Stand recommendation

[BC United]

Hi Everyone,

OK, I know the topic of aquarium stands may not be as exciting as say lighting or filtration, but I think it is something many in the hobby have probably had to think about, especially if you have kids.

I have a standard 29gallon tank that is in the process of being turned into a reef tank. I will start a separate thread on the tank likely after I upgrade my lights in the next month. Anyways, what i am looking for help with is choosing a sturdy, preferrably hard wood stand to replace the current wrought iron stand I have. The reason is not so much aesthetics, but rather safety as I have a 2 year old who loves the aquarium but sometimes bumps into the stand, holds onto the legs, and could possibly crawl in between the legs and under the stand. The stand is secured to the wall so it could not tip over. I just do not trust the build integrity of the stand, especially as it is starting to show areas of rust.

OK, so I have been looking for a hard wood stand to replace the metal stand. What would you recommend? I do need access to the back as I would like to run electrical wires into the back, or one day install a sump. Two I have been considering:
1) Oak stand made by RJ Aquatics and sold by fishtanksdirect.com (Oak Signature Series 30 x 12 (http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/30x12inchoaksignatureseriesstandandcanopyfreeshipp ing.aspx)), $325 shipped. According to RJ Aquatics (website, http://www.rjaquatics.com/Things_You_Should_Know.html)says it is made of hardwood veneer plywood, and is less likely to warp than solid wood.
2) A solid oak stand from glasscages.com (Glasscages.com - Oak Stands (http://glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=7)). These are cheaper (~$200 shipped), but unlike from RJ's do not come sealed/stained. I have read several negative reviews on the quality of their custom glass aquariums, which has me concerned, but have found no reviews on their stands.
What are your thoughts? What stand did you go with if you were also thinking kid safety too? Do you know of another brand? Do you know of a Michigan company (i am in Ann Arbor) that constructs hard wood stands?
If you are selling a stand that would work for a 29gallon, I would also be interested in hearing from.

Thanks for any in put!

[bluwc]

Build your own, it's cheaper. I built mine to suit my tank and needs. I think it cost me about 80

Here is a link
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/25x25x12-cube-build-13642/[COLOR="Silver"]

[BC United]

Build your own, it's cheaper. I built mine to suit my tank and needs. I think it cost me about 80

Here is a link
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/25x25x12-cube-build-13642/

---------- Post added at 09:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------

Build your own, it's cheaper. I built mine to suit my tank and needs. I think it cost me about 80

Here is a link
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/25x25x12-cube-build-13642/
You stand (and tank) look great. I am trying to avoid building my own for lack of time/tools/space in my apartment. With you stand, it looks like you used pine 2x4s to build the basic frame. Do you worry about this warping due to moisture from the sump?

[Sir Patrick]

Mine is completely child proof-

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture036.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture037.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture038.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture039.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture040.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture041.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture042.jpg




http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture035.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture034.jpg

---------- Post added at 11:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/video003.jpg

[bluwc]

You stand (and tank) look great. I am trying to avoid building my own for lack of time/tools/space in my apartment. With you stand, it looks like you used pine 2x4s to build the basic frame. Do you worry about this warping due to moisture from the sump?
I used poly on it but either way I'm not worried about it. I built it in my living room and the nursery, it took a day so the wife was a little cooperative about it. Since it's somewhat finished, I don't have does on it still lol, it's in my living room. I have a 9mth old almost walking so I put a baby x pen around it cuz he always goes for the sump.

---------- Post added at 10:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 PM ----------

Actually there is a reef club in your area Ann arbor reef club our a2 reef, sir Patrick actually runs it and I'm sure someone in your area might be able to help build you a stand.

[Sir Patrick]

Might be able to talk my father in law into building the exact same stand, but in your dimensions, for around $200. Possibly less- stained and poly'd and ready to go.

---------- Post added at 11:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 PM ----------

The Fish Doctors in Ypsilanti will also order you a stand, if you would prefer a manufactured one. Give them a call, and ask for Tom and mention Captivereefs.com- 734-434-1030.

[Fish Dad]

For a 29 gallon tank there is a big selection of nice stands already on the market.
Very common popular size just make sure you know what you want to do with it, like a sump under it.

I think your going to find its hard to fit your equipment under the stand with only 12 inches wide.
A 2x4 construction would be overkill for a standard 29 gallon but it easy to work with.

I have a 29 fresh water tank and a home made stand, used 3/4 plywood with no 2x4, but no way could I put a sump under it.

[larryandlaura]

Lots of places sell stands. Great Lakes Aquariums and Pruess pets. Also Fish Doctors can get stands. Great Lakes Aquariums has the best selection though. Good luck.

[bluwc]

Yeah Larry, but didn't Great Lakes totally screw up your stand and then told you to fix/cut it yourself?

[larryandlaura]

Yes Troy but it was a easy cut and fix. Still can't beat there price with a stick.

[BC United]

Wow, thanks for all the feedback! I checked out Great Lake Aquarium's and may go with one of their poplar stands. ~$143, which is hard to beat. Thanks again!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Hi BC United,

If you're not dead set on the 29 gallon and haven't ordered lights... I have a stand for a slightly larger tank (36"x18" footprint).

Here's an old pic of the stand with my 50 breeder tank...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2734.jpg

and an even older one with the stand open. (That's a 20 long tank as the sump).
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_0298.jpg

I'm upgrading to a larger tank and am getting ready to sell this stand/canopy. I built it with help from a carpenter friend. Its made of oak (combo of veneer plywood and solid lumber). Has access for wires/plumbing and child safety locks on the doors already (successfully kept sump safe from my toddler). I'm asking $250 for it. I also have a 2 bulb T5HO retrofit (http://www.marinedepot.com/36_inch_Current_USA_Nova_Extreme_T5_HO_Retrofit_2_ 39W_460nm_T5_Fluorescent_Retrofit_Kits-Current_USA-CU01130-FILTRTRFT5-CU01134-vi.html) and an external overflow (http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_CS50_Overflow_Box_External_Overflow_Boxes_for_ Aquariums-CPR-CR1511-FIOFEB-CR1511-vi.html) that I can include for an extra $50.

If you're interested please PM me and we can talk about the details.

Thanks,
Tom

[BC United]

Might be able to talk my father in law into building the exact same stand, but in your dimensions, for around $200. Possibly less- stained and poly'd and ready to go.

---------- Post added at 11:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 PM ----------

The Fish Doctors in Ypsilanti will also order you a stand, if you would prefer a manufactured one. Give them a call, and ask for Tom and mention Captivereefs.com- 734-434-1030.

Well, I am still not settled on a stand yet. I am waiting to hear back from GLA for more info on the framework used in their stands.
I may be interested in your offer to have your father in law build the exact same stand as you showed but for a 29gallon. Would you run the idea past him and see what he would charge? Right now I am just trying to gather all my options.
Thanks!

[BC United]

Hi BC United,

If you're not dead set on the 29 gallon and haven't ordered lights... I have a stand for a slightly larger tank (36"x18" footprint).

Here's an old pic of the stand with my 50 breeder tank...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2734.jpg

and an even older one with the stand open. (That's a 20 long tank as the sump).
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_0298.jpg

I'm upgrading to a larger tank and am getting ready to sell this stand/canopy. I built it with help from a carpenter friend. Its made of oak (combo of veneer plywood and solid lumber). Has access for wires/plumbing and child safety locks on the doors already (successfully kept sump safe from my toddler). I'm asking $250 for it. I also have a 2 bulb T5HO retrofit (http://www.marinedepot.com/36_inch_Current_USA_Nova_Extreme_T5_HO_Retrofit_2_ 39W_460nm_T5_Fluorescent_Retrofit_Kits-Current_USA-CU01130-FILTRTRFT5-CU01134-vi.html) and an external overflow (http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_CS50_Overflow_Box_External_Overflow_Boxes_for_ Aquariums-CPR-CR1511-FIOFEB-CR1511-vi.html) that I can include for an extra $50.

If you're interested please PM me and we can talk about the details.

Thanks,
Tom
Hi Tom,

That is a nice looking stand and I actually do like the dimensions of 40 or 50gallon breeder. But, right now I do not think I want to switch tank sizes, and I do already have the components for the new metal halide light I will be using on the 29. I am on a very tight budget and do not think I can afford the switch to a larger tank. Plus, I have run the idea of getting a 50gallon breeder past my wife in the recent past and it was a no go. At the moment I think it is best to stick with the current setup. Thanks for your generous offer.

[BC United]

Lots of places sell stands. Great Lakes Aquariums and Pruess pets. Also Fish Doctors can get stands. Great Lakes Aquariums has the best selection though. Good luck.
Larry,
What is your opinion of the build quality of the GLA stand you purchased? I could not find any pictures of the inside or back of the stands on the GLA website that might show the framework? What is the frame work like? What type of wood did you end up selecting for the stand? Initially I was thinking poplar, but now I am thinkiing oak may be the safer choice...
Thanks

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Hi Tom,

That is a nice looking stand and I actually do like the dimensions of 40 or 50gallon breeder. But, right now I do not think I want to switch tank sizes, and I do already have the components for the new metal halide light I will be using on the 29. I am on a very tight budget and do not think I can afford the switch to a larger tank. Plus, I have run the idea of getting a 50gallon breeder past my wife in the recent past and it was a no go. At the moment I think it is best to stick with the current setup. Thanks for your generous offer.

Your wise to not cross "the boss". Good luck on the build and please share your adventures with us here on CR via a Member's Reef thread.

Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Well, I am still not settled on a stand yet. I am waiting to hear back from GLA for more info on the framework used in their stands.
I may be interested in your offer to have your father in law build the exact same stand as you showed but for a 29gallon. Would you run the idea past him and see what he would charge? Right now I am just trying to gather all my options.
Thanks!I will talk it over with him this weekend. i will be in touch.

[creefer]

Mine is completely child proof-

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture036.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture037.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture038.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture039.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture040.jpg



http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture041.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture042.jpg




http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture035.jpg


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/Picture034.jpg

---------- Post added at 11:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 PM ----------

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/sirpatrick1/video003.jpg

Ummm....I must have missed this somewhere but this is a sweet idea for a child proof stand! I've been considering something similar but this blows my plan out of the water. NICE!

[Sir Patrick]

Ummm....I must have missed this somewhere but this is a sweet idea for a child proof stand! I've been considering something similar but this blows my plan out of the water. NICE!
Come on over, and see it in person some time.

[creefer]

Come on over, and see it in person some time.

Thanks. I'll take you up on that after the holidays. I just ran into a few unexpected dollars, so I'm putting my build in high gear.