DYI Stand - which plywood?

[Aquattro]

I found mahogany was fairly inexpensive with a good finish for paint. 1/2" is fine for sides, I doubled that for the top. Last stand I did didn't use a top at all, the tank sat on the 2x4s

[monocus]

birch is 10 dollars less than mahogany here an has a smooth finish ,1/4 inch mahogany is all you need for the sides

[Myka]

It's depends how beefy your framing is. I'm happy using 1/8" for the back and 1/4" for the sides. If you're using European hinges they require the mounting surface and the doors to be 3/4" plywood for easiest installation (many others require this too) since typical kitchen cabinets are 3/4". If you're using magnets to hold the panels instead of fabricating doors, then sometimes 1/8" works better because the magnets are stronger than the wood's ability to warp, but 3/4" is much more durable. I've always just used standard sanded plywood.

[CM125]

I use birch or maple for skinning. Both will finish well with paint, although I recommend a higher tooth saw blade for cleaner edges. Im sure 1/2" would be fine