thinking about buying a 120

P

phillrodrigo

New member
I found a 120 for sale on this forum the other day. I want it to replace my 75. I don't want to build a new stand. I actually kinda want to build one it was pretty fun but I think I spent over $200 building mine. IM pretty sure I can make mine work with a little altering but I may not even need to. My 75 is 18 inches wide the 120 is 24. My stand is a 3/4 birch then 1 X 4 wraps around the birch ply wood so I had a nice edge. The entire top of my stand is 25 inches. The 1 X 4 over hangs about 1.5 inches. So about a inch of the front wouldn't be on any framing. I'm thinking it's a bad idea to have the tank not sit on any framing. I could add a 2 X 4 to the back and make it wider that way. If I did that I would probably cut the old ply wood back some so it would have more support than if I just cut a 2 inch strip. What would be the best way to make this work.
 
You really just need to make sure each corner is stable, level, & solid to the floor. Kind of how a metal stand is if you can remember those wrought iron stands that used to be around. Make that happen& you should be fine.
 

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I wouldn't recommend it, you don't want to come home and find a reef on your floor. Better safe than sorry.
 
Your probably right. I'll screw in a 2 X 4 to the back and make it wider that way. I don't need much a 2 X 4 on its side screwed to the one on the back should give me the width I need.
 
Not to worrie

Not to worrie

Phill,
I to have a 120gal reef tank that I bought on this site. I also built the stand my self.
I'm not finished yet need to make the canopy and attach doors.
I've been making cabinets for about 15years

Mine is made out of oak plywood and 4 2x4s in each corner with a 2x4 top frame and 3/4" oak plywood top
The cabinet itself is 23" and the top is 25
I calculated the the total wight of the tank with the water,sand and rock is about
1500lbs
I've had it set up in my living room for about 4 months
And it has not budged . Assuming you have some sort of frame inside your cabinet I think you will be fine , But if you want to add something to the back of the cabinet supported to the floor that will work too.
Feel free to pm me if you want and I'll send you some Picts of mine.
I actually documented the whole project with Picts
Lol!! I'm kinda obsessed ... Yea I got bit by the saltwater bug!!
I have about $300 invested in the cabinet and close to $3000 in the tank
But the whole thing is worth I'm guessing close to $8000 or more
Mario
 
Mariov said:
Phill,
I to have a 120gal reef tank that I bought on this site. I also built the stand my self.
I'm not finished yet need to make the canopy and attach doors.
I've been making cabinets for about 15years

Mine is made out of oak plywood and 4 2x4s in each corner with a 2x4 top frame and 3/4" oak plywood top
The cabinet itself is 23" and the top is 25
I calculated the the total wight of the tank with the water,sand and rock is about
1500lbs
I've had it set up in my living room for about 4 months
And it has not budged . Assuming you have some sort of frame inside your cabinet I think you will be fine , But if you want to add something to the back of the cabinet supported to the floor that will work too.
Feel free to pm me if you want and I'll send you some Picts of mine.
I actually documented the whole project with Picts
Lol!! I'm kinda obsessed ... Yea I got bit by the saltwater bug!!
I have about $300 invested in the cabinet and close to $3000 in the tank
But the whole thing is worth I'm guessing close to $8000 or more
Mario
Click to expand...

Mario's stand is very professional looking!
 
It's level and stable right now but what will happen when I put a tank on there and then add water and rock. Is that gonna sag once the weight is added or will the weight hold it in place. I personally think it may be fine but don't want to find out the hard way that it wont
 
I am down to help with the added support. I think adding the 2x4 on it's face along the back that is level with the current top and then 2x4 legs supporting that would be enough support. Painted black it wouldn't be a visually noticeable addition but would beef it up, better safe than sorry.
 
I may go for it. Just got to figure out how to go get the tank. Anyone have a vehicle that will fit a 120. For some reason I don't think it will fit in my eclipse even though I picked up my 75 in my eclipse.
 
One other thing. I've never owned a oak trimmed tank. Is the oak just a covering over black plastic. Can I take the oak off and paint it black. Another thought is its really oak I think a dark black stain will work
 
JerSaint said:
Where is the tank? As far as the trim I think a bit of black paint and a steady hand is the route to take.
Click to expand...

I usually repaint even black trim. I sand it down with a da. Then I get Po primer from the body shop my brother works at. Po primer opens the pores in the plastic. Tape the tank. Spray with Po primer. Let it sit for 10 minutes for the Po to do its job and spray with black spray paint. The paint will not chip or come off. I highly recommend getting Po primer for painting plastic.
 
When are you planning to do it? I think oakville is between us but I'm not really sure. I gotta get up there for those zoas anyhow.
 
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