Custom Cabinet for 90g Reef (Build Thread)

[cypher77]

Yea I know I am one that advocates not using 2x materials or 4x4s... My whole stand is plywood. I saved your drawing and was looking at it in sketchup and saw this.

That is what had me concerned. You will see people harp on not putting a load on the fasteners. Always have support below. You may have changed your design since that file you uploaded. If so you are golden. Don't get me wrong, I love your design.

Is it going to be on a slab or 2nd floor?

Andy

I am looking at this build for my 120 gallon 48x24. I will not be building the full surround canopy. Based on this design the Tank sits on both the front and rear edge of the plywood stand, but there is no side support. How critical do you think this is, knowing that the entire top is tied into to all plywood sides? would it make sense to add some either 2 laminated 3/4 in strips of plywood to both the left and right sides of the stand?

 

[cypher77]

Another question as I look to duplicate the lower stand for my 120. Called the local lumber yard and they carry baltic birch, but only in 5x5, not 4x8. So I am left with a few options.

1. Use Birch ply from a local box store in 4x8 so that I have a single back piece and single top.
2. use Baltic Birch for all parts except top and singe back piece.
3. reduce size of back piece so the the side cabinets are built by them sells and added to the center section alloying me to use baltic birch for all pieces, except the one piece top.

I like option 3 as the best option just curious if there is structural concern building the lower stand in three pieces for a 120 gallon. Thanks in advance.

JD

 

[knockout]

Thanks for this build

 

[Salty150]

Wow, that is amazing!

Where do I find someone to build me one?!

LOL

 

[Salty150]

I'm back!

Dang I want that aquarium stand/canopy/cabinet!!!

:inlove:

 

[Salty150]

D...,
Thanks so much for sharing your design. I made a few mods that were required for my specifics...

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cHgNiPYk5ehT8ftdeg_Scg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-MpEwzGUqN0/SfTS3HL8e_I/AAAAAAAAD9I/6yvkqAvf8mM/s800/163g_Cabinet.jpg" /></a>

Mods already made
Basic dimension mods for a 163g tank 72 x 18 x 29h

Not enough width in my room to simply scale the original design as is so I removed the working area in the cover on the left and right (where the Vortech pumps would be enclosed. This saved me several inches.

Since I went with zero extra room in there I decided to put viewing windows on the sides.

Mods still to work...
I still need to shave another four inches or so. I can play with various options to squeeze them out.

I'm thinking of working the shelf design on the right hand side in the room corner but will play with that as well. Maybe round the corner a touch with the shelf?

The height of the whole unit is only as tall as the door. I hadn't noticed until I placed the model of the stand into the model of my room. I may raise the height of the whole thing depending on how the models look when I tweak it.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LwfhOSf4v2MGD-HNIo7aRw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-MpEwzGUqN0/SfTeVfRceEI/AAAAAAAAD8w/jAZWi698RQs/s800/1st%20floor.jpg" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JjO0kz2jvZ0iQVIM6BVnQQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-MpEwzGUqN0/SfTeXxSvZmI/AAAAAAAAD84/1KWV3EBgPPk/s800/1st%20floor%20b.jpg" /></a>

By the way, your model was SOOOO easy to work with and make these mods. The way you made everything components and had separate layers was awesome. As a new SketchUp modeler, I learned more from your example than the tutorials!

Thanks

:idea:

 

[Shock and Awe]

Dustin,
Thanks so much for walking us through this build. It turned out great!

 

[intyme]

Nice, subscribed

 

[kukulin]

Hi, is her anybody who can re share original 3d files for this build please? Thanks

 

[Shock and Awe]

Kukulin,
If you go to ebay and look for "smithdu" (Bookshelf Aquarium stand and canopy plans), you can purchase his plans from this build.

 

[kukulin]

Kukulin,
If you go to ebay and look for "smithdu" (Bookshelf Aquarium stand and canopy plans), you can purchase his plans from this build.

Thank you. Found it.

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

Glad everyone has gotten some use out of my thread! It was a lot of fun....hard to believe this was 8 years ago.

Dustin

 

[Salty150]

Yeah, time to revive it!

 

[Salty150]

D...,
Thanks so much for sharing your design. I made a few mods that were required for my specifics...

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cHgNiPYk5ehT8ftdeg_Scg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_-MpEwzGUqN0/SfTS3HL8e_I/AAAAAAAAD9I/6yvkqAvf8mM/s800/163g_Cabinet.jpg" /></a>

Mods already made
Basic dimension mods for a 163g tank 72 x 18 x 29h

Not enough width in my room to simply scale the original design as is so I removed the working area in the cover on the left and right (where the Vortech pumps would be enclosed. This saved me several inches.

Since I went with zero extra room in there I decided to put viewing windows on the sides.

Mods still to work...
I still need to shave another four inches or so. I can play with various options to squeeze them out.

I'm thinking of working the shelf design on the right hand side in the room corner but will play with that as well. Maybe round the corner a touch with the shelf?

The height of the whole unit is only as tall as the door. I hadn't noticed until I placed the model of the stand into the model of my room. I may raise the height of the whole thing depending on how the models look when I tweak it.

By the way, your model was SOOOO easy to work with and make these mods. The way you made everything components and had separate layers was awesome. As a new SketchUp modeler, I learned more from your example than the tutorials!

Thanks

Dang I wish I could find out how this worked out!

Love to make one just like it!