DIY 200gal Stand and Hood

[Sonymon]

:wavehand: Hey everyone this is my first thread on Reef Central!

I was recently able to pic up a 200 gal tank from a local sale via facebook. The tank is unfortunately missing plumbing and overflow walls as can be seen in attachment 1. While I knew plumbing kits were available for sale overflow walls are much harder to come by and custom ones are nearly impossible to have made:facepalm:, but i have a plan which will be addressed later in another thread.

The tank alone weighs close to 600lbs so I know needed a sturdy stand. I decided to use a combination of 2x4's 2x6's and 4x4's to frame the stand. I also used galvanized screws and support brackets along with wood glue for added stability. I wanted the stand to be tall so I built it really tall and left lots of room for the sump and room to work with. Attachment 2 shows the basic frame. On top of this frame will sit the rectangle pictured in Attachment 3. Also pictured are the pieces of wood i'll be using to build the walls and cabinet fronts for the tank.

Any ideas on how BIG I should do the cabinet doors? I want a lot of working room but don't want the entire front to look like a cabinet. I was thinking of maybe doing a drawbridge type of front on it that I lower and would allow complete access to the sump and plumbing! Please give me some thoughts as this will be happening as soon as my buddy with a finishing nail gun can come over :uzi:

 

[RocketEngineer]

I see three problems. The first is that you used 4X4s. These typically twist and split as they dry and should not be used to build a stand. Second, they look to be pressure treated and the typical pressure treatment chemical uses copper which is toxic to saltwater life that you normally want. Third, the plates and other brackets aren't going to add any structural support the way you have them.

I recommend you reconsider your stand design. Either go with a fully plywood stand with access openings or a wood frame constructed properly. A pocket hole jig and table saw is one of the best ways to make a decent stand that is square and will never rack. Getting a wood frame stand flat can be tricky but most folks don't have a full wood shop.

I personally like panels instead of doors because you can totally remove them. A cleat at the bottom to support the weight and a couple magnets at the top to hold it in.