Help finding/making a stand

[blizzack1]

Hi guys,

I'm mapping out my requirements for my first tank (40gallonish) and, being in an apartment, I need to be a bit creative with placement.

So, I've decided that the most effective spot for it is in between my couch and wall in my living room.

The tank I'm looking at is 12 inches deep by 36, so I'm looking for a stand that is roughly the same size, as the living room is not big and I don't have much more than 14 inches or so to pull the couch out.

The length and width of the stand are not much of a problem, but I need it to be 32 inches high in order to clear the couch.  I've been to Big Al's and they don't have anything over 29 inches or so.  Is it feasable to measure out a block of wood a few inches but otherwise the same size as the stand and simply place it underneath?

Suggestions welcome.

Cheers,

Josh

[luvfishies]

Yep, you could do that.

[darkdep]

Well, if the stand you're looking to buy is flat on the bottom, then you'd need to support all of it; putting a couple of 2x4 pieces under a flat bottom won't be fully supportive and could cause problems (especially since most store bought stands are generally constructed of cheap particleboard).  But, as long as the bottom is fully supported you could definetly do that.

Building a stand yourself might be a better option, although I'm guessing that you might not have a wealth of tools in an apartment.  It would certainly be cheaper!

[damarech]

I made my own stand  As long as the four corners are well supported  and everything is level and sqare you should be OK .

[charlie]

What type of filter are you thinking of- you will have to consider the measurement of the filter if you are going with a hang on type filter, also if you are using a metal stand & the bottom is going to be out of view , maybe you can use some cement blocks.What about maintainence , is it going to be a little difficult in that area.
Regards

[PowderBlueTang]

Build your own a lot cheaper and get the height you want.

[blizzack1]

What type of filter are you thinking of- you will have to consider the measurement of the filter if you are going with a hang on type filter, also if you are using a metal stand & the bottom is going to be out of view , maybe you can use some cement blocks.What about maintainence , is it going to be a little difficult in that area.
Regards

I'm going with a canister filter, which will also squeeze in behind the couch.  The couch is open at one end, which will provide easy access to the tank, and worse case I can just pull the couch out once in a while when I need to do serious maintenance.

However, after visiting Big Al's against last night, I'm considering jumping up to a bigger tank now... how do I draw the line?  First it was a 30 gallon maximum, then 40... now I'm thinking 65 has the same footpring, just an extra six inches thicker.

How do I know when to stop?!  Maybe I'm asking the wrong crowd

Thanks everyone for the advice though!

Josh

[damarech]

A real bad case of  TNBE

[Mettle]

How do I know when to stop?!  Maybe I'm asking the wrong crowd

Definitely the wrong crowd! Haha.  :lol:

Don't forget about access to the filter itself. That has to be practical too in that it'll need maitenance on a regular basis. Not as regular as tank cleanings though.

I was also going to suggest the cement blocks thing for a stand. It's a cheap way to go and very solid. And since it'll be hidden behind the couch, no worries. Any exposed parts can be draped in a nice cloth/blanket/whatever.