Tank Height

**DragonWatch** · 03-11-2009, 11:54 AM

So I've mentioned before that I'm planning another tank. It's going to be a longterm project, and it'll start with making the frame and then cladding it in awesome. pretty wood to make a custom cabinet that will hide all the external equipment and support the tank. The tank I'm envisioning will have dimensions of 1800mm x 600mm x 600 (about 6ft x 2ft x 2ft) and have a total volume (when empty) of +-648 litres (171 US gallon).

As stated, this is in the planning phases. I am about ready to start the metal frame, but I have a question. Keeping in mind the footprint and place the stand will be placed (on a concrete floor with carpet over it). How high should I make the frame? More height means more space to pack things and leave the outside room neat, but also means as a whole it'll get more and more topheavy and makes maintenance harder and harder. Please give your opinion.

**Honey Badger 1** · 03-11-2009, 12:06 PM

if it were me, i would make the stand tall/short enough, so that when the tank was on it i could easily touch the bottom of the inside without having to stand on anything including my tippy-toes. this way i could add/remove or move things like plants and not worry about knocking over the aquarium. i think if you made the stand slightly longer and wider than the aquarium you wouldnt have to worry as much about it being top heavy. this is only my opinion, hope its a useful one.

**Northernguy** · 03-11-2009, 02:12 PM

I would go with at least 24-30" under the tank.
I'm not vertically challenged so height is not an isue.Is it for you?
Have you got a design in mind for a base and tank?

**cocoa_pleco** · 03-11-2009, 02:14 PM

depends if youre short or tall, but usually its around 24".

**bushwhacker** · 03-11-2009, 02:31 PM

i built my stands 30 inches high and 1 inch longer and wider than the tank

**Northernguy** · 03-11-2009, 02:58 PM

Here is a good plan for a DIY tank.
http://www.dudeiknow.com/aquarium/

**DragonWatch** · 03-11-2009, 03:11 PM

I'm on the short side. My current tank's gravel is 25 inches off the floor and if nee to do something on the substrate it's already getting a bit uncomfortable. And the new tank will be about 6 inches deeper...

NG : Thanks, I'll definately take some ideas from that site. Still wondering if I shouldn't bite the bullet this time and do a sump tank... I do have a design for the stand in mind. The tank will be custom made, but of the plain old glass box variety...unless you guys have better ideas ;-)

Point taken about the inch longer and wider, I'll definately include that in my plans.

**bushwhacker** · 03-11-2009, 06:20 PM

dragonwatch heres a cple pics might give ya a few ideas the first pic is the inside to give you an idea of the construction and the second is the outside (the pretty wood cladding) lol this is 100 year old barnwood... oh i should mention theres less than 50 dollars of material in that stand, its for a 75 gallon tank

**terrapin24h** · 03-11-2009, 06:21 PM

my stand for my 65(which is the same height as your tank) is about 30" tall. I am 6'1", and standing on the floor, i can almost get to the bottom of the tank, but it's a stretch. But a word of caution on your height; i'd go 3ft(36"). The filter i have(fluval) is too tall with the aqua stop valve and hose connections to fit comfortably under my stand--the hoses get bent at a very acute angle. My stand has a shelf above the doors, and that is what is causing me grief. Check the different filter heights and try to make your cavity a bit larger. I realize you'll prob be using a custom wet/dry or sump for this tank, but just though i'd warn you about that.

--chris