Tall stands?

[MightyMike]

So I've been shopping for a stand for my 120 (48 x 24 x 24) and most stands seem to be in the 30" tall range. I feel like this would be a bit shorter than I'd like. Not only would extra height leave more room for equipment beneath the tank (skimmer etc) but it would also keep my tank a bit closer to eye-lever. Has anyone been able to find taller stands? 36"+ ? I'm also thinking about building one, or having one built and was wondering if the taller stand is a bad idea from an engineering standpoint? Obviously the weight would be centered higher and you wouldn't want your tank to be dangerously tipsy-top heavy, but then again 120 x 8 and change lbs works out to like, I dunno, 1000+ lbs, that shouldn't really be moving any direction but down with gravity. Also, I've heard that you don't want the tank to be too tall to get into and reach the bottom, but I'm actually 9 and a half feet tall so this won't be an issue, ok just kidding but I have a step ladder. :smoker:

 

[Tonyscoots84]

my last tank stand was for a 75 gallon tank that i built myself.. it was about 36" high... no problems at all... as long as you have the proper bracing and supports u should be fine...

 

[scumonkey]

My stand is 40" tall and my tank is 30'" tall.....no problem.
can send you step by step pics w/directions to build if ya want?!

 

[loismustdie]

my 180 is on a 40 inch stand. Easy to work under.

 

[Dace]

my 180 is on a 40 inch stand. Easy to work under.

Chris can you take pics of your tank and stand and post them....
i think we all would like to see how a tall stand and tank look like. to help with the building of this thread

 

[deelucky]

my stand which was just built is 35"tall and the tank is 24" for a total of 59" not including the hood which is another foot

 

[PalmTree]

My stand is 40" high I think. I looked all over the place for a stand this high and found mine on RC. The previous owner had it custom made and it worked out great. Talled the better!

 

[masterswimmer]

Mine is in-wall and I built the bottom of my tank at 45". Totally at eye level. Yes I use a step ladder, but so what, viewing is very comfortable.

swimmer

 

[MightyMike]

Thanks, I think this will definately help guys! :grouphug: Did anyone encounter any plumbing pros or cons with a taller stand? Maybe needing a stronger return pump to move water that much further against gravity? Chris and Scumonkey, and anyone else with tall stands, pics would be wonderful if you could! Russ I sent you a pm.

 

[jhale]

my stand is 36"

I like having more room under the tank, the added height won't
make that huge a difference with the return pump.

another one I made for steve is about 40" I think,
this build shot show's how much room you can have,

 

[bad coffee]

my 20 gallon stand is 34" tall

my new 58 is 37" I would like to have it at 40 or so, but the proportions didn't look right when I drew it up.

If the stand is built square, and the floor is level (or shimmed) the tank should be okay. If you're doing a 120, that's about 1000 pounds. It's not like you can bump it and it will fall over.

B

 

[scumonkey]

here's a bad pic of tank on stand (stand still under construction).
stand 40" Tank 30" tall

 

[MightyMike]

Thanks to everyone for posting pics, also I would love to see the progression steps from those of you who chose to DIY. I'm interested in keeping a 55gal sump beneath the 120, which would both be 48" long. Do we think it's possible to do without the side bottom braces of a stand to accomodate a sump that is as long as the tank (without compromising strength and stability)? If it's a custom stand, I'll make sure the sides have doors as well as the front.

 

[scumonkey]

some reduced shots taken from my tank build thread I haven't posted yet.
I hope this helps?!

Sump is an AGA 39g -23"Tall -plenty of room

 

[nyfireman3097]

My 120g stand is 46" tall

 

[jackson6745]

WOW Nick thats pretty high. Do you have a pic of you or someone standing next to the tank for scale?

 

[nyfireman3097]

No I dont but come on over this weekend and check it out have a few bring chris out with you he needs a break lol

 

[cali_reef]

No I dont but come on over this weekend and check it out have a few bring chris out with you he needs a break lol

Make Tony stand next to it

 

[nyfireman3097]

lol I dont feel its that tall I think its perfect you stand there and look into it instead of looking down on it