Help me build a stand! Aqua Nano 40

[Vincero]

So, this little aqua nano 40 tank has been a real learning experience. What I initially envisioned as a simple, low key tank now has pretty much all of trimmings... except a dedicated stand!

I like DIY projects, but I don't have much experience with woodwork. I'm interested in building a stand and stumbled across one that I really like the look of on another forum. (See attached)

It looks clean, and I like how the door goes all away across, but doesn't add thickness to the stand itself. However, I'm not convinced that a design like this would be very strong, based on the second picture? (I imagine it would wobble when cleaning with a mag float)

I've read other diy stand threads and they suggest a braced design using 2x4s. The result is a sturdy box frame, but adding a door looks a little clunky because it has to be added in front of a precut hole. (Ever so slightly extending the dimensions of the stand?)

So... is there a way to build a cabinet like the one in the pictures, but with a sturdier frame?

The dimensions of my tank are 40 x 40 x 40 cm.

Thanks!

 

[mcgyvr]

See what doughboy did in post #8..
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2653865

A plywood box is plenty strong.. you do need something to prevent "racking" or it basically going to a parallelogram shape and folding over.. It doesn't take much to prevent that and the back of what doughboy did is plenty for that..
doesn't even need to be a full back...

 

[Vincero]

Thanks for the suggestion! -- maybe I'm overthinking this.

Would I still be able to get a door like the one in my pictures, using the traditional "build a box out of 2x4s" method? I guess it's more about where the hinges would go.

Stacking plywood like that looks good. I imagine quite a bit would be needed for that approach!

 

[mcgyvr]

huh? I wanted you to look at doughboys simple plywood box construction in post #8... not goofball 2x4 stacker krazy dude..
do not use 2x4s..

and yes to do the door like you want you just need the proper euro hinges..

 

[Vincero]

Aha -- now I see! Thanks.

 

[Vincero]

huh? I wanted you to look at doughboys simple plywood box construction in post #8... not goofball 2x4 stacker krazy dude..
do not use 2x4s..

and yes to do the door like you want you just need the proper euro hinges..

So really, the way it was built in my original pictures is acceptable. Just a bunch of plywood sheets cut to size and glued together...

 

[mcgyvr]

So really, the way it was built in my original pictures is acceptable. Just a bunch of plywood sheets cut to size and glued together...

provided you add a back or other piece to prevent that box from racking..
then yes..
I wouldn't just use glue though... nails or screws..
I love Kreg jig pocket hole tool.. like doughboy used..
I use it all the time on woodworking projects..

 

[Vincero]

Thanks mcgyver.

Is there anything I need to watch out for with the hinges, to achieve that flush look? Sorry - my experience here is very limited!