DIY Stand for 120

russbriscoe · 01-15-2006, 06:17 AM

I am building my stand for my 120. I have the basic shell, but need to add some center bracing (top to floor) at the front and back and corner bracing in the back.

russbriscoe · 01-15-2006, 06:31 AM

Here is the size test for my stand and tank and it looks perfect. This week I will face the stand with Cherry and give it a distressed finish.

Once i have milled all the lumber it should not take too long to complete. I am waiting for my lights so I can start the canopy.

Geoff · 01-15-2006, 10:21 AM

Looking good!!

i really need to get me a set of real tools. i have so many projects going i can not get enough money to shell out for a cabinet saw.

let alone the other great woodworking toys that i need.

are you planning on putting a sheet of plywood on the top? it looks like your workmanship is good enough that you do not need to put a piece of foam under the tank to help with settling.

G~

russbriscoe · 01-15-2006, 10:29 AM

I dont think I am going to add a top. I may add a brace or two going from front to back and will also probably add foam to help with the leveling. I have checked the leveling and I am 1/16 off from from to back on the left side. Do you think this will be a problem? I will add a shelf in the bottom.

russbriscoe · 01-16-2006, 04:55 PM

I added a brace in the middle of the front and back of the cabinet. and on the corners on the back. I also milled all my lumber to start facing the cabinet.

russbriscoe · 01-17-2006, 11:03 PM

Well, I am starting over. I didn't like how the end result of this one was going to look. I am going to try something different.

Geoff · 01-18-2006, 09:34 AM

been there done that.

yehaw, more pics are a coming!!

G~

russbriscoe · 01-20-2006, 03:16 PM

Here is my rebuild! I think i have it how I want it this time. What do you think?

I just have some of the pieces setting wherre they will be nailed. I will add an apron around the top and base around the bottom.

The canopy will match and is almost done too.

hesstondc · 01-20-2006, 03:31 PM

Man that looks great. You are better at this than I am. Is the second pic the sides? If so that looks great. Is that what you mean by milling a door?

russbriscoe · 01-20-2006, 03:42 PM

yes, the second pic is the side. I have the doors already built, but they are not on yet and I didnt take any pictures.

russbriscoe · 01-24-2006, 07:10 AM

Crush rate - I have been thinking about the stand I am building and have been reading the ways people are building their stands and how different they are. Some use 2x4 and some companies use 3/4x4 strips of plywood.

Does anyone know or is there a formula that can determine the crush rate of stands? I think 2x4 is overkill, but I also want to ensure what I build does not create a flood in my home. I would like to minimize the weight and braces and only put what is necessary.

Loverotties · 01-24-2006, 07:52 AM

That looks great!

russbriscoe · 01-24-2006, 08:32 PM

Anyone know about the stuff I mentioned in Post #11?

1bigfish · 01-24-2006, 11:29 PM

Google search it. When I built the stand for my 125gal, I found several sites with strength ratings for all sizes of lumber. 2X4 is overkill, but I had two babies when I built mine and wanted to error on the side of caution. Who know when they may try to climb it.

Good luck

Steve

russbriscoe · 01-25-2006, 11:52 PM

Here is the final design/build on my stand. It took a while but I got it close to being right. There are a few mistakes and things I would change, but I will save those changes for another project.

I have always said that I was going to paint it black and distress it, but now I am thinking about staining it. Who knows.

DIY Stand for 120

New Pictures

DONE, Done, done!!! Well Almost!!!