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I really don't like the stand that came with my 110 gallon tank (60L x 18W). It's basically a pine stand like the ones theat come with the Waterworld Aquatics tanks if you've seen them (Houston Aquatics and Megan's sells them.) They're okay but I was hoping to find something that was a little more "furniture grade". Unfortunately my budget isn't all that high. Anyone know where I can get a reasonably nice good looking stand. Megan's also has someone that builds stands for them that are fairly nice. However, they wanted around $700 (+tax) for a stand and canopy for my tank. That's a little too pricey for me. I thought about trying to find a piece of furniture that wasn't intended to be an aquarium stand but could be used for one such as a kitchen buffet or office credenza. Any suggestions?
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Well, you can always go the route I went which is cinder blocks and 2x4s using spray to paint them. I chose flat black. I have 3 rows of regular sized c.b. stacked 3 high with 1 of the "flat" c.b. on top of each stack. 2-2x4s on top, evenly spaced for proper weight distribution of my tank, and....VIOLA!!!! a nice looking, homemade inexpensive stand. The blocks were about 2 maybe 3 dollars a piece and the 2x4 was maybe 3 bucks...paint, a few cans at about $1 each. Everyone that has seen my stand doesn't recognize it as cinder blocks. They all think it's a cool looking table or aquarium stand until I tell them. You probably could hang a skirt or some sort of decorative fabric around the blocks if you decide to go that route...just an inexpensive suggestion. -
Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Have you considered "decorating" the stand you have? I have a simmilar stand that I thought was hideous so I painted it a nice color then stenciled an ornate fish pattern onto the cabinetry. I also added some decorative hinges to the cabinet doors. It turned out quite nice, if I do say so myself! And it cost less than $20. I haven't done this, but it would be pretty easy to tack some moulding around the top and base of the stand to give it a more finnished look.
drsfostersmith.com has a nice selection of stands w/ canopies at decent prices but I'm not sure if they had anything large enough for a 110. I guess you would have to check measurments.Bacteria: the only culture some people haveComment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
I appreciate the suggestion but that's not exactly what I meant by "furniture grade". I currently have a stand, it's just not a very nice stand.Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Try the used office furniture leasing outfits'Dear Lord,' the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. 'Without you, we are but dust ...'
He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four-year old girl voice, 'Mom, what is butt dust?'Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Yes I considered this and if I end up sticking with what I have then that's what I'll do. I'll probably either stain it or paint it and and add some nice door pulls to it. I hadn't really thought about adding moulding but that's a good suggestion. I'll give it some thought.Originally posted by clw219";p="
I'd be willing to just toss the one I have though and spend $200-$300 on something "nice.". Unfortunately, most of the stands I consider "nice" seem to be twice that or more (sometimes much more.)
Foster & Smith doesn't have anything over 48" for some reason. I was interested in the Sedona by Perfecto and it maxes out at 48".Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Well, I ended up finding a custom builder in Indiana that is going to build me a stand and canopy.
I originally found him on eBay from this auction:
He has been great to work with and over a period of days we've designed one together. From what little I was able to find out about his work it seems he builds quality pieces. Everything is oak construction. His prices are very reasonable in my opinion. I'm spending more than I originally intended but that's only because I got carried away when designing it. My biggest problem from a cost standpoint is shipping but I think I've been able to work something out that will minimize shipping costs.
The design we came up with is somewhat similar to the one on his homepage in that it will have the crown molding and the doors and sides will have be an arched panel construction. However, mine will also have a column of three drawers to the right of the doors. Mine is a 60" stand while the one on the homepage is a 48". Also, my canopy will have three arched doors on the front for quick acess. The canopy will also open "piano style" for full access.
I have to select a finish so he is mailing me samples. It will most likely be a cherry wood type finish or something darker like mohoganey. I think it is going to take him a good three weeks to build and finish it.
Anyway, I know it might be hard to visualize but what do you guys think?Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Sounds very nice and from what I saw on his Ebay auction reasonably priced, especially since it includes shipping. I like the vents in the top for cooling fans, they will come in handy if you decide to go with compact fluorescents or any other heat generating lighting inside the canopy. It's great to be able to choose your finish to match your own needs. Can't wait to see a pic of the finished product. Please keep us updated on your progress.Reasoning with some people is like trying to nail jello to a wall...Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
You know, I'm not getting it with the vents on the side. I do use compact fluorescents (4 x 65 watts). Do you think I need to get the vents?Originally posted by szidlon";p="Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
I know mine generate a lot of heat. I was told I couldn't put compact flourscents inside my canopy without either cooling fans in the canopy itself or retrofitting with remote ballasts. Knowing how hot they can get I believe the advice I was given. Having followed the advice I can't say from personal experience whether or not it would be too hot without additional cooling fans, I suspect the answer is yes. If it's not too late, he could probably vent the canopy ends for you. I'd think the vents would help control the moisture build up in the canopy as well.Reasoning with some people is like trying to nail jello to a wall...Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
Wow! It looks like you will be getting a nice piece of furniture!
EllenComment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
It's definitely not too late. I just ordered (and paid) for it today so he has not even begun construction yet. The back of the canopy is completely opened so I assumed that would be enough ventilation. That said, I may go ahead and have him vent the sides.Originally posted by szidlon";p="Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
My Oceanic canopies are open in the back as well. Most canopies are open in the back to allow for hoses and wires. You know, all the stuff that ugly's up you tank
I still haven't ordered the retrofit CF's for my Discus tank. As it stands now, the canopy is sitting on the floor in the other room and the regular CF's are on the tank. I did find the retrofit kit that has remote ballasts and attachs to the inside of the canopy but I haven't gotten around to ordering it yet.Reasoning with some people is like trying to nail jello to a wall...Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
My Oceanic canopies are open in the back as well. Most canopies are open in the back to allow for hoses and wires. You know, all the stuff that ugly's up you tank
I still haven't ordered the retrofit CF's for my Discus tank. As it stands now, the canopy is sitting on the floor in the other room and the regular CF's are on the tank. I did find the retrofit kit that has remote ballasts and attachs to the inside of the canopy but I haven't gotten around to ordering it yet.Reasoning with some people is like trying to nail jello to a wall...Comment
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Re: Wanted: Reasonably Priced Stand
I decided it was better to be safe than sorry so I'm having the canopy vented.Comment
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