Help with DIY stand

Looks good, but everyone is way over building their stands. You really don't need 2x4s until you get into the hundreds of gallons.
 
That is true about overbuilt stands. Most people would rather overbuild the stand "just to be safe". I think that the first 2 or so stands that a person builds will tend to be this way. After this people kind of "calm down" and use lesser materials.
As an example just look and see what the manufactures' (Oceanic, All Glass, or Perfecto) stands are made out of. Seems like pretty wimpy wood doesnt it? However they are comfortable with the stands' capacity to hold a full tank.
That being said. My first stand I built for my 125 and I used 4x4 posts as the six legs for the stand and lots of 3/4inch plywood. It was way overkill and monsterously heavy. The second and most recent stand is built out of 2x4s and is overbuilt as well however not grossly overbuilt. I wonder what my next tank and stand will be..... hmmmm....
Just my two cents. :)
 
I know it is over done. But I figure overbuilding may compensate for some slight imperfections in my woodworking skills. This is not my day job. :D
 
Yeah ... I dont do this during the daylight hours either. Your stand looks like you could however and my stand looks like I would go hungry if I tried to woodworking full time. :)
 
Don't be so sure. Trim is my best friend and hides many mistakes. My sides actually are 3/4" too short on the width so the back verticals show from a side shot (major cutting mistake). Of course I would never post a picture of the side. :)
 
JJ70 Hows yours looking. Got any updates pics. Are you going to have a sump? What kind of substrate your going with? Can't wait to see some more pics. I am thinking about going with a Fluval 404 canister. I really dont want to start a sump yet. I will perhaps try that in the future but for now I would like to start simple. Also what kind of lighting are you getting for yours. I have yet to decide.
 
Blast off is scheduled for next weekend when my wife will be out of town. Lucky me. I am currently plumbing a 30 gal sump. Already have the baffles installed. I will have a 1-2" sand substrate.

Lighting is 2 250 w MH 10K Ushios and a couple of moonlights.

I plan on posting a pic when the plumbing is done.
 
I have yet to recieve my tank - I ordered it on Sunday from my LFS. Did you find a good deal on those lights? I am thinking about power compacts since I just want FOWLR. Do you know of any good canister filter for around $100 I could use for mine?

Thanks
 
JJ70 -
I just checked out the eheim but the 2235 only pumps 185 gph. The fluval 404 pumps just about twice that. I would like the turnover a bit higher. Do you think the Fluval would do the job? Have you really heard anything about them?

Thanks
 
The think the fluval should be OK but I would do a search here to see what others say. I think I remember reading some negative comments about them but I'm not sure.
 
Fluvals are great for FW, but many people have had seal issues when trying to use with SW. Of course now someone will jump in and say that they've been using one since 1982 and it's never leaked, or had any problems at all. Anyway, do a search and make up your mind after reading. I use Fluvals, but I like the bigger Eheims also.
 
Pictures of the canopy being built would be nice. I am not sure about this. Does the canopy just rest right on the tank? If anyone has pictures of a canopy being built or can take some of there canopy that would be great.
 
The canopy is made from 2 x 2's and does rest on top of the aquarium. I have a pic in my gallery. I am using pendants mounted inside the canopy. The skin is 1/4" oak ply.
 
JustOneMoreTank said:
My first stand I built for my 125 and I used 4x4 posts as the six legs for the stand and lots of 3/4inch plywood. It was way overkill and monsterously heavy.
Click to expand...

When i built my stands, I did the same,lots of wood. My 240 gallon stand must way 400lbs. Four of us picked it up and about killed all of us.

54040Copy_of_3583_86463.jpg
 
Re: Help with DIY stand

Originally posted by JJ70
83070stand1.jpg


I see that there's three pieces per leg..can I just get away with just the two piece (the front and side piece)?? ...i mean the wooden board skin and lip on the stand will keep the legs in place when its glued and screwed properly...

This can save space for equipment inside.
 
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