What features would you like in a custom stand?

[OO7]

I'm going to be building a custom stand soon for my new reef tank. I am still in the design phase, but am putting together some ideas of what I would like to include in the stand, or rather what features would be nice in a stand.

Things on my "possibilities" list so far include an electrical panel with switch controlled outlets. This will be contained in a section of the tank which does not have water in it to prevent fire and short circuit.

I am also going to be building the tank using 4" x 4" posts for the corners . . . overkill I know, but by using the larger beams, I will be adding threaded feet to the bottom of the tank. This will serve as a means to level the tank without the use of shims.

Other than these two ideas, I'm really open to practical ideas . . . so I ask you . . . . what would features would YOU put in a custom stand?

 

[AZDesertRat]

I built mine 6" deeper front to back than my tank so I had more room underneath for the sump and other equipment. It also gave me a shelf in back of the tank to mount my ballasts and closed loop pump on. A trim piece goes from the stand to the canopy to hide everything.
I would say NOT on the adjustable feet unless it is a very small tank or you are on a solid concrete floor as you are concentrating a lot of weight on 4 little spots.

 

[pjf]

No Center Post!

No Center Post!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8990511#post8990511 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OO7
what would features would YOU put in a custom stand?

No center post on the cabinet doors.

Most of the smaller AGA Modern Series cabinets have no center posts. This makes it easier to install and service the sump.

 

[lecher]

I totally agree with AZDesertRat on the adjustable feet, bad idea. Much better to have weight spread out over the entire bottom of the stand. I prefer to have my stands taller than most store bought varieties, it gives you more working room and gets the tank closer to eye level. The stand I built is 40 inches tall.

 

[scaryperson27]

how about removable panels, so you can have extremely good access to the sump etc, sealer on all wood exposed to water, a shelf for chemicals and stuff. ATO section and an American DJ PC-100A switch panel.

 

[OO7]

I appreciate the feedback on the levelers . . . . that's something I had not thought about.

I also do plan to make the stand both longer and wider than the tank to allow for more room in the cabinet, and also leave room for a tank upgrade someday.

I like the idea of a shelf in the sump for the ballasts and CL pump.

Great ideas so far! Keep 'em coming!

 

[Laakmann]

Im building a stand right now for a 36x40 foot print tank and heres a couple ideas that I am looking into.

Magnetic Side panels, just drill a magnet into the 4x4 posts and place magnets in the side panels. Gives ridiculous amount of access.

Shelf for smaller stuff that doesnt need to get accessed often like ballasts.

Pipe hangers for all plumbing, bulkheads arnt meant to support weight.

Electric Panel.

Shelf over the top of the main body of the closedloop pump, maybe put the CA reactor CO2 tank on top?(and secure it down)

I saw someones thread who turned the hole underside of their stand into a sump by glueing acrylic together directlys in the stand. Very cool and makes for lots of space for everything that can get wet + frag prop area.

 

[xcreonx]

I just finished cutting, welding and grinding a custom steel stand. I used 2" tubular steel. It is longer and wider than my tank and will have wood front and side panels held on with magnets. As others have said, total access is great. I just need to coat it with primer and rustoleum and it'll be ready to go.

 

[OO7]

As of now, my plan for side panes is to have them affixed to the stand. I've seen several examples of "removable panels" gone very wrong (e.g. not staying in place over time, and warping due to moisture etc.).

I do however plan to put one large opening in the front with no center beam.

I also plan to section/wall off a small section on one side of the tank and provide access to this area through a side door. This area will contain an electrical panel with individual switches as well as some shelves for testing equipment, etc.

Pipe hangers as well as wire/cord hooks is a great idea!

I'm really getting some fantastic ideas here! Thanks everyone!