Stand pics/examples?

[reefwars]

Imo furniture grade = not aquarium grade

anything built of nice wood is gonna run over 1000$ if you buy furniture , cheaper furniture is made of low budget wood and wears easily especially when water and weight are concerned. If you build a stand be sure to use hardwoods and put a water protective sealant on it. The thing about building your own is you don't pay labour which is huge in quality furniture, it's designed around your tank and your house, it's structure is a good as you need it to be as most tanks are different. Alot of people go tile or stone or just plain wood. Either way build a cheap shell that's structured and "skin" it with what you like.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by reefwars

Imo furniture grade = not aquarium grade

Ya, agreed. In my case, furniture grade means GF approved grade. It has to be a nice looking piece of furniture to match the rest of the room. Underneath will be solid framing, wood screws and glue, sealed seams and marine grade white paint.
I'm more looking for the guts ideas, the attractive skinning is the easy part. Just not exactly sure how I want to build 7' of stand, without getting too much bracing in the way of sump access, etc...

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Ya, agreed. In my case, furniture grade means GF approved grade. It has to be a nice looking piece of furniture to match the rest of the room. Underneath will be solid framing, wood screws and glue, sealed seams and marine grade white paint.
I'm more looking for the guts ideas, the attractive skinning is the easy part. Just not exactly sure how I want to build 7' of stand, without getting too much bracing in the way of sump access, etc...

What I have decided to do is use my existing stand and then design a "cover" to go around. This will eliminate the need for bracing that might get in the way of the sump as well as eliminate the need for it to hold a 1000 pounds. I am not sure yet if it will have doors... or a three sided pull away piece. I am sure there will be some sort of access door... but at again, it will have no bracing in my way when I need in the sump.


And just want to add... you don't NEED to use all hardwood for the stand.... the majority of stands fabricated for aquarium use composite woods like MDF. Very dense and very heavy. Properly sealed you would never have to worry about it. And on top of that.... MDF would probably run the same cost as solid wood.