Equipment Review and Discussion :: Tank Stands.

[megcornell]

Does anyone know of a good tank stand brand to go by? I'm in need of a 55g one, and my local craigslist doesn't have any good ones and the petstore ones are all particle-board which makes me nervous.
I think I may have to just suck it up and make one. In which case, does anyone have any good tips on that ?

[meltedspork]

I don't know how fancy you are looking to get, but I bought industrial-strength shelving for my 2 55g tanks. It doesn't look as "industrial" as it sounds, it's just wire shelving that is coated in black paint. A 55g tank weighs about 625-650 lbs filled (that's from memory, I can't think of the exact #) so I got shelving that holds 800lbs per shelf. There are 4 shelves so I put one tank on the very bottom, then put the other one above it, left out one of the shelves, and then put the shelf at the very top. It actually looks pretty decent. I can take a pic if you want to see what it looks like. Also it was MUCH cheaper than buying 2 stands or trying to build my own stand to fit 2 tanks (I'll be honest, my boyfriend would have been the one to try to make a stand, I'm not handy like that).

[BullDog]

This is the one I made for Ralph:
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml

It's pretty good instructions, and it has pics. It's for a 75 gal, but you can modify it for a 55 gal, or leave it as-is so if you upgrade your tank, you won't need to build a new stand

I'm working on one for Frankie too, should be done the next day or two (will post pics).

[octpusgirl8]

I built a stand for my 75 gal, it's not fancy looking at all, but i was able to build it with just a power drill and a regular hand saw. You can get a good look at it in this old photo:

I can draw up a diagram if you would like.

Bulldog, i can't wait to see that stand when you get it done, it looks like a really nice design!

[Nettle]

At Super Wal-mart (not sure if they're at regular ones) they have a nice looking one that's pretty sturdy for about $100. You have to put it together, but it's looks nice and works well.




It also has the option of making it half cherry half black or all black.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Another option is a good well-made entertainment center, the kind of tvs that don't box the tv in from all sides. I've seen them rated for 500+ pounds, esp if you find the now-outdated (pains me to say that) kind for non-flatscreen tvs. Also, a good old fashioned dresser or table should work well, those pre-prefab ones. My tank is on my husband's computer desk and it's doing well, it was the best we could do at the time.

[steve]

I'm liking octpusgirl's stand. Perhaps you can get the measurements down and have a local store cut it for you? I've seen a lot of local ads for carpentry type handiwork... you can probably have one built for you too (no need to deal with mess or tools). For another option, Glass Cages also has unstained oak stands.

[megcornell]

Thanks for the ideas guys. My boyfriend is an engineer so hopefully he can build it (he just doesn't know his services are needed yet ).
Octopusgirl- if you wouldn't mind figuring out the dimensions of your stand, I really like it and think I'd like to try for something similar.

[octpusgirl8]

I had the day off today, so i drew up a quick diagram of the stand i built. I put down the measurements i used, but it would be easy to change them to suit your needs. I'm sure it can be improved upon, but it's a good starting point anyway.



I can send it to you in PDF or JPG form if you like

[momerath42]

I would LOVE the file for this tank stand!! I am looking to upgrade in August (when PETCO has the 1$ per gallon sale) but won't be able to afford one of their stands. Thanks so much! Just pm me and I can send you my email.

[mat012]

I don't know how fancy you are looking to get, but I bought industrial-strength shelving for my 2 55g tanks. It doesn't look as "industrial" as it sounds, it's just wire shelving that is coated in black paint. .

I have something similar that I just covered with a fabric cover. It was MUCH cheaper than a built stand. I also tried (and failed miserably ) to build my own. The cost of materials was the same price as the metal stand. The metal stand was about $100. Since the fabric was cheap ($6 a yard, needed 3 yards) - this was also cheap.

Here is the place I got the stand from

http://shelving.com/Merchant2/merchant. ... e_Code=WSS

Here is what it looks like

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[steve]

I'm not sure I would use wire shelving for it. No doubt those are real strong, but I'm not sure how they will hold up in the long run.

[mat012]

I'm not sure I would use wire shelving for it. No doubt those are real strong, but I'm not sure how they will hold up in the long run.

I sure hope they will be fine. We have some shelves that I bought about 8 years ago for storage in the garage. They dont hold nearly the weight of the aquarium, but they have held up well. No rust, still stable etc. Again fingers crossed!

One problem they do pose is that you have to be careful to spread the weight evenly on the bottom of the aquarium. The wire shelves aren't level on top. The actual shelf sits just below the tops of support poles. I had to cut a sheet of plywood to sit on the shelf to make it level with the support pole tops. I put a sheet of plexiglass on top of that to protect the wood in case of water leaks. I am actually a little worried about that - but things seem really stable so far - we'll see... suggestions always welcome!

[meltedspork]

I'm not sure I would use wire shelving for it. No doubt those are real strong, but I'm not sure how they will hold up in the long run.

Just to put my 2 cents in... The wire shelving I use for my tanks is industrial strength and is coated with black paint to prevent rust. It is rated to hold 800lbs per shelf. I trust it far more than some of the stands I have seen at Petsmart/Petco made of cheap particle board or flimsy metal. I know they also sell nice wood stands, but those are far more expensive (especially for 2 tanks) than the $100 I spent on my shelves.

[mat012]

Jayme - I bought the same too. The shelves hold 800lbs. I looked at some from target, lowes and they were not industrial or commercial grade. Those I dont think I would trust to hold the weight. But I tend to agree with you. Those particle board stands seem like they would dissolve with water contact.