So im looking for a pretty decent sized upgrade. But most tanks either don't have stands or they are in poor condition. Now the advice I need from you guys is, if stands are difficult to build? I have a garage full of tools, saws, ect so I'm good with supplies. I just want to know how to build a trustworthy stand for a 180g tank. I've found an awesome bare tank I've been looking for but no stand... Go figure. So thanks guys and help me with any thing I would need to know before attempting to build a stand. Thanks again.
- Layne
The problem or difficult part will be the skin. The looks of the stand. If you are not picky, home depot or lowes will be sufficient.
The guts or supports are easy as pie. RC has a stand thread. It tells you what girth wood you need vS. Total weight applied.
For instance a 180 gallon 6 footer is something like two 2x8's on the strong side and four 4x4's. That would be over built but in case you add other stuff in weight your good. This is if you don't do a center support which I would do one on the back anyway but bot necessary on the front.
My personal thoughts: ( sorry if I rant)
I spent near 2k on my stand last month. One I'm not all that happy with the design.
Do your homework even look at furniture you want to imitate. Sad thing is stands are usually tasteless. When they can even be one of the highlights of your project!
In hind sight I should have done this:
Higher a steel welder to make my stand. Have it powdercoated as well. Steel allows you to never worry will it hold And you can leave the center open.
Okay now, I hire a master cabinet maker or bad arse carpinter, but with my picture of how exactly I want my stand and canopy built.
Down to the color and dimensions of the trim etc... Touches are what makes it. And knowing exactly what you want will insure you get that.
For instance a nice piece of trim on the top and sides accentuates plenty.
A piece of granite. which I found huge slabs for 200$ or less. The labor is 2x the rock you use.
But like I said you can make it super sweet by purchasing nice sheets at homedepot. Have someone who knows how to apply stAin and color do that part. Trust me the color And finish makes a stand nice or ehhhh.
