I am building my stand now for my 75 gal. I just finished the frame and I am working on the wrap.
I am using 1/2" MDF instead of 3/8" ply for the top platform and wrap. I am painting it black.
I built my frame with the sides, then top then front panel, so that way it requires minimal edge dressing. I am adding some scrap baseboards I had lying around to the bottom and also to the top of the stand. The top baseboard molding will cover the lower ledge of the tank.
I used just 7 - 2"x 4" X 8' I bought 8 of them.
The MDF I had scrap and the baseboards, which would cost you extra. I spent about $32 with a 1 lb box of 2.5" screws, and two HD buckets. I used no glue. I used every screw just for the frame, but I am using a brad nailer to tack down the wrap.
I used pine, because it was just for the frame and I wouldn't be staining it. Also, when building something of this size, you have to consider, strength/weight ratio. Oak is a too heavy for my application. There is a reason we use pine to frame houses...frame strength, cost, to weight ratio. To me, oak wasn't the way to go, but of course I only have to support a 75 and I was painting it all along.
There are a couple oddities of my stand. I have a large sump, so I had to accommodate that with a large middle section. So I am going to have two smaller door sections on the right and left with two larger doors in the center. The doors will be cut out of the wrap, sanded and put on a nice hinge with pulls. The opening is large enough so no platform is needed in the stand itself (Although I may add some shelves later). Also a savings of weight.
The other thing is, my stand is 30" tall. I did this because I have a 75 gal long (60LX18WX16H). I used 8 vertical boars and two inner frame boards on the bottom frame and 3 on the upper frame. The stand will bring my tank up to near eye level. I'll build a canopy to match in the future.
I'll get pictures of the completed or near completed project. My hope is to find a 110-120 with the same footprint when I can.
I am using 1/2" MDF instead of 3/8" ply for the top platform and wrap. I am painting it black.
I built my frame with the sides, then top then front panel, so that way it requires minimal edge dressing. I am adding some scrap baseboards I had lying around to the bottom and also to the top of the stand. The top baseboard molding will cover the lower ledge of the tank.
I used just 7 - 2"x 4" X 8' I bought 8 of them.
The MDF I had scrap and the baseboards, which would cost you extra. I spent about $32 with a 1 lb box of 2.5" screws, and two HD buckets. I used no glue. I used every screw just for the frame, but I am using a brad nailer to tack down the wrap.
I used pine, because it was just for the frame and I wouldn't be staining it. Also, when building something of this size, you have to consider, strength/weight ratio. Oak is a too heavy for my application. There is a reason we use pine to frame houses...frame strength, cost, to weight ratio. To me, oak wasn't the way to go, but of course I only have to support a 75 and I was painting it all along.
There are a couple oddities of my stand. I have a large sump, so I had to accommodate that with a large middle section. So I am going to have two smaller door sections on the right and left with two larger doors in the center. The doors will be cut out of the wrap, sanded and put on a nice hinge with pulls. The opening is large enough so no platform is needed in the stand itself (Although I may add some shelves later). Also a savings of weight.
The other thing is, my stand is 30" tall. I did this because I have a 75 gal long (60LX18WX16H). I used 8 vertical boars and two inner frame boards on the bottom frame and 3 on the upper frame. The stand will bring my tank up to near eye level. I'll build a canopy to match in the future.
I'll get pictures of the completed or near completed project. My hope is to find a 110-120 with the same footprint when I can.
