Next DIY project!!!

[TowBoater]

Yes I am a DIY weirdo.... I think I am going to try and build a stand and canopy for my 55g before I ever start on the 125g. I am going to use 6 pieces of 4X4's for support and go around the outside of them and box them in with 2X4's with the top leaving a lip so the tank can fit snugly in. I am then going to add cross boards underneath it to add support with 2X4's and then go around the outside with some of the pine we had left from doing are walls and ceiling to give it a nice look and make my doors and crap out of that. Then I am going to go to the LFS and ask if I can get the set-up for the 125g minus the stand and see how much that would be so I could make my own stand from about 8 pieces of 4X4's and the same basic design as I had for the 55g only this one would have more cross timbers and such. Now for the canopy. This is going to be tough but I think I can use 2X4's to make the frame with a hinged front for a door and then use the pine pieces again for covering. I will then totally re-due both tanks and have them pretty close to each other but then I will probably have to go under the house and reinforce my rooms flooring and add 4X4's to help my floor hold up.

[KcEE]

Wow! Looks like alot of work! When are you gonna start? This is interesting!

[TowBoater]

In 2-3 weeks, enough to get enough money for wood, I have the tools and such but need 4X4's and 2X4's.

[mitcore]

sounds good post pics

[TowBoater]

Will do for sure!!

[country_boy454]

Good luck on the projects! Waiting to see the pics once you are finished.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Cool! I bulit a stand fo my 20 gallon. I just cut 2x4s and connected them with a brace thing, thn added plywood on top. It incredibly strong.

[Tjones]

to me the 2x4's seem a little hefty to have doing tons of cross members my 55 is held up by 2 pieces of 3/4 MDF and a hard wood chery frame on the front. the back is open besides a cross along top and bottom on the back i do with it had a bit more structure to it though because if i don't get it perfectly level and get the weight on it it can be rather wobly... seeing glass that thin holding 55 galons of water is scary
but yea as far as the 100+ gallon range goes i wouldn't hessitate the least bit to do a 2x4 frame for it

but as i work doing cabinets im whiped into making things look immaculate so i'd prolly wrap the posts inside of the cabinet.

i think my next project will be a 100-200 gallon SW tank with a very very very nice stand made like described. just not sure where i would put it... ( i live with mom and dad and my room is full >.<

[TowBoater]

Well I work with wood a lot and that is what I work with usually, I don't like other sizes really. Would the tank sit fine at 6 points on the 4X4 or do i need to lay 2X4's around it to hold it at the rim? I will throw in a cross board in the middle also.

[MercCougar]

I built my own canopy and stand if you have any questions let me know. Your plans sound ok but i would not use 2x4 on the canopy because it makes it very heavy. I used 1x2 on my canopy and it is still hard to move around. Also one thing you should plan out is lighting before you even start. best of luck

[TowBoater]

I planed on bolting my current lighting system in the canopy.

[Pr0eve]

sound like some over kill on your stands bro. later today I will post up my stands that I have built. You can take a look at them, just may save you some time and money and not look over kill..

[Lady Hobbs]

I had my stand built of 2x4's with the wood doubled for the legs. Three cross sections for support. If your tank is glass, it needs nothing else on top. If it's acyrlic, it needs the full top covered.

[Rue]

Well, if overkill makes you feel better about the safety of the tank...feel free to overkill...

...better than the alternative....

[Pr0eve]

here I did this, I am not a good writer but I take photos lol, hope it helps

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?p=165923#post165923

[TowBoater]

I am going to go for the overkill so it will make me feel better. Also I went and learned I can get a complete set-up on my tank minus the stand for 575$ and that is the tank, lid, light, 2 emperor 400's, 2 stealth 250 watts, large siphon (won't need) and a ton of other odds and ends. I think it's a good deal personally.

[Pr0eve]

for a 55G? I think I paid 300$ for all every thing you see in the photos all three tanks, stands and all the stuff inside of all the tanks. just trying to help you cut your cost down bro and maybe have a little nicer looking stand for your tank.. no worry s..

[TowBoater]

No thats a 125g tank set-up.

[Becikeja]

Your stand sounds way too hefty to me. But hey, Can't blame you. The last thing you want is the tank to collapse. I would caution you on the canopy. Using 2X4's will add too much weight. There will come a day when you want to remove the canopy to do some maintenance. The heavier the canopy is the greater the risk of dropping it and doing some damage when you're removing it.

[TowBoater]

I may not even use a lid, I may just hand my light from the ceiling.

[Becikeja]

A buddy of mine did just that, it looks great. He has 2 light fixtures that hang down. He made them out of bamboo and they tie the tank into the theme of the room perfectly. Looks really good.