Design Programs for tanks, stands, sumps

[caliking]

Can anybody recommend a computer program I can use to design some things for my reef tank. I'm want to upgrade my sump and would like to be able to see what it might look like once complete. I'm using an apple computer.

 

[User Name]

I know a lot of people use Google SketchUp for making 3D renderings.

 

[caliking]

Is that how they make those cool textured designs I see for the tank builds?

 

[Bunnylicked]

Probably. Google SketchUp is great - it's a little confusing to use at first, but it's great for making 3d designs.

 

[Meus]

Google Sketchup is good for beginners, also downloading the soapskin bubbles plugin is a good idea. Sketchup can get a bit buggy and annoying, but it is the easiest to use.


I personally like to use Autodesk Inventor for more complex projects or if I'm bored. You have to pay for it unless you can get a students license. But it is worth it.

Also, if you want more of an artistic view, go with Blender. Blender is a little more complex than the two above, but it is still neat to work with lighting and realistic renderings. Blender is free, but again, is the hardest to pick up.

 

[leeman72]

holy cow...I checked out Blender and it has a huge learning curve! Very nice examples with it though.