Tank Height for viewing

[BC Sparky]

Hey everyone- what height is the bottom of your tank? How do you find it for viewing? Would you rather it was higher/ lower?

I'm about to start my stand and am trying to decide how high to make it.

Thanks for your input.

[vanmo92]

The bottom of my tank is at waist level (about 3-3 1/2 ft) and I wish it was higher so I could stand up and look at the tank. But if it was higher it would make it much harder to reach in the tank to clean/feed. So it really depends on what your preference is: easy cleaning, or more enjoyable viewing.

[vanmo92]

One more factor I did not mention is if you are going to have a sump at ground level then you will need a more powerful return pump to push water up a higher distance if you want to be able to stand up and look at the tank.

[Hop]

The bottom of my 370 is 38" off the ground. I would have went taller, but the top of it is 68" and I didn't want to have to get out the extension ladder to work on it:). My 125 is 42" off the ground. I like the height of the 125 much better for viewing.

[elegance coral]

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5205/standhx5.jpg http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3835/stand2cw9.jpg

These are pics of my DIY stand. I placed the tank at 40" because it wouldn't be viewed from a sitting position. My wifes tank is 32" off the ground so that it can be viewed while sitting down.

[corals b 4 bills]

Residental tanks are about 32-36 inches because it's easier to see while sitting down, most commercial tanks are around 48 inches because it's easier to veiw from the standing position.

[noobwithatank]

right at 3ft, but the tank its self is 2ft tall.. any taller and it would really be a pain to get ur hand in it. (it already is but its workable)

[DaveG99]

My stand I built for ym 125 gallon I had was at 37" at the bottom of the tank. It was abotu perfect. I had to use a step to work in the tank but I dont mind. My 46 gallon Bow front I have I got for free and the stand is only about 29 inches tall and it sucks to try and see in the tank. I have to bend down to look in it.

[NoSchwag]

DaveG be careful with those power wheelies!!!

[DaveG99]

I had my 03 ninja for three years....I sold it 6 months ago.

now back to tank height!

[nyvp]

42" is bottom and 72" is top of tank and love the hight

[pledosophy]

36" off the ground, I like it right where it's at.

[jimbo045]

Mines at waist level too. JD

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I'm facing the same dilemma. The problem, in my opinion, is that if you want the open top look (with a hanging pendant or similar), the lighting can be a real b***h that high up, spilling into the rest of the room, blinding you as you look up from the sofa, etc!

Hmmm. *ponders further*

[corals b 4 bills]

If I was to build another stand I would buy the skimmer I wanted first then make sure it would clear first, after that everything else is secondary, reaching into the tank-please most people have to use a step ladder anyway. If you don't have a canopy then that would be something to consider.

[saltpeter]

My stands have always been too tall and the in wall I did for my120 was 44" . So now I built my 390 stand at 24" from the floor.My stuff is behind it ,not under it. A good view from the sofa .

[xreefermadnessx]

Mine is 36", and the tank is 24" I love where it is because im short.. so i can see it either way

[mr pink floyd]

i think 36" is the best, think about it this way, its easier to look down at something than look up....

[GuySmilie]

BC, one thing I've learned over the years in putting systems together: I always make my system no taller than the crotch of my arm (the armpit). If it's going to be an open top tank I adjust the stand height accordingly so that the top of the tank is no taller than my armpit.

If there is a canopy involved, same principle - never taller than what allows my hand to comfortably reach the bottom of the tank without using a stool or ladder.

[tgfrench]

My 90 is 42 inches off the floor. I do have to get a step ladder to get into it but I sure do like being able to stand up straight to see in. Plus its an in wall installl so it makes a nicer view from the living room. Its also great that the ole lady gave me my own "fishroom" just to have her living room back.

pic of old tank and placement of new tank.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67633newtanksmall.JPG

stand before i boxed it in
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/tgfrench/05_03_2.jpg

finished product
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g287/tgfrench/05_20_4.jpg

[BC Sparky]

Mr Pink Floyd- love the aviator! It looks like a Canuck flying through the air...but it's a little small to be sure.

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm doing an in wall and I had to put a large beam in to get the 6' opening in a bareing wall + I found some duct work in the way. I will be drawing it out on the wall tonight and may even cut the drywall- I'll take all the input into consideration. It's great to hear everyone's experience PRIOR to making a mistake I can't correct! Thanks again. If you think of anything else- let me know....quick!

Brian

[reefsbeforehoz]

i prefer short but long tanks. looks good. and easy maintance.

[reefsbeforehoz]

let me rephrase that. easy maintance for people who are short of stature. like me.