Few Plumbing / stand questions.

[mark]

1. elbows and horizontal drain okay (one of mine is probably 20 feet)
2. okay to elbow before pump, just ensure pipe (and fittings) are not less than pump inlet
3. just below surface
4. you'll want a valve on you return so look into a union-valve for pump maintenance. Drains, I never bothered with unions as figured would just cut out a redo.
5. have BB never painted the pink foam under tank, though now covered with coralline never could really see foam as bottom glass acted as mirror

[Todd]

Thanks mark!

One more question for those of you who have made / designed your own stands. I had originally planned for 6 feet (each one about 2.5 inches square) to be on the bottom of the stand. Now I am confident on the ability of the feet to hold the tank, but I was thinking of the possibility of wrecking the floor (in the middle of the biggest room in the rental house, a year after new hardwood floors were but in!). Is this going to be too much weight (ie pounds per inch) for the floor to handle without damage? The tank is going to be a 135, and the sump about 30g, plus a top up - and the tank is made out of 1/2" and 5/8" glass, and the sump is overbuilt as well - so it is freakin heavy.

[mark]

My current stand is sort of built into the house, but my old tank (75g) had four adjustable feet each ~1" diameter sitting on oak HW. When I moved it after about 3 years there was only the slightest indent where the feet were. Basically had to feel as couldn't really see.

Would think 6 feet each 2.5" sq you're good but if are worried, could make some larger pads from some HW or HDF/MDF, could detail the edge with a router etc on set the feet on them.

[Zylumn]

On my next tank stand build I will make a bottom base of 3/4 plywood with decorative trim surrounding it. Caulked and water proof to protect the floor (hardwood, carpet) as spills inevitably happen and it is nice to have a decorative, waterproof floor mat. I have seen carpet and wood mold under tanks. Also a little rubber under each leg to minimize vibration.
Kevin

[Todd]

Thanks again Mark. If you were alright with the 1" feet I think that I will be alight with the feet I had planned. I am also going to be putting some carpet underneath the feet.

Zylumn - I liked the feet idea as I think that it will make the stand look smaller and not dwarf the tank. I have a lay down 135 coming so it is short (only 18" tall). I am trying to avoid any heavy trim as well for the same reason. My stand wont be waterproof on the bottom, but will allow me to wipe up any spills before they go under the stand (Its a cabinet style stand, enclosed with doors). I was also thinking that having the stand up will avoid any mold / damage to the floor.

Thanks for your input!