Wanting to build the perfect stand and looking for ideas

[AZDiveMan]

Longtime lurker..first post.

I just finished setting up my garage/mancave/woodshop and I am thinking that a good starter project would be to build my daughter a stand for her incoming fishtank. so...

What are the things that have popped in your guys heads when you think "I wish my stand had the ability to.."? Things like?

1) easy access to sump, etc
2) hidden waterproof timer/outlets
3) things to make cleaning and maintenance easier?
4) maybe spray the inside with rubberized coating for easy clean up and less rotting?
5) hidden drawers?
6) Easy way for water changes?


My wife and I are expecting a baby boy in about 4 to 6 weeks, so my biggest goal is to build something that will make things less....um...time consuming...lol.

Thanks guys looking forward to hearing ideas. Even if its something crazy...

 

[AZBigJohn]

Things I wanted in a stand (but ended up not getting as I bought a bowfront aquarium and just used the stand it came with:

1. Extra height to bring the tank up to eye level
2. removable panels for easy sump access
3. a built-in, covered electronics area to organize all the wires, and keep as moisture and salt-creep free as possible
4. recessed lighting for both the entire cabinet, as well as grow lights for the refugium
5. A water-proofed well to catch / contain spills.
6. Door latches to prevent little, inquisitive hands (grandkids) from opening the panels/doors

With my current stock cabinet, of those 6, I have exactly 0.

Congrats on the soon to be new arrival! And glad you came out of the lurking shadows!

 

[adova]

If you know how to weld, steel is great. If you don't know how to weld, it is fun to learn! You can powder coat it and it will last. the biggest benefit to me is that you get a lot of extra room...

 

[full sinthetik]

I love my steel stand, had a friend here locally build. Just need to skin it with magetic removable panels.

 

[incapearl]

I do like having space to get in the sump. Most important to me. Used a 2x6 to support my 6' long tank with no problems. That helped me eliminate the center support for a fully open cabinet.

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