Building a stand for a wave tank

[Reefinny]

I just picked up a 90 wave tank. The stand was shot But I was able to keep the top for a template.

I am going to do it two tone - Black base and top with a cherry stain doors and side.

I will get some pictures up over the weekend. I am hoping to get it built this weekend.

 

[minix4242]

I'm very interested in your results. My 95g wave tank is the only one that I haven't built a stand for. I can only imagine the fun you'll have trying to skin it. Make sure you take lots of pics for us.

 

[Reefinny]

yeah - I am a little concerned on the front. I am going to use 8" wide Oak boards and router the edges so they have a curved look to them. The 2 center pieces where the big curve is will not be able to open and then I will have two doors on the left and right of the center piece. The sump that came with is is an Oceanic 1 I believe he called it. Decent sump. I just want to make sure I can get in when I need to.

I might leave the large side panel secured by magnets or velcro so i can remove if I really need to get in there.

 

[Reefinny]

Now that the rain stopped today and after i go hitting a few small white balls around in the am I will resume my build. I was reading about a few different builds tonight - I have some good ideas for the build. I will take some good pictures as I go and post them up.

 

[Reefinny]

Okay made some headway. I got the top and bottom cut out I doing them a jet black trim color and the sides and doors will be the natural oak (since I am using oak)

I assembled the sides and backs and braces.

I routered the oak boards so they have a nice curved edge as it will flow better with the curves.

I am going to paint the inside of the stand after I putty and sand the screw holes on the side.

I still need to figure out the best way to a fix the doors. I have a few ideas I am going to play around with. I will be sanding and staining them prior to the instal.

I will also be timing out the sides with molding.

Here are a few pics.

 

[minix4242]

It's looking good so far. I personally don't like relying on the plywood for support, but I guess that's how most of the factory built stands are. Are you only using the two 2x4 uprights? You might think about adding a 2x4 frame in there if you can fit it. just my .02 cents...

 

[Reefinny]

Yes I am there are 4 uprights. There are two in the back and 2 in the front plus there will be 2 oak 1 x 8's in the front that will be non movable

 

[woodnaquanut]

Okay made some headway. I got the top and bottom cut out I doing them a jet black trim color and the sides and doors will be the natural oak (since I am using oak)

I assembled the sides and backs and braces.

I routered the oak boards so they have a nice curved edge as it will flow better with the curves.

I am going to paint the inside of the stand after I putty and sand the screw holes on the side.

I still need to figure out the best way to a fix the doors. I have a few ideas I am going to play around with. I will be sanding and staining them prior to the instal.

I will also be timing out the sides with molding.

Here are a few pics.

Reposting so the pics show up.

Looks good. Interested to see how you do the door(s).

 

[Reefinny]

Thanks. I am as well! LOL

 

[woodnaquanut]

Thanks. I am as well! LOL

Well that just begs the question, what are you going to do about doors?

Seems like a coopered door would be the only way to make the curve work. A fun WW project!

 

[Reefinny]

What do you mean by coopered? I cut my 8 x 1's and test fit them. They work. The two center ones will be permanant. Then the two on the left and right will open. The curve works with the routered round edges.

 

[woodnaquanut]

What do you mean by coopered? I cut my 8 x 1's and test fit them. They work. The two center ones will be permanant. Then the two on the left and right will open. The curve works with the routered round edges.

OK. I see the doors will be flat. I had mistakenly thought you were going to make the doors match the curve.

Coopering is like making a barrel or cask. Narrow pieces of wood cut with angled edges so when glued together they form a curve.

 

[Reefinny]

Okay I see what you are saying

 

[john08007]

Would be some work but it is possible to make the front curved much in the same way that curved steps and railings are made. you would need to cut 2 pieces of wood with the same curve you are looking for. Then add some 2x4's longer than the piece you are looking to make between the two templates. You will need to leave some gaps between the 2x4's so you can get clamps in there. Then using 3x 1/4" pieces of plywood covering each with wood glue fit them together and clamp them onto the 2x4's in several places making the curved front. I would leave them clamped for 2-3 days to ensure that the glue is completely dried. Sorry my explanation may be kinda confusing but this is the exact way that curved steps and railings are made, you may be able to find some pics online

 

[Reefinny]

I get what you are saying. My only issue now is work is getting in the way from playing with the stand. I am looking forward to the weekend!

 

[Reefinny]

Looking to make some headway today.

Going to finish the brace, paint the interior with a bright white gloss, Going to stain the doors and the sides,

Still waiting for my hardware to arrive so I can put the doors on.

 

[sk8ter20art]

I have the same tank, previous owner built the stand. Plywood sides, back and top. One center brace in the front (1x6), plywood on top front edge is doubled up. Doors are made in a curve to match the tank. Each door is 3 or 4 1x6. Works pretty good.

I would post pics but I'm on my phone.

 

[Reefinny]

 

[Reefinny]

Stain finally dried. Got the doors hung. Have some tweaking to do and need to get some magnets and hardware

 

[Reefinny]

Not sure why the pics dont show up??