DIY stand woodwork - easy or hard?

[Hexabonal]

Hi all,

I live in Hong Kong. Reef tanks here are not cheap (60 gal for $800 USD) but standard tanks are (60 Gal for $50 USD).

Because of this I'd like to make my own reef tank but I really need some advice to help me consider which option is most appropriate: A sump or an All-In-One.

Sump
Perhaps the key concern I have with making a sump is the fact that, if I do so, I would almost certainly have to make a custom stand myself to accommodate it. I would want the pipes coming out of the tank to be over the sump so that, if there are any minor leaks, they leak into the sump. Now, I'm not that handy. When living in other countries I have done some crude woodwork projects myself before making some very simple slightly wonky benches and things like that. I always found the wood to be pretty warped and I had no idea how to plane the wood to get it straight. I am concerned that an aquarium stand requires a level of absolute precision which I do not possess in order for the tank to be completely level. Is this the case? Can anyone offer some advice here?

 

[theatrus]

You likely do not need a custom stand - most stands are open between the bottom of the tank and the stand, for a tank with a rim. If the stand has a solid surface, a hole saw makes quick work to add a few holes.

 

[pijao81]

Actually it's not hard.. I did my own stand.. And it's strong like a rock.. I just had to measure, draw the model on a paper, then buy the wood and let the people at the shop cut it for me. Then assembling it is a question of following the steps shown in every video on YouTube about a wood stand.
However, if I would do it again.. I would prefer the Iron or steel stand. Wood takes a lot of space..so in the end you end up with a small space for the sump and equipment. But it's just my opinion.

 

[Michael Rodriguez]

I have alway build my stands out of plywood but it takes a table saw dado blades etc.