if i had to redo my 180
i would buy a stand instead of make one
external overflow
beanimal
fish room or at least 2 containers one filled with live rock and one just sw so i can do quick water changes

Why buy vs. build? I'm pretty good with a saw, so other than time, I think I save a lot and get the strength I need.

External overflow is sounding better all the time.

:shocked!:. you going to actualy finnish this stand if you build it?:D

Steve

Of course. I already have the cardboard ready :)

You definitely get a lot more flexibility out of your stand if you build it yourself. It doesn't have to be crazy. A stand can be quite simple and easy to build. You can always do it in stages too. Build the frame to a point where you can mount the tank, and then skin it later.

External overflow gives you more room precious real estate inside the tank :)

Well, no, I have to finish it before the tank goes on, or it will never get done. See reference to cardboard above -lol
Since I'm doing a 7' stand for a 6' tank, I'll need to build it myself. I want to try and stuff my 125 sump in there, and a store bought will not accomodate that, I'm pretty sure :)
Yes, I'm thinking external for sure now, just gotta figure it all out to minimize the space required behind the tank.

well my stand cost me way more than I thought it would cost and it took up alot of my time and it still not finished and it was the hardest part of the project.

if i did the stand again it would be metal with thin wood for the panels because the wood holding the stand up takes up alot of space.

but then again on my stand I did use laminate which was part of the headache. you can even get a counter top built at like home depot, then buy panels from ikea. just gota find correct size panels or build the stand to the panels.

i saw a professionally built stand at oceanic corals and even with a $1500ish price tag, i still wanted because my stand is still not perfect, and its a headache trying to "fix" it.

On my build I'm doing now I'm doing the same thing leaving a 6" "shelf" around the tank , I'm doing granite for the top and dry stack stone for the stand, it will be built in two halfs in case I move sometime:)

How are you handling the weight? I"m thinking I need an internal frame that covers 24' x 72' to support the tank. Essentially another vertical support 6' in from the corners...