Raising tank & cabinet

[DarkReefer]

Hey guys,

Have been considering making some sort of plinth or small stand/level to put down below my next tank when I upgrade.
The main reason being I prefer the idea of being able to look into the tank a little easier without bending down.
Both myself and my gf are over 6ft tall, so many of the normal 5-6ft long tanks seem to stop around the 1500mm mark which means the top of the tank sits below eye level.

Just looking at advice or ideas if others may have done something similar to raise their tank a little in the past?
Tank I'm looking into is approx 200-210g for reference.

Cheers

 

[caddnima_reef]

Maybe elevated floor as per your requirement. Just consider that the top lip of the tank is preferably your arm pit level for maintenance. If not, that is ok too, you just need a stool when doing maintenance. Good luck.

 

[theatrus]

Hey guys,

Have been considering making some sort of plinth or small stand/level to put down below my next tank when I upgrade.
The main reason being I prefer the idea of being able to look into the tank a little easier without bending down.
Both myself and my gf are over 6ft tall, so many of the normal 5-6ft long tanks seem to stop around the 1500mm mark which means the top of the tank sits below eye level.

Just looking at advice or ideas if others may have done something similar to raise their tank a little in the past?
Tank I'm looking into is approx 200-210g for reference.

Cheers

Depends on your stand choice - if it’s on feet, cinder blocks provide a cheap height adjustment. If you use wood, like a super short 4x4 post, put plywood or something on the top layer so the feet don’t sink into the soft wood over time.

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

I would be apprehensive of transferring the weight of a tank of that size down through two assemblies. You’d be dealing with a higher center of gravity that has the potential to become problematic with a platform and stand.

I would suggest either a having a steel stand with levelers welded, or ordering a knockdown aluminum stand (80/20, T-Slot) made to the height you need it at. That way you weight is transferred straight down, and the legs could even be located to be centered on your flooring members.

 

[DarkReefer]

You guys make some good points, appreciate the feedback.

I've been looking at the Cade systems a bit, and they basically have several adjustable castor feet on them.
Initially was thinking of just building a wood frame that sits approx 20cm (8") high or so and building supports through it to distribute the weight and with an additional plank or something over the top of the frame part, but it does worry me having that weight on something.

I mean you see aquarium shops having theirs cabinets & tanks sitting on top of small stands etc for display, but obviously they're usually not carrying weight of the water/substrate etc. So with that in mind I've been a little hesitant.

 

[DarkReefer]

Well it's confirmed. Raising the tank idea has been scrapped.

Discussed with the missus (Had previously mentioned I wasn't sure about it for stability reasons) and she agreed that we shouldn't do it based on some of the feedback here and our own further consideration.
As it is we're going to have to reinforce the floor which we're in the process of looking into, without having to do something else crazy on top of it.

Appreciate the feedback everyone.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Hey guys,

Have been considering making some sort of plinth or small stand/level to put down below my next tank when I upgrade.
The main reason being I prefer the idea of being able to look into the tank a little easier without bending down.
Both myself and my gf are over 6ft tall, so many of the normal 5-6ft long tanks seem to stop around the 1500mm mark which means the top of the tank sits below eye level.

Just looking at advice or ideas if others may have done something similar to raise their tank a little in the past?
Tank I'm looking into is approx 200-210g for reference.

Cheers

Why not just get a taller stand?

 

[DarkReefer]

Why not just get a taller stand?

Already going a bit extra/over budget as it is without trying to pay for a custom/taller stand. I did ask the supplier if they can do it but they can't so would have to go something else or custom. The tank is also going to sit under an AC unit and if we raise it too much I think there may be potential it'll get a little in the way depending on light fixtures etc.

Eventually that AC unit wont be used (and potentially be removed from the wall depending how difficult a task once the tank is in) as our goal is to put ducting in at some point but for now it is what it is.