Custom Tank Shelf/Stand

[sleeby]

I am planning a stand that will hold at least two shelves with tanks. The tanks will all be 12"H or under (30G long, 20G Long, 10G). My 20GL measures as 13" high when I measure it. . .

Question - for maintenance and tank access, what height would you recommend between shelves? I'm thinking 17 or 18" would be the minimum but not sure if that should be more.

Thanks for any advice!

[korith]

Give yourself enough room to get a python in there for water changes. Also remember to account for the height of the lighting hood as well. I'd probably give at least 6" clearance. I think I saw this one diy stand over on monsterfishkeepers where someone had the tank on a rolling shelf that could be pulled out for working on the tank.

[sleeby]

Yeah, 6" is about what I was thinking. . .just would hate to build it and then find out I needed more. :-)

[Northernguy]

I left 6" on mine and its almost tight to work in.I find it rough sometimes but manageable!
Get some pics as you build it! I'm interested!:22:

[MrJim]

How much room do you need to raise up the the filter to remove it or to remove any taller decorations? That might play into it too. Also when you slide the hood forward to vacuum the back area of the tank will you have enough room to do it easily?

[terrapin24h]

I have an iron stand that holds 2 10 gallon tanks. There is a foot or so of distance between the top of the bottom tank and the top shelf. It's tight getting stuff in and out of the tank, but doable. Give yourself AT LEAST 8-10" especially as your tanks are larger and will possibly have larger stuff in them. One other thing, if you use a siphon vac to clean your tank and do water changes, make sure the bottom tank is a few inches off the floor. Mine sits so low it's VERY hard to get a siphon going, and then it isn't very strong. Thanks goodness for pythons, they suck the water(and stuff) right out :) With a siphon vac, i didn't get enough lift. You may also want to make a false wall/compartment type deal on one side to hold air pumps, food, etc post pics!

--chris

[Uppy]

Give yourself enough room to get a python in there for water changes. Also remember to account for the height of the lighting hood as well. I'd probably give at least 6" clearance. I think I saw this one diy stand over on monsterfishkeepers where someone had the tank on a rolling shelf that could be pulled out for working on the tank.

I have been thinking about a rolling shelf idea too! Do you think you could find the link to the MFK article you read about it? Thanks, Jason.