100 Gallon DIY Tank Stand Help

[nickenayat]

I know its a 100 gallon freshwater but thanks for the help anyways...

Intro: I currently have a 100 gallon freshwater tank stocked with cichlids that has been up and running for over 2 years now. I just upgraded to a 30 gallon saltwater tank because I've been dying to start reefing. The new tank has been up a little over a month and its amazing and I'm in love with the reef hobby now (as you guys can imagine) . I've realized I'm going to have to overhaul the 100 gallon in order to keep it on par with the new saltwater and keep me interested .

To get to the point: I am planning to move the 100 gallon into another room in my house and build a nice large stand and canopy for the 100 gallon. Currently the tank is on a very low stand and no canopy. I am hoping anyone has some suggestions of a way to build or general rules when building the stand and canopy. I work in construction so I have the necessary tools and experience with building something that's important just not sure how to go about doing it for my tank.

Other thoughts: I'm also debating on converting the 100 gallon freshwater to a saltwater tank. It would need to be drilled and new sump installed and a whole slew of changes so I may not simply because the financial aspect, but if anyone has a thread or info on a full conversion that would be amazing. Also the other option is convert the tank to a brackish tank or turning it into a discuss only tank or a very full community tank. If you guys have any suggestions to what way I should go about in the overhaul that would be great too.

100 Gallon tank rough dimensions- 60l x 24w x2 4d

P.S.-Will document the overhaul, stand build, and move in a new thread once I start. This post was created away from home so I will post another reply with pictures for a better understanding of what I am planning to do. Thanks for all the helps guys/gals!!

 

[saltyphish]

You can google plans for your tank and stand. Im not able to add one right now. limited what I can do at work. Make sure you get one made with 2x4s and use a center brace. Im guessing a 4ft tank?

 

[Saybng]

Center brace isn't necessary for a 4 footer if you frame it right,..use 4x4's or 2x6'something for your top braces...

 

[ffcrum]

Thats mine i started a few months back for a 180 6x2x2. Over kill for sure but will hold whatever i park on it. Tank is up and running now. I plan on doing a build post but wanted to get the tank established first for pics of finished project

 

[Saybng]

Thats mine i started a few months back for a 180 6x2x2. Over kill for sure but will hold whatever i park on it. Tank is up and running now. I plan on doing a build post but wanted to get the tank established first for pics of finished project

Well done for sure...

 

[nickenayat]

 

[nickenayat]

Thats mine i started a few months back for a 180 6x2x2. Over kill for sure but will hold whatever i park on it. Tank is up and running now. I plan on doing a build post but wanted to get the tank established first for pics of finished project

Great job on the stand. Photos are great help, thanks

 

[nickenayat]

You can google plans for your tank and stand. Im not able to add one right now. limited what I can do at work. Make sure you get one made with 2x4s and use a center brace. Im guessing a 4ft tank?

Dimensions are 5 feet long x 18 inches tall x 18 deep

 

[cracker]

I used 2by 4 for this 180 stand. center braces and ends not installed yet.

 

[mattsreefadise]

Thats mine i started a few months back for a 180 6x2x2. Over kill for sure but will hold whatever i park on it. Tank is up and running now. I plan on doing a build post but wanted to get the tank established first for pics of finished project

How did you end up skinning this?
I built mine the same way, but trying to find a sexy way to skin it.

 

[Enavin]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1169964

I know it references a different forum, however this build concept is incredibly simple and sturdy. You will definitely want to add plywood on at least three of the sides if not all four. I just built mine for my 120g 4x2x2.

I went with 2x6 for the top box and 2x4 everywhere else. Cost me 40$ or so wood + screws. I used 2.5" stainless deck screws. Everything pulled together nice and tight. You could most likely get away without a center support by using 2x6's

http://jonathan.overholt.org/projects/cutlist

Used the above website to make my cut lists. I had very little wasted lumber. Even splits up the lengths of your cuts to reduce crowning in your boards

Using your above dimensions.. and a height of 32" for the stand.. See pictures below!

I'll add a picture of my finished stand once I get home and take one!