how much did your DIY stand run you?

[TheOne]

Link is broken

Fixed it. I'm going to use the doors and side panels on the 80/20 stand.

 

[TheOne]

You dont like the red sea stands? Im trying to recreate one very similar

I don't like how they handled the situation of other reefers tanks failing due to the sagging top. They are sending me a piece of 80/20 to reinforce the middle but this is a long term tank for me. Been running for two years now and I'm more than happy to replace the stand with something that will last another 10 years.

 

[Jvesche20]

I don't like how they handled the situation of other reefers tanks failing due to the sagging top. They are sending me a piece of 80/20 to reinforce the middle but this is a long term tank for me. Been running for two years now and I'm more than happy to replace the stand with something that will last another 10 years.

Gotcha. What are the doors made of? Have any idea?

 

[Dragon52]

I think mine was around $75.

 

[TheOne]

Gotcha. What are the doors made of? Have any idea?

They are solid wood and very nice. The coating on them is very hard. Not sure what they use but it feels hard like stone. I wipe them off with a rag every now and then and they still look brand new. That's why I'm going to reuse them. The side, bottom, top and back panels aren't as nice. It honestly feels like ikea furniture. After assembling it I knew I shouldn't have used it.

We use 8020 at work and you could park your car on this stuff. You can also change it up at anytime. It's aluminum so I shouldn't have to worry about rust or water damage either. Need to change your sump layout, no problem just unscrew a few bolts move things around and re tighten.

 

[Jvesche20]

They are solid wood and very nice. The coating on them is very hard. Not sure what they use but it feels hard like stone. That's why I'm going to reuse them. The side panels are the same.

could it be epoxy? Stuff is expensive

 

[TheOne]

could it be epoxy? Stuff is expensive

Yes, it does feel like it. I see these doors outlasting me, ha. You could probably contact Red Sea and get them to sell you a set if you need.

 

[PghReef]

Anyone know what type of wood would be great to make a finish similar to the stands that redsea or waterbox uses? I think those stands are super clean.

MDF board actually has the greatest stability in resisting warpage and twisting, also doesnt expand and contract as much as wood with changes in humidity and temps making it a good choice for the panel in shaker style cabinets.
That being said I don't trust it with water and it doesnt always work real easy. For a painted stand I'd chose maple or poplar plywood. For any exposed edges you can buy iron on wood veneer edging that is super easy to install.

 

[Backreefing]

Mine is about $190ish but it is overbuilt a bit .

 

[TheOne]

could it be epoxy? Stuff is expensive

Was editing my post when you quoted me. After looking at my stand again the sides are definately not the same nice finish as the doors. The doors are very heavy also.

 

[SeaJay]

Steel stands. Due to this being an item that generally needs specialty tools to work with, and quite often the use of a welding service, can this be considered as actually DIY. I do agree that a steel stand is preferable, but I think that the simplicity of working with wood is more accessible to the average DIYer. I built mine pretty much with with hand powered tools, borrowed a drill to do the drilling and screwing. I did initially examine using square tubing held together using bolts but even there I found that the issue would be cutting and drilling the tubes...again requiring tools that I think most people don't happen to have readily available.

I build hot rods and have for many years. To me a welder and a grinder aren’t specialty tools, they’re just tools that I have in my garage. To me, woodworking tools are “specialty tools”. There are far more Tools needed to complete a quality woodworking project than are required to build a steel frame. Perspective is key.

 

[TheOne]

I agree. I would rather work with metal any day of the week. Getting wood work right takes years of practice and you wouldn't believe the cost of alot of the tools they use.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Great question. I honestly have no clue. I never kept track lol

 

[Neil S.]

I build hot rods and have for many years. To me a welder and a grinder aren’t specialty tools, they’re just tools that I have in my garage. To me, woodworking tools are “specialty tools”. There are far more Tools needed to complete a quality woodworking project than are required to build a steel frame. Perspective is key.

You are right! Hadn't thought about that perspective.

 

[Silent]

My last tank set up I made my own stand and it was very expensive. I used 3/4 inch oak plywood, even the doors. Because the doors were so heavy I used heavy duty kitchen cabinet hinges with soft close fasteners so it would not scare the fish shutting the doors.


I ended up staining it.

 

[JoshH]

My last tank set up I made my own stand and it was very expensive. I used 3/4 inch oak plywood, even the doors. Because the doors were so heavy I used heavy duty kitchen cabinet hinges with soft close fasteners so it would not scare the fish shutting the doors.


I ended up staining it.

That's an awesome build, Love the dual shallow tanks!!

 

[Silent]

Thank you. I was very proud of that stand. Those tanks are 60g each. Same footprint as a 75g just shallower. Was great for coral propagation.

 

[Neil S.]

My last tank set up I made my own stand and it was very expensive. I used 3/4 inch oak plywood, even the doors. Because the doors were so heavy I used heavy duty kitchen cabinet hinges with soft close fasteners so it would not scare the fish shutting the doors.


I ended up staining it.

That IS Gorgeous!!

 

[Silent]

Thank you @Neil S. One last thing, I had to cut the doors out of the oak plywood very carefully because I wanted the grain to match up. That I felt was something not everyone would notice but worth it for those that did notice or worked with wood.

 

[Oscar Bravo]

I am thinking on buying a 48x36x25 aquarium. What do you all think I should use, 2x4 or 2x6s? I am thinking 2x6 because I do not want to put any center brace.