DarkDep's DIY Sturdy Tank Stand and Canopy

[darkdep]

Since many people don't go to the OVAS home page, just thought I'd drop a line letting everyone know I've started putting up an article on how I built my 90gal tank stand.  It's being put up in 3 parts and is loaded with pics.

Part 1 is up now in the new DIY section.

If anyone is interested, check it out.  I'll be happy to answer any questions or field criticism

[Laura]

That's great you posted it - I was looking for part II as my partner is likely going to start building me my lid tomorrow and I'm looking for ideas...

Can I ask if your entire front panel on the canopy flips open for access or is it just the doors? It looks like the whole front from the hinges on the top.

Any other features you found helpful would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

[darkdep]

Part 2 and 3 will be up in the next day or two, but they both deal with the stand.  The Canopy will be part 4.

This design has two access doors for the canopy, not a whole-front design.  Although I've done those too.

Put the lights fairly central, make sure there's lots of room at the back for equipment.  Use many coats of a waterproof finish if you want it to last

[Aiglos]

Dark Dep:  That was a great read; Pictures do wonders !!! what was the final cost to your stand if you don't mind me asking ?

I really think it looks good, you should be proud of the work you did and are doing.

[darkdep]

I think the final material cost for the stand alone was probably $100 or so total; that was for all materials, brackets, screws, glue, etc etc.

It was a very rewarding project.  I would urge anyone who is interested in doing their own stand to do it!  

It, as with most projects, ended up with things at the end I wish I had done differently, but I look at those things and say "Just wait till the NEXT stand..."

[Laura]

Thanks for the pointers  

[Aiglos]

It, as with most projects, ended up with things at the end I wish I had done differently, but I look at those things and say "Just wait till the NEXT stand..."

Curious as to what you would have done different now dark dep

[darkdep]

I'll wait until all parts of the article are up, then post a summary.  

[repeej]

Good stuff Chris....I want to build the same base for my 75g.

Now if only I had as many woodworking tools as I do mechanic type tools I'd be off to the races.

[darkdep]

Well, repeej, if you get some time over here on the weekend I can show you some details up close, and lend you some of the tools if you want.  I'll even be nice and show you all my mistakes so you won't make em :lol:

[jgolden]

Good stuff Chris....I want to build the same base for my 75g.

Hey! That looks similar to the DIY base I made myself ;-), only I used 4*4 for the frame, rather than 2*4s, and your finish is MUCH nicer ...... *sniff* I lack the nicer woodworking tools. But it works... I'll refinish it when I go saltwater in 5 years or so.... I had found my plans at http://www.fishandtips.com/index.php

[repeej]

Well, repeej, if you get some time over here on the weekend I can show you some details up close, and lend you some of the tools if you want.  I'll even be nice and show you all my mistakes so you won't make em :lol:

I might take you up on that offer.  I'm in no great hurry since the 75g will only be setup once i move.  

What are the pros and cons of using 4x4s instead of 2x4s for this project?

[darkdep]

4x4's are hard to find except in pressure-treated, which I would personally not recommend, just for the chemical factor.  4x4's are also a lot more money, much harder to cut (most 10" mitre saws for example can't cut them).  But, they do take one piece of the work away (gluing up 2x4's).  

repeej:  What do you have for woodworking tools?

[repeej]

So from your list of required tools:

Power Mitre Saw (can substitute a Circular Saw or MitreBox with backsaw if required) NO
Mitre Box YES
Clamps (Lots of em) NO
Hammer YES
Drill with Screwdriver bits YES
Hand Plane of some kind (optional, if you're lucky) YES
Nail Set (Optional) YES
Speed Square (Optional, helps to square the joints) NO
Router (Optional) NO
Shop Vac (Technically Optional, but you need something to clean up the dust and shavings!)
Table Saw (Optional) NO
Couple of Woodworking Chisels YES

[darkdep]

Ok, well the power mitre saw is really only needed for the 2x4's;  I don't know what you're driving but if you can transport them to my place we can cut them to proper dimensions here.  

Clamps you will need; I can lend you lots of those.

I've got an extra Speed Square I can lend you too.  It's just to check your work as you go along.  

The Table saw...Well, this more comes into play with the doors.  If you want to make simpler "slab" doors, you won't need the tablesaw at all.  If you want to make fancy doors, we can use mine.  Only issue here is the time of year...my garage is NOT insulated or heated X=)  (Fancy doors are SO much nicer tho)

[repeej]

OK cool.

My uncle has a full woodworking shop in his basement in Cornwall so I may ask him for assistance.  Otherwise, I will be asking you for a little help.

Cutting is my only concern as I am not a complete woodworking-moron.  I can do nice work if I take my time.

[darkdep]

Part 2 is up, folks.

[darkdep]

Part 3 is up!  This concludes the stand construction.  Only thing not really illustrated is the staining/finishing; I used a medium stain and finished with 3 coats of water-based Varathane.  The stand is now water resistant and looks pretty good!

I will be writing up an article on the Canopy/Lighting next.

[RoxyDog]

so what would the cost difference be between home made and store bought? the home made is much nicer than your black particle board type for sure!  although a home made one for me would be black anyway...
do you make them to be sold too?

[darkdep]

Roxy: Yes..sort of.  I am working on actually designing a set of stands for sale, but I'm not quite there yet.  Now, that being said, if you are interested in having me build a stand for you, we can definetly talk about it in pm.

Cost difference at the moment is significant; plus custom stands are a LOT sturdier.