View Full Version : tank stands that hold more than one tank
Dahlia
10-20-2003, 11:25 AM
I am thinking about getting a couple of those tank stands that hold 2 tanks (one on top and one on the bottom). I'm presuming that aside from a less easy viewing, the bottom tank is hard to siphon. I really just want them since I have minimal wall space and I can use them as fry/quarantine/hospital tanks.
Do these kinds of tanks have a specific name? I'm having a hard time looking them up on the internet. If you know of anywhere that sells them in a variety of sizes (or at all) let me know!
Any personal experience with owning and using these is appreciated.
OrionGirl
10-20-2003, 11:31 AM
I have a wrought iron stand that holds 2 tanks with the 10 gallon foot print. I had a 10 on top and a 15 high on the bottom. The problems I had were related to weight--this makes for a very heavy stand. It didn't cause any problems, but was annoying. The siphoning is easy, but I just use a bucket that sits on the floor, and taking the water down 3-4 inche doesn't cause a conflict. You need to make sure the stand is far enough way from the wall that you can get to the bottom filter from the side easily. I don't use it anymore, mostly because I have bigger tanks now. It sits in the backyard and holds flower pots now.
I built my own stand for 2 55's. Rather than the bottom tank being directly below the top, it's stair stepped in front. Much easier to work on the bottom tank, and the top tank is easy to access as well. Total cost was about $30 for wood, screws, putty, paint etc. and it took about 1 day total (drying time included).
EBoxell9584
10-20-2003, 1:24 PM
We've got 2 wrought iron stands. One is a 2 tiered stand that holds the 55 gallon footprint currently we have a 55 (empty because it needs repaired) on top and 45 on bottom. we also have a 3 tiered stand with nothing on it but we are going to replace to 2 tiered with the 2 tiered and put a shelf on top for plants and extra storage space. i like the 3 tiered much better but it is a VERY hard design to find and if weight is a problem with your floors i wouldnt recommend it!
I use multiple two-tank stands - 55 over 33XL, 29 over 20-long, 30XH over 15, etc. Other than some limitation in work space above the lower tanks (especially coupled with aging knees), I think such stands are great. Many of mine use the lower tank as a reservoir/sump/veggie filter for the tank above it, others are independent tanks. Siphoning is not a problem for me as I use the Python for partials.
So long as you do not have total weight issues, and have sufficient working room above the lower tank, it should not be an problem. Visualizing the filter placement and operations required for maintenance before setup is an absolute requirement...don't get caught in the tank equivalent of painting yourself into the corner.
yashinfan
10-20-2003, 4:15 PM
I have a wrought-iron stand that holds a 10 on the bottom and a 23 on the the top. Problems I have had: Siphoning, low light (you NEED to have a light for the tank, natural light is not adequate), if you have a bad back then it's not fun for feeding/viewing, and other than that, just general viewing. But I also have another two-tier stand, I am pretty sure it is made of wood. It holds a 20 on the bottom and a 30 on the top. I have a 5 gallon on the bottom along with the canister of a fluval 203. Again, lighting was an issue.
It's funny this topic came up today. I was looking for one of those stands yesterday and got to the lfs 2o minutes after they closed but I could see what I wanted in the store. (the lfs is 50 miles away :( ) I want to get one for two 29 gallons. Oh well, next weekend.
None of my tanks use natural light, so that is not an issue for me.
Dahlia
10-21-2003, 8:14 AM
Wow thanks everyone! I was considering these stands (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=9883) but your comments reminded me that I like stands that touch the floor on all sides rather than the ones with 4 individual legs. I wonder if I could build a stand, are there websites with stand designs on them? Anyone know of a place to buy wooden stands?
I think weight-wise I should be okay. It's an older house with very sturdy construction (don't make them like they used to...) and I am careful to locate studs and position tanks at a right angle over them near the wall. I haven't had any problems with my 90.
OrionGirl
10-21-2003, 8:18 AM
There are quite a few places that have guidelines for building a single tank, but I haven't seen anyplace for the doubles. However, it's not hard--check out the DIY section, and you'll see lots of plans for tanks, and you can modify one to meet your needs.
that stand leaves the bottom tank a little low for my tastes. i made one for 2 x 10's awhile back and siphoning the bottom tank was a pain. it works for a bit, but if you have to get near the bottom, forget it.
www.garf.org has some DIY stuff
http://www.garf.org/tank/buildstand.asp
edit: wrong link
demon_surfer
10-22-2003, 8:41 AM
I dont imagine it would be too hard to make.
measure out the tank that is going to go on the bottom layer and then use 2 by 4's make a frame that will hold it of the ground (sit it on them) and have more 2by4's coming up round the tank and have another platform above it.
hehe I know really basic description but that is what I would do!