Cabinet build

[Brian Mountain]

If I build my own cabinet, how high should I make it off of the ground? I know this varies with tank height, so maybe I should ask how high is too high for a tank? I'm 5'11".

What features would you make sure your cabinet had if we're custom building?

 

[Z-man]

Two things I thought about:
1) Can I reach the bottom without a step stool for placing and cleaning purposes?
2) I use an external skimmer that is gravity return. Had to raise that up slightly and had to make sure I could clean the skimmer.

Plumbing can also be a concern if too tight.

 

[Lynn52]

Depends on what you want, there is give and take with standard height and higher stands. I like taller stands. Mine are around 40". This allows me to view whether I am sitting or standing. Even at that height it is tight for my skimmer. The down side is I need a step stool to clean it. It is something I am willing to live with to have the taller stand.

 

[cee]

I think it depends on the type of coral you wish to keep (better viewed from the top or the sides), the depth of your tank and the height of equipment you wish to keep in the sump area. Fortunately modern skimmer tend to be on the short side compared to what was common 10 years ago or so.

I think a liner or a sealed bottom is important in the event your sump leaks or things splash, especially if your tank is on hardwood floors. I also prefer removable doors for maximum access and the back as open as possible for hoses, cords, etc.

 

[Brian Mountain]

Thanks for all of the input. Will leave back open completely if can. What is "standard " height?

 

[cee]

With a 4' or 6' tank I'd put a center brace in the back. Otherwise the bow from the weight could cause the middle to sag excessively and the tank could crack. Even a 4" "column" in the middle will offer a tremendous amount of support and doesn't detract too much from the open space in the back. I think something like 32" or 34" is standard for commercial stands and is OK for a >24" tank but most like a little higher for shorter tanks.

 

[CastAway]

I'd focus only on your eye level viewing preference. I mean, the priority is what you look at casually and enjoy, right? I myself do have to stand on a chair or stool to reach the bottom of my tank, and that's okay with me, because if it were low enough for me to reach without a stool I'd spend most of my time staring at the tank from my knees.

In terms of features, a work surface might be nice, or an edge to sit a testing vial on, if only temporarily. Under cabinet lighting, safely located power strips and/or plastic wireway; a drawer is you can; just ideas....