Yet another DIY Tank Stand

[Randy-L]

Hi All,
I'm prepairing to biuld another tank stand. This one is for a 5.5 gallon tank.
Here is a computer rendering of what I am planning.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5Gallon-Stand-03.jpg

So what do you think?

[jojo22]

Dude that looks sweet. And just in time for me as I am starting a 5 gallon set up with a 2.5 display and a 2.5 sump

[graphixx]

I think you need to sell those suckers!!! you would make a killing!!!!

[Sweetpea]

I think you need to sell those suckers!!! you would make a killing!!!!
Agreed! You are very talented!!!

[greg97527]

umm what program did you use for that image? I've used several including google sketch up but that looks pretty nice.

[RHAPALA]

THAT LOOKS SWEET MAN HELLA GOOD JOB

[Randy-L]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the complements.
Greg, I use AutoCad 2000 to do the modeling and rendering.

[Randy-L]

Hi,
I changed the design a little to add a drawer.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5Gallon-Stand2-04.jpg

[dakar]

That's fantastic... very original design... Got this for a project in mind or you building for a client?

[greg97527]

That is really a nice design. I have been designing little sump and fuge ideas but i was looking for a better app that i could design something for my culturing station. going to be setting up a 10 gallon to start culturing my own pods. prices are way to much for pods so i figured if i start my own culture i could help out the reefers and not see them go broke so much just for mandarin food.

[Randy-L]

Hi dakar,
The client that this is for is myself. :-)
if this turns out well I might try to sell a few of these. Built with some good wood, even exotics, could be a market.

[jojo22]

You should find a way to build the peices then take them apart (maby screws with the little wood buttons over the holes) then they would be small enough to ship and you could sell them on the web.

[Sweetpea]

Your designs have been so original and attractive... I'm positive that you could find a market for them!!!

[Randy-L]

You should find a way to build the peices then take them apart (maby screws with the little wood buttons over the holes) then they would be small enough to ship and you could sell them on the web.

That might be possible, I'd have to build one that way and test it for strength.

[hummer]

cool i like!!!!!

[Randy-L]

Hi,
Pictures of the build progress after day one.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5Gallon-001.JPG

http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5Gallon-002.JPG

http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5Gallon-003.JPG

[hummer]

verry cool ...want to bulid me a sum lol...

[hummer]

sump .... imiss the edit butten

[bobert]

dont we all

[dakar]

sump .... imiss the edit butten


dont we all

Should find it enabled again now.

Randy looking fantastic.... what are you using for the portion that is supporting the tank itself to the sides? Just curious, likely wouldn't be an issue for a 5.5g tank with just pegs but could get critical for a 10g version, which I could see being a quite popular design.

[jojo22]

WOW would you mind posting a step by step with how to figure the angles for a bit bigger tank?? I may now need to set one of my 10 gal tanks up again.

[graphixx]

randy, you are truly talented!! I have a 5.5 gallon with a argentine horned frog in it and that stand would be perfect for him.. I love the way your stands turn out and the desisgn is very unique.

[Randy-L]

Hi All,
On the 5.5 Gallon version, the shelf is attached with 20 screws and glued. I know that is way over kill but it was quick and easy.

I am in the process of designing a version for a 10 Gallon tank. With that I may go with a datto joint.

Here is a question:
What do you think that fully finished versions of this tank stand would sell for? Comman woods or exotic woods?

[greg97527]

i would expect that you could get 100+ on ur stands bud, especially using red cedar or similar nice woods. i don't even imagine that it's possible for you to take a loss at these stands as they are great.

[dakar]

Figure your cost for the wood and materials and double it... should give you a moderate price range. What's the 5.5g version taking, 4-5 boardfeet? @ $15-16 a board foot for red oak that should ballpark you quite well, and still be quite fairly priced. Anyone today who actually looks that the 'commercial' stands made today would know right off the differences between a solid wood and laminated or painted partical board!

[Randy-L]

This DIY stand is now nearing completion.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-001.jpg
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-002.jpg
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-003.jpg

The light fixture slides back out of the way.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-004.jpg

[dakar]

Quite impressive looking.... The drawer hiding the tank molding really does the trick.

[carpenterwrasse]

dato and some rabbit joints would clean up the edges and make it stronger... but it is impressive just the way it is.

[jojo22]

B-E-A-UTIFUL!!!

[Randy-L]

Hi,
Well the project is complete.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-005.jpg

Here is a view of the back
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-006.jpg

I installed an A.H. Supply 18 watt compact light with reflector. There is plenty of room around the reflector to disperse heat and the transformer is held away from the wood by washer spacers. Notice I also put in a vent whole also.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-007.jpg
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-008.jpg

And of course there is the drawer the almost disapears wen closed.
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-009.jpg

[hummer]

very nice its not just a stand i would say sell it for $100.00 also take it to your lfs see if thay will let you sell it there....remember wood is cheep (kinda)
not your labor!!! ihave seen my stand for my 55gal sell for $120.00 to $220.00 just depends on where you go and the mark up..

[Randy-L]

Hi hummer,
The tank stand as it is now cost me $95 in material, wood, hardware and light kit.

[Randy-L]

Hi,
Latest pictures
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-010.jpg
http://home.wi.rr.com/rlongroot/fish/5G-Stand-011.jpg

[Sweetpea]

I LOVE IT! :-)

Imo, you should set up an internet store and sell your creations! I think they would be a big hit!

[mutts]

really nice! if you make one for a larger tank you could try making it so it can sit on the ground and the tank be at the right level... does that make sence?

[Randy-L]

I LOVE IT! :-)

Imo, you should set up an internet store and sell your creations! I think they would be a big hit!

I have been thinking of tring to sell these but am not sure I can get enough for them. So here is a question: What would you be willing to pay for a stand like this? Consider that these are made from solid wood of your choice ( this one is Walnut) with the light installed.

[Randy-L]

really nice! if you make one for a larger tank you could try making it so it can sit on the ground and the tank be at the right level... does that make sence?

Hi,
Thanks.
I am in progress of designing and building a simular stand for a 10 gallon tank. The problem with floor srtanding stands is that they are too large and heavy to ship ( for cost reasons).

[Iconz]

Randy, it looks great! The only sugguestion I might have (if you have a table saw, especially) is to take your corners of your sides, and front pieces, and angle the ends so that you don't see the "end" of the wood and all you see is the joint of the two pieces. I'll try to find you a pic. Its just a small, cosmetic thing, but I wish I would have had the tools to do it with, on my big stand.

[Iconz]

Here's ya a drawing of what I'm talkin bout...

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o101/iconz_reef/woodcorners.jpg

[Randy-L]

Hi Iconz,
I have thought of doing that but it can't be done with a table saw or joinner on the stand itself. THe only exposed joint on the stand is at the top where the front is attached and you can't get at it to make the cut. I am give it a try on the light hood though.

Thanks for the comments.
Randy

[Sweetpea]

So here is a question: What would you be willing to pay for a stand like this?

That is a hard one for me to answer. Usually, when I see something I like I check the price and decide if I think it's worth it. I imagine a lot of people shop that way, too. So let me ask you a question in return: What would you like to see a stand like that sell for?

Another idea: see if you can get your LFS to keep a tank set up in your stand in somewhere in the store, preferably by the register, and see what kind of interest is generated. You may find that you could purchase larger quantities of materials and lower your cost. Just a thought...

[Randy-L]

Hi,
There is not much chance of my building enough to be able to get materials at a discount. I would have to sell thise for $125 - $175 to make it worth the effort.

I do plan on tring to get the a LFS to display one to get some feedback interest.