Stand for a 15 gallon IM AIO.

[cdemoss01]

Hello,
I need a new stand for my cube because my current one will definitely not hold the tank when it gets setup. The current stand in question is a metal art desk that tilts up when prompted. You can see it below it does not have the cabinet attached. So what should I use for a stand? Should I build my own?

 

[TX_REEF]

building your own is a great route if you're handy, you can be sure it will support your tank and you'll save some $ as well as the design will be exactly as you want it. I prefer to build my own stands, especially for shallow tanks, so I can make them taller. The below might also be of interest:

Amazon.com

 

[cdemoss01]

building your own is a great route if you're handy, you can be sure it will support your tank and you'll save some $ as well as the design will be exactly as you want it. I prefer to build my own stands, especially for shallow tanks, so I can make them taller. The below might also be of interest:

Amazon.com

Interesting. I am 14 and my dad is pretty handy. What would you recommend I do for a DIY? And also how much $$$ is usually saved?

 

[TX_REEF]

It depends on what you plan to build exactly as far as cost, but you can generally expect a DIY stand to cost no more than 25%-50% of the cost of a prefab stand. Check my tank thread if you like, I have cost breakdown of a super super simple sturdy stand. 2x4 for frame with thin, veneered plywood skin will yield a sturdy and cheap stand that you can paint or stain however you wish. Use wood glue and stainless steel screws at every joint for maximum stability, although for a tank that size, you don't have to worry too much.

 

[cdemoss01]

It depends on what you plan to build exactly as far as cost, but you can generally expect a DIY stand to cost no more than 25%-50% of the cost of a prefab stand. Check my tank thread if you like, I have cost breakdown of a super super simple sturdy stand. 2x4 for frame with thin, veneered plywood skin will yield a sturdy and cheap stand that you can paint or stain however you wish. Use wood glue and stainless steel screws at every joint for maximum stability, although for a tank that size, you don't have to worry too much.

Right. I calculated weight and its about 180 pounds so 200 pound weight would be good. How would I make sure its completely stable? And leveling is important as well correct?

 

[TX_REEF]

yes levelling is important, ensure all vertical 2x4's are equal size. 2x4 frame will have no issue supporting 200 lbs, they are generally rated for thousands of pounds when constructed properly. Feel free to give my tank thread a look and/or check out this video for construction tips for stability.

 

[cdemoss01]

yes levelling is important, ensure all vertical 2x4's are equal size. 2x4 frame will have no issue supporting 200 lbs, they are generally rated for thousands of pounds when constructed properly. Feel free to give my tank thread a look and/or check out this video for construction tips for stability.

Ah awesome thank you. I can get wood and stuff at Lowes?

 

[TX_REEF]

Ah awesome thank you. I can get wood and stuff at Lowes?

of course - lowes, home depot, no problem.