fit together snug with no locks/bracing, yet can be pulled apart.

The sump you see for my tank isn't actually something we made, however, my bro in-law did make his own (for his ~250G reef tank) that turned out really nice as well. Bought 1/2" acrylic (he tends to like "overkill") and made with to accommodate 3 sock filters, refugium/live rock, skimmer and return pump. Below isn't a great shot, but it's a picture of his tank focused on the sump.

There's a lot of basic designs out there really. It depends what you want to be included. This was his second made sump, so it evolved from the first. I'd say the key is making the chambers with baffles for your appropriate needs - it can be a bit tricky, but once you have the basic chambers, you should be fine. Obviously ensure you test for any leaks in advance of installing it.