DIY custom elos style stand

[sgammon1]

So here is a Sketchup of the stand that I'm looking to build. The dimensions are 60" x 24" x 30." I'm probably going to add a support in the center since its longer than the 120xl stands. Also may raise it from 30" tall to 34"

Does anyone know what type of plywood they use? I've done a lot of searching on the internet and people have said different things. Some say the Marine grade plywood but it's a 1 1/4" thick plywood that elos uses. Marine plywood only comes in 1"

Here are my sketchup images.

Any advice?

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Looks sweet.

 

[sfmacguy]

We built a buddy's of ours a few weeks ago. You can use the melamine, but if you aren't horribly worried about the smooth white finish, we used nicer plywood, and stained it.

 

[sgammon1]

We built a buddy's of ours a few weeks ago. You can use the melamine, but if you aren't horribly worried about the smooth white finish, we used nicer plywood, and stained it.

Melamine would be perfect, I just didn't know if it would be strong enough. Did you seal the edges of it to prevent water from getting in?

 

[fishnerd]

Steve

Make sure that longitudinal brace is clear of your overflow. When I gave the measurements of my stand it was to accomadate the Elos overflow so adjust for yours.
Looks great, let me know if you need anything else.



Bryan

 

[psykobowler]

A white powdercoated metal stand with IKEA shelving wood would look cleaner if you are going with an Elos look. The 2 x 2 wood takes too much space and the price difference is not that significant with a metal stand and wood.

 

[HV1990]

You can different dimensions of lumber as well.

 

[sgammon1]

I wanted to do all plywood. I would do the metal steel stand, but the cost of the stand with powder coating is $500 alone. 6 sheets of 1 1/4" Meline is about $205. That would be the only material needed other than glue and wood pegs. I'm going to set my budget at $300. I have a stand buy it's way to big. 61Lx25wx48h 48" high is just to tall for where the tank is going, so it would be nice if I could sell the stand and put it towards the cost of a new one.

 

[HV1990]

You could do a 2x6 frame for around the same cost. If you look up rocketengineer in reef central he has a great build thread.

 

[psykobowler]

More power to you Steve for setting a budget. We all went through the cost cutting phase when we first started. I am just saying after setting up the tank for 5 years and beyond you might end up considering what you would have done differently. Anyway, you also have to take in consideration the labor it takes to building the stand and that is also included in the $500 price tag you mentioned.

Glenn

 

[psykobowler]

More power to you Steve for setting a budget. We all went through the cost cutting phase when we first started. I am just saying after setting up the tank for 5 years and beyond you might end up considering what you would have done differently. Anyway, you also have to take in consideration the labor it takes to building the stand and that is also included in the $500 price tag you mentioned.

Glenn

 

[toofrigginswt]

I have always been impressed at how people use graphic design software to make these mock ups. What program did you use and is it hard to use? I really want to learn. Most of my sketches are with a pencil and paper. haha.

If I remember correctly, you have your tank set in the middle of the room where you have access to both sides of the stand. Have you ever thought about making cut-outs or doors for the sides?

Also, I'd go with at least 34 inches. I agree that 48 inches is too tall for that tank and would look very awkward. However, 30 inches is too low IMO. You'd always have to bend down to look at the display, especially since your tank is only 20 inches tall. My stand is 40 inches in height and it looked tall at first, until I set the tank on it and it was perfect for the layout of my house.

 

[sgammon1]

I used Google Sketchup. Its free and easy to use. I think it has tutorials before you start using it.

Definitely think I'm going to go with 34" I thought about having access to both sides, but then I would lose structural stability unless I did 2x4 or 2x6 frame and then skinned it. I figure with just plywood frame, it wouldn't take as much space inside. I like the complete flush look with the tank and stand that elos provides

 

[HV1990]

Can't wait to see the build on the stand. I thought about doing a plywood stand but using solid 2x4's felt alot stronger but that's just me. I am sure my stand has way to many screws and 2x4's but I feel confident it won't put my tank on my floor.

 

[toofrigginswt]

Cool thanks! Wow.. I just downloaded google sketchup and it's pretty easy to use! Man I wish I knew about this sooner! It's not as good of a sketchup as yours though. I am definitely going to be playing with this more tonight.

Don't worry, the tang will be moved when it outgrows the tank. Haha.

Sorry, didn't mean to put junk in your thread. Carry on

 

[psykobowler]

You forgot to put nemo in there.

 

[sgammon1]

Cool thanks! Wow.. I just downloaded google sketchup and it's pretty easy to use! Man I wish I knew about this sooner! It's not as good of a sketchup as yours though. I am definitely going to be playing with this more tonight.

Don't worry, the tang will be moved when it outgrows the tank. Haha.

Sorry, didn't mean to put junk in your thread. Carry on

Go to the 3d warehouse and search ai vega or radion they actually have them lol

Its a great tool!

 

[Pink Dolphin]

I would really love to see the progress of this build!

 

[RonMidtownStomp]

You're trying to support almost 2,000 lbs. Are you sure that's enough strength to keep it from buckling? What if there is some water damage over time and the wood softens?

 

[sgammon1]

Should be about 1500lbs. I will seal the plywood for condensation and water. I do plan on additional support inside the stand. I'm going to go into sketchup now to draw up some support.