Starting A Reef Tank: Part 3

The Stand

A reef tank stand is very important for obvious reasons.  This supports all the glass, water, plastic, sand, rock and livestock.  I would argue that maybe this is the most important purchase. :-)  Some of the key attributes for choosing a stand are: material, size (duh), cabinet space, quality.  You want to make sure the material is not cheap and can last overtime (no warping, sag, occasional water contact).  You want the size of the stand to be such that the edges of the tank are resting exactly on the frame/load bearing parts of the stand.  For a reef tank you will want ample cabinet space under the stand for a sump system (or other things) so make sure you have forethought here to measure space requirements for the sump (or other things).  Quality is a broad term here that is really an individual preference.  What I consider quality may not mean that to you.  In general terms if you buy your stand you want somethings that is stylish with good craftsmanship and sturdy design.  A stand with good assembly instruction (if you have to assemble it).

Good Space Under Stand

Actually, you don't have to purchase a stand.  Depending on the size of the tank you are going with you may already have a piece of furniture in mind to use as your stand.  Many moons ago when I had several freshwater tanks I did this.  I was in college and did not have much money so I used an old piece of furniture that my parents gave me.  Surprisingly it was perfect for a 55 Gallon rectangle

tank.  Now at the time I assumed it was good enough because it was made of real wood not particle board and I thought that was all that mattered.  It had a top and a shelf near the bottom and the feet were large circles about 5 inches in circumference.  Later years I realize I was very lucky.  Yes the material of the stand was a big part of the reason it worked but more so I think now is that the large circular feet was also the reason the stand worked.  Those allowed for the weight of the tank to be distributed across a large area versus focused on just 4 points.  This is key to choosing a stand from existing furniture and for that matter even if you buy one.  If you have a stand that has a small base and the weight is not distributed well, i.e. it is focused in a small area, you risk stressing the material over time and have a catastrophic blow out of the material and tank will go boom and sadness happens.

If you are very handy with wood working and not scared of a DIY project I would recommend just building your stand.  I have found many great plans and designs on the internet for a great stand.  Really here you are only limited by your resources and time.

Here is a link to a well thought out design and has been used by many people.

DIY Stands Template and Calculator


More to come...