55G Stand Alteration

[FishBoyNB]

I am getting together all of the necessary hardware for a 55G reef tank. However, I have run into a small problem. The stand I bought is too shallow, so the 20G tall tank I have won't fit inside. Not to mention it won't fit in the stand door.

After mulling it over for a while and spending way too much time at Blue Sierra weighing the options, I have decided to cut a hole in the back of the stand. I plan on only cutting the hole slightly larger than the tank, and then shoring up the hole with 2 x 4's.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments on this operation?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[DonW]

What is th back of your stand made of? Do you have a pic? A quality stand should have a solid plywood 3/4 back sandwiched between top and bottom. If this is not the case let me know and I'll come up with a proper mod.

Don

 

[FishBoyNB]

The back is made out of what appears to be particle board with a laminate cover on both sides.

I can take a picture tomorrow if necessary as my digi camera is at the office.

Dan

 

[DonW]

Reality is, particle board is the worst possible material for a tank stand. Your back panel is very rigid when stood on end, When you cut a hole you loose that. A piece of 3/4 ply cut to match your back wall and then notched out to fit your sump would be a good safe mod. Ply on its end is by far stronger than 2x's. But remember the ply goes on the inside to support the top and bottom.

Don

 

[FishBoyNB]

Thanks for the feedback Don!

I'll have to take a look at it and see if adding the plywood to the interior is doable. The stand has a single door in the middle, so I won't be able to insert one whole piece in at once, will need to do in sections. One tall piece on either side of the sump hole, and a bridge over the top. Then splice them together with a 1 x 4's on the seams.

Think that would work out?

Dan

 

[DonW]

I'm pictureing a flat back so the bridging is perfect. No need to splice with 1x, ply scrap and poly glue is best. When your whole stand rots apart from moisture that bridge will still be there.

Don:razz:

 

[Stang69]

Will an 18 tall fit?? It is basically a 10 gallon footprint that is taller.


Hope this helps


Jeff

 

[FishBoyNB]

Have never seen an 18T. Probably still too large though. The access in the front just isn't big enough to get it in.

I've decided to cut a port in the back, and reinforce the remaining back wall with plywood.

Thanks for the input though.

Dan

 

[dnjan]

Make sure you have good access to the sump tank after it is installed in the stand. Will you have a submersable pump in the sump? Will you have clearance to remove it for cleaning? Will you have a skimmer in there? Enough room to remove that for cleaning as well?

The inside of my stand is 24x48x about 28" high, and there have been many times when I have struggled to move things around for cleaning pumps, etc. in the 20-gal sump.