Tried These Plans?
 

Has anyone tried either of these aquarium stand plans?

http://www.knottyplans.com/index.php?page=10011

http://www.aquarium-stand-plans.com/index.html

i've seen all sorts of plans for stands out there on the net you don't have to pay for.

I agree with kwirky
Don't waste your money on plans that are only gonna show you to nail together a 2X4 frame.
Then cover it with plywood and some accent pieces

What you do is find a design you like, then contruct it yourself, incorporating friend with tools, the main thing (my thought) is holding the weight and the stability.
The canopy you will probably have modify any DIY to accomodate your particular lighting and future expansion any way.
I went to HOme Depot and bought 3" of 1/4" hardwood and routed channels then framed it, sealed it with water resistant sealer. Cost about 25 dollars. (i had dremel tool for routing).
Jim

Though I agree totally a stand is simple if you want a guide, go to the garf site here and look in the DIY section for stand. You put in the stand size and it generates a cut list and plan.

and remember, you must have at least five beers before using the table saw for any hobby project :D

I actually used the knottyplans.com website to make the hood for my 135 gallon tank (didn't make the stand as I already had one). I spent quite a bit of time searching the web for plans and to me it was worth it paying for the plans compared to some of the free plans (the hood plan only cost 5 bucks). I do not think that you can find a set of free plans on-line that goes into near as much detail as the knottyplans. I am a big time DIY guy but the amount of time I saved by using the materials list and measurements that came with these plans was more than worth it. The only difference was that these plans were for a 90 gallon tank (4' by 18" at the top) and my tank is 135 gallons (6' by 18" at the top). So basically I just added the extra 2' to all of the measurements. I am very pleased with how the hood turned out. I am hoping to post a tank journal of this build in the next few weeks as I get this tank up and running.

I have looked at some of the free plans on the internet and they are free for a reason. My building skills are reasonable, with a decent set of plans in front of me I should make fewer mistakes and the project will go smoother.

Let me know when you post your photos.