sketch

Hungriee · Jul 29, 2009

So I've seen these cool sketches that members sketch of their tank plans or how their tanks look in there rooms. Does anyone know how they do this? What kind of software do they use?

Anyway I can get a hold of these software?

AlexStinson · Jul 29, 2009

I like to use google sketchup for any graphc design, it's free from ... google... btw, it's all 3d

Paul_N · Jul 29, 2009

One free program that many use is Google Sketchup. I have it but have not jumped into it yet.

Google SketchUp

Alex beat me too it...

Hungriee · Jul 29, 2009

thanks man. you guys have experience using it? it looks neat

killingseed2000 · Jul 29, 2009

i do it a very helpful tool. can be a pain sometime but very good, and the free tool libary is helpful.

ficklefins · Jul 29, 2009

This guide is pretty good:
Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: 3D Modeling for Aquarium Projects
and
Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: Google SketchUp for Aquarium Applications, Part II

AlexStinson · Jul 29, 2009

I think it is very self explanitroy, Ive had to use autocad and such for various jobs and sketchup can seem tedious in comparison, although its actually much much more user friendly, and really its controls are quite natural feeling.

beaslbob · Jul 29, 2009

Actually for some rough and dirty type sketches, MS paint will suffice and comes free with windows.

Sketchup is nice as stated.

I use an autocad clone called cadopia for three- view type drawings. It does cost but not near what autocad does and you can download a 30 day evaluation copy.

there is also some older versions of turbo cad that can be purchased for $10 or as a free download. But I have no direct experience with those.

PrisonCityReef · Jul 30, 2009

I swear by sketch-up for my planning. It's free (best point) and it is google. Just about everything Google does is gold.

Russellaqua · Jul 30, 2009

I have an old copy of Adobe Illustrator that I use, but it's an expensive program.

Phatboy · Aug 9, 2009

Those are nice links ficklefins, thanks.

Ive used sketchup with alot of sucess, and recently designed the plumbing system I will be using on my 55 reef. This took me a couple hours, on a slow computer to build.