Built a stand this weekend for my 40L Nano

[Bad Inferno]

Whilst my tank is cycling I thought I needed to get a stand. Built this stand cheap. Its pretty imply was going to put slab sides on it and a shelf however ended up trying to make it as simple as possible so the focus will be on the tank.

offcut of wood 15.00
Edging 3.00
Square tube 15.00
Legs 16.00 (Could of just gone black plastic for 5.00)
Total AUD $50.00


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nano_stand-2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nano_stand-1.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nano_stand-3.jpg

[Hollowman]

Neat!! :D

[ILLUSN]

VERY TIDY!

[Bad Inferno]

Thanks guy's

gotta tell you its not for more discus... I've been cycling a small 40L nano reef and can't wait to bring the tank inside onto the stand. Stand is a bit wobbly from front to back so I will place some right angle brackets on the bottom to brace the back.

[ILLUSN]

Just curious, do you NEED 12 powerpoints for a 40L?

[Bad Inferno]

1 Tank light (timer)
1 Refugium light (timer)
1 Fan (timer)
1 Heater
1 Power head (timer)
1 Filter

I may get one of those bunnings 4 way boards with timer that controls all 4 outlets

[Bad Inferno]

Before sitting in place I've been thinking of some modifications. I think I will mount the powerboard on a piece of wood and hinge it to the back and keep it in place with a magnetic catch. The idea being you can hinge out the power board from behind the unit and get access to the timers etc, then just fold it back around the back.

[Bad Inferno]

Updated stand pics

#1 Placed a bracket on the back to hold a desk light for the fuge. this also aids in securing the top to the back of the unit as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standr2-1.jpg


#2 Now the power points swing out from behind the unit. This is really cool, as I will be positioning this in a corner of a room and it would be impractcal without it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standr2-2.jpg

#3 Placed a perspex drip cover over the power points, just in case. Secured the same place as the light stand.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standr2-5.jpg


#4 Put some large brackets to secure the base to the back. Wish I had my time over again as I would of extended the base of the unit out the back and placed a 5th leg on the stand to Stop it from tipping backwards. Although a "normal" stand could also tip over, however I have a small light and filter hanging off the back now. May need to think about this alittle more how I can retrofit it to the design.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standr2-3.jpg

[Bad Inferno]

OK finally finished the stand, did some rework:

I repalced the bottom of the stand and now it goes back another 3 inches from the vertical upright. provides better stability. Also added some right angle brackets just to make sure. With the 50 kg now ont he stand it is quite stable.

New bottom and brackets in place, you can see how the bottom now goes further back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standcompleted-4.jpg


Finished product
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standcompleted-2.jpg

My reef nano 5 weeks on into the cycle, just waiting for some coral.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/standcompleted-3.jpg

rob

[Bad Inferno]

I know this should be moved to reef section however thought I'd post an update...

4-5 weeks on still no fish however have added two hermits and a snail and a tourch coral. The hermits within a week cleaned up a lot of the very fine algea growing on the sand and rocks, I was so amazed. I am surprised that the snail has still survived as the little hermit has his eye on his shell. Hope to add a couple more corals next month then get a couple of clowns.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nanoMay12-1-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nanoMay12-2-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/nanoMay12-3-1.jpg

If anyone has any coral sugegstions and layout would welcome the feedback

rob

[Hollowman]

Nice, looks good. :wink:

[Bad Inferno]

OK, Next tank has taken shape. Well at least its now on paper. Inspired by another drop tank, I have designed a stand and layout. This is my first reef sump and would really appreciate any tips. I may start a new thread.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/Droptank-r0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/Droptank_RHS-r0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/rjconway/Droptank_top-r0.jpg

Rob

I luv Google sketchup (Took me 4 hours, & never used it before)