Bar top height for aquarium stand in living room

[Huntor0]

I am in the process of upgrading to a 180G reef build and decided to do a little home/ room remodeling at the same time. I found a build thread here that inspired me to cut out parts from a non-load bearing wall to share my new build between my living room and office and include a "œBAR". My question to you all is would you build this at the standard bar height of 42"? Would it look awkward at 36"? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Mcliffy2 "˜s build

 

[Tradewinds]

If it were me, I'd build it 42" tall. The room design in the photo is very nice.

The height would also give you more room for skimmers, etc.

 

[Huntor0]

42" it is, I think I will cut the stand frame to 38" and by the time I add in the plywood top and support foam I should be pretty flush with the starboard bottom I am installing.

Thanks for the feed back.

 

[purebullet417]

there was a 400 gallon build on here that was a bar on all 3 sides or 2 sides man i wish i could find it. it had a total stone surround

 

[Huntor0]

Yup Untamed12's build:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1404616

 

[anbosu]

Definitely 42". I have a 36" stand and there is no way a bar would look right around the edges.

 

[Reefer54]

I would go 36" all day!!

When people are sitting there, wouldnt you like them to look down into the tank instead more up and through it......

I built my stand high (40") because i have 2 young children (who climb on it all the time) and I wish i had gone 6 inches lower.

ON the other hand, the higher up, the more room for sump and filtration if you choose to hide that under the tank. And for that, if you have the room, build your sump and filter next to the tank. I think it is much easier to stay organised and neat, plus you are not constantly contending with small space working while you are hunched over or kneeling.

jm2c.

go with 36.....even 33 if you really want to see what is going on.

 

[Huntor0]

That was my thought with going 36" was living room/office/dining viewing angles from a seated position. I may split the difference and build the stand 36" and the bar top 39-40".

 

[inigomontoya]

I have two tanks both with 42" stands and love the height, tons of room in the stand. Here's my FOWLR


I say go 42" all day