Wood and Sheetrock Tank Stand

[SoloGarth]

So after having talked to a few people about how the stand for my tank was made I thought I would post some pics of the process on here in case anyone else is looking to do something similar. This setup was actually made back in 2011 and has been running since then.

The stand is made of 2X4s, sheet rock and some old Formica counter top.

It is sort of a hybrid between an in wall tank and regular tank stand. This was done due to the high ceilings of my house making it impractical to install a full wall to make the tank "in wall". Instead the tank stand matches the walls of the house but is free standing. There are no doors as everything is accessed from behind the tank.

Here is a pic of how it looks finished:

Pics from the build:

 

[SoloGarth]

Here is a not so great shot from the back:

 

[Indymann99]

Looks good, like the look of the stand.

 

[SoloGarth]

Thanks. It has some definite benefits. It is cheaper than a solid wood stand to build. Also it has a ton of space underneath. Compared to those cheap pine stands it looks better IMO. I also think it is somewhat lighter than a solid wood cabinet would be which was important because the tank is a 120 on the second floor.

 

[Avgou]

It was great meeting you today and seeing your reef. Greatly appreciate the hospitality and the sharing of knowledge.

 

[corvettecrimson]

Great looking stand, Nice work tank looks beautiful!

 

[SoloGarth]

It was great meeting you today and seeing your reef. Greatly appreciate the hospitality and the sharing of knowledge.

No problem. It's always nice meeting new people in the hobby. A large part of the reason I sell frags.

Try to take some pics to document your upcoming tank build. That is one thing I wish I had done more of. I would have loved a picture of my Dad and I carrying that tank up the stairs haha. I was pretty sure I was going to die.

 

[SoloGarth]

Great looking stand, Nice work tank looks beautiful!

Thanks. You are in Torrington CT?

 

[SoloGarth]

I figured I would add this to this thread since it was asked elsewhere:

Construction of the "floating" lighting hood

I actually got the initial plan from this from this blog:
http://blog.marinedepot.com/2014/05/my-diy-hood-for-t5-radion-led-lighting.html

Here is a link to the T5HO ballast I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I3LSTM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

They make a 4x 54w version as well.

Here are the T5 sockets I used.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012Z02T7Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

The reflectors I have had for years and I am not exactly sure where they came from.

The hood is made (I believe) of 3.5" X .5" poplar boards from HD. Also two types of molding.

Inside dimensions are 48" X 16.5"

Those lights are dusty. . .