My DIY 125 Stand Build, Lots of Pics

[Rbishop]

Stand is looking good! I have a similarly constructed stand for my 125s...no issues on strength at all. Most stands constructed by DIY are so overly engineered with 2 x lumber it is crazy.

 

[Tay690]

man that stand is absolutely gorgeous for a DIY
you are truly a gifted craftsmen

I might make one exactly like that for $250 you can't go wrong

I just got myself a 125g tank and was debating a metal stand...but they're such an eyesore and at that size it will be more than $400 probably...so why not save some money and make something absolutely gorgeous

Little physical work never hurt anyone right?

 

[DrgRcr]

Thanks everyone for the compliments and replies! I promise more pics when the finish is complete and the doors are back on. Today I'm going to be mounting a small shoplight underneath, for those times when you can't quite see under there, and hole sawing some openings in the back for wiring, tubing, etc. I saw some 3' T5 double 21w lighting fixtures at HD today and I was wondering if anyone thought that would be enough lighting for a Malawi non-planted tank if I paint the inside of the canopy white? Now for some specific answers:

SMinNC, yes my other "hobby" is lot of fun and alot of work. I truly don't believe there is an adrenaline rush quite like it.

Wackydan, thanks for all of the advice, I will certainly take you up on th PM offer if needed:thm:! I did pick up some oil based polyurethane, and I will do 2 coats for sure after the Danish Oil cures. I was debating because the oil is supposed to seal also, but I think the poly is a little more insurance against damage. And I am pretty diligent about wiping up any small spills too.

RB, thank you. I definately was second guessing the non 2x4 decision until I did a little digging.

Tay, thanks. I actually thought about doing my own metal stand too, being a welder. I was thinking aluminum for weight, but the price for the material would have been prohibitive.

 

[krytan]

Looking really good now, i can't wait to see it finished.

I do like the peace of mind that an overbuilt 2 x 4" construction has though.

 

[FISHSHROD]

I built the s_ _ _ out of my stand , overkill
Your cabinet is looking wonderful.

 

[LoresonDE]

Yup, no need for 2x4's at all. You could make that whole stand out of MDF if you wanted to and it would hold that tank no problem. If you have the skill you can make a strong stand out of just about anything. If you are not used to working with wood or have limited tools, then using 2x4's is sometimes simpler and more bullet proof for the novice.

My next stand is being made out of all Pine 3/4 stock.

As for the Danish oil. - It is easy to repair damage to the stand with an oil finish applied. However, oil finishes are not tolerant of long term or regular water exposure, so swabbing up small spills is important. Once the oil has hardened - you can take paste wax and buff the stand. That will add some protection and add a bit more shine than what the oil will give you.

Now... If you want more durability and want to maintain the ability to repair blemishes in the stand you can top coat it with blond Shellac. Shellac is not immune to water damage but holds up pretty well if you put multiple coats on. Shellac is dissolved in alcohol, so you can take denatured alcohol and rub out a water spot/damaged area and simply re-coat that area.... Many antiques were protected with shellac back in the day and that is what makes repairing them a bit easier.

You can also top coat with an oil based poly -Hard to find if you live in California. Do not try to use a water based poly over the danish oil...It will not coat well and look like crap. Two or three coats of poly offers the best protection against water damage, but is very difficult to repair when compared to Shellac.

Shellac or poly, make sure you wait 5 or more days to let the danish oil completely cure and sand in-between coats.

I digress... PM me with any questions.

I had to wonder as i will end up building my own somewhere along the course, i just hadnt done any real thinking about it past the weight of the tank.

Good info from both you guys, thanks.

 

[DrgRcr]

OK, finishing is done. 2 coats of Watco Danish Oil, followed by 2 coats of oil based clear polyurethane. I may be picking the tank up today, but not sure yet. I will build a matching canopy after I get the tank setup. Here are a few more shots.

 

[krytan]

It looks really stunning, i wish my build would go as quickly as yours has.
The grain on the top of the stand is very interesting, it seems a shame to cover it up with a tank.

 

[THE V]

Looks really good. Now all that you have to do is figure out how to get it to my house to go under my 125. My current stand needs to be replaced.

Question: Do you have any way for air to move underneath the bottom shelf? If you have a little water spillage (big fish, accidental overfilling, filter hose leakage, etc.) or if you live in a humid area, water can get underneath the stand and cause dry rot and flooring damage. I'd hate to see all that work destroyed because of a lack of a few vent holes.

 

[Star_Rider]

wow, looks great