Tank stand doo-dads

[hatcheridiot]

Howdy all,

I'm starting my first tank ever and will building the stand for it too.

I was wondering....aside of being hellaciously stout and reasonably water resistant with some bulk storage...are there any other nifty doo-dads or features that may come in handy. Being a first timer, I haven't the foggiest working knowledge of aquarium care. However, I do know a thing or two about carpentry and plumbing! Bonus!

Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[Aislinn]

How big a tank are you doing? If it's a big tank and you're going to do a canister filter, then whichever cabinet the filter will go in, line it in cork. It'll absorb the sound. Good canisters make very little sound anyway, but if you line the cabinet in cork you probably won't hear it at all.

 

[hatcheridiot]

Thanks for the great idea!

This first tank is a 29gal and I'll be using an Aqua Clear 110 (for 110gal tank) hang-on powerfilter. This is way overkill but I'll be housing some messy eaters...either some crayfish or a largemouth bass or two.

But your suggestion is great! I plan on going to a 75gal if I don't kill everything in the 29gal! I figure I'll start small and go from there. I will most likely use a canister filter in combo with another filter for the 75 and I was thinking of some kind of sound deadening technique too....cork would be great!

Thanks again for the input.

 

[hatcheridiot]

I think I'll look into getting a mini-fridge/freezer for fish food and stash that under my 75 gal if I get one.....that might be kinda trick! Hey, and while I'm at it...I can put cupholders on the side!..jk

 

[PDX-PLT]

I was thinking about putting a retractable hose reel in mine.

 

[Rbishop]

I added the slide out shelves in all of mine. It is great to pull the canisters out fully for easy access during maintenance. Mount the power strips up high and to the center divider if you have one.

 

[Ketso]

I added the slide out shelves in all of mine. It is great to pull the canisters out fully for easy access during maintenance. Mount the power strips up high and to the center divider if you have one.

Good idea RB. I was just thinking the other day that, along your idea, a slide out tray near the top of the stand would be great. I'm always looking to set something down and the 3" lip of top of the tank stand is just a bit too small. I havent knocked/dropped anything YET, but I am sure the day is coming.

 

[Que]

I've been thinking about putting LEDs in my tank and various bubble making things but what I think would be cool is to make controls for both at the front by the top of the stand. I think kids (I have a 3 yr old) would love to change the lights and bubbles.

Q

 

[Addict]

lol. Love the mini-fridge idea!

Make sure you take pics and post them up as you progress. I love seeing works in progress!

I added the slide out shelves in all of mine. It is great to pull the canisters out fully for easy access during maintenance. Mount the power strips up high and to the center divider if you have one.

Good idea! I'm going to start work on a 10 gallon stand here soon. Don't need the canister portion, but sliding shelves would be handy.

 

[Rbishop]

Good idea RB. I was just thinking the other day that, along your idea, a slide out tray near the top of the stand would be great. I'm always looking to set something down and the 3" lip of top of the tank stand is just a bit too small. I havent knocked/dropped anything YET, but I am sure the day is coming.[/quote

ANd it is an easy retro fit to most stands. Doing one up high with good 50 pound rails lets you even siphon to a bucket for cleaning or do a drip acclimation.