Do I Need An Expensive Aquarium Stand?

[qoftheq]

I'm looking into getting either a 50 or 70 gallon tank and I've found that they, with the water, will be heavy enough that just sticking them on any old shelf won't work, but the proper aquarium stands are SO much more expensive than the other stuff and I'm wondering if there's a cheaper but less pretty alternative I could go with. thanks.

 

[Tolak]

You could try this; http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=110738
Or check out http/garf.org/ Scroll down the left side to the diy folder. They have a program that gives you a cut list. I, along with several other members here have used these plans.

Besides being overpriced, store bought stands are underbuilt.

 

[SmileyMan]

You can use any furniture has long has you brace it for the xtra weight, Seen quite a few sideboards with tanks on with xtra bracing under and inside.

Its better to over strengthen than under..

 

[xJake]

My lfs uses cement blocks (which can be bought cheap at any hardware store or lumber yard) with cables running through them for reinforcement and sticky wood flooring cut to size to fit the front and sides as a stand for one of their marine tanks.

 

[Ter]

i built my own.. took about 3 hours.. easy if you have the correct tools..not done yet... holding 80 gallons.. plus soon live rock ect...

 

[mr.dark-saint]

You can buy one of those metal racks (from places like Home Depot) and place a ply-wood sheet and have a shelf system for your ever growing needs. Three tiers of fish holding joy (check the weight "Max" ) or a Central Sump? At least with this unit you have the option to expand .

 

[Tolak]

You can buy one of those metal racks (from places like Home Depot) and place a ply-wood sheet and have a shelf system for your ever growing needs. Three tiers of fish holding joy (check the weight "Max" ) or a Central Sump? At least with this unit you have the option to expand .

Those are usually sold under the brand name of Gorilla Racks, and are a common piece of fish room equipment. They are an excellent choice if you have the room, and offer a lot of flexibility. They are more expensive than a diy rack, but set up quickly and work really well.