My DIY 125 Stand Build, Lots of Pics

bigwave · Jul 8, 2009

Beautiful stand!

I have an empty 125 acrylic I need to build a stand for in the next couple years. Right now I don't have the space for it, but once the basement is finished it will get setup! Hopefully it looks as nice as yours.

I built something similar to yours for my 20 gallon, but I used 2x2 in the corners because I was worried about strength. It is now absurdly strong, but oh well!

DrgRcr · Jul 8, 2009

I picked up the tank today(pics) and set it on the stand. When I looked from behind at the bottom of the tank, I noticed that the tank is not sitting completely flat all the way across. There is a small gap under each center brace and across the back, probably about 1/16". I can see it decrease when I put a little weight by pressing down on the tank. Now I am positive that my stands top is flat because I layed a straight edge across it and was very particular about it. I'm wondering if they allow a little arch for when the weight of the water goes in, and the silicone will just flex a bit if any. I thought about putting some thin insulating foam underneath but that may raise it up a touch and expose more of the tank trim, which I missed covering by a fraction already (bummer, you'd think the trim on all the larger tanks would be the same, I measured my 72g and the 125 wound up 1/4" higher). Anyway, I'm going to call Aqueon tomorrow and see what they have to say.

DrgRcr · Jul 9, 2009

Update: I spoke to Aqueon this morning and the tech told me that if the 4 corners are supported that it would be fine, and he also stated that with the weight of the water(it won't take much), it will settle down. I may still look for some thin foam or rubber to allow for some cushioning anyway.

SMinNC · Jul 9, 2009

Bummer. I thought he was gonna tell you a bunch of technical stuff as to why they made it that way on purpose.

Tay690 · Jul 9, 2009

good to know

benzjamin13 · Jul 9, 2009

Looks great!

DrgRcr · Jul 9, 2009

Thanks everyone. What do you think of 4 of these light fixtures for inside my canopy?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100654376&N=10000003+90015+503051

THE V · Jul 13, 2009

Depending upon how you build your canopy they should fit. That much light over the tank means that you are planning on doing a planted tank. Otherwise you can just call it a tank of pea soup.

I tried using the shoplights in my 125 hood but I like the CFL's that I set up over my smaller tanks better. They are easy to wire (ceramic socket with leads) and give a lot of light but take up very little space. On some of the new ones 23W bulbs take up the same space as a regular incandescent lightbulb.

DrgRcr · Jul 13, 2009

Well I'm just going to go with 2 of those fixtures for now. That will give me 84w, but more importantly, being non-planted, I think it will be enough light for viewing. I mocked up the lights on my tank at a distance close to where they would be in the canopy. Even without any shading, it seemed to be enough. If not, I can always add more. Here are a few more pics including the DIY canopy start/test fit.