Stand build journal for 125 gallon tank

[NewObsession]

This weekend's build progress....


added the bases to the two ends of the units that will be cupboards. Added bracing along either side ( although probably would have been fine without it with the 3/4 plywood) then cut out the spaces for the vertical inserts and dropped them in. I'm not planning on screwing them down so I'll be able to lift them out should I ever need access underneath the stand for reason so I also drilled a hole in each to lift them out since I won't be able to reach underneath and just push them up once I get the trim on.

 

[NewObsession]

Also, I added the spacers so that the plywood sides would be flush with the top and bottom rails. I had to plane them since I had planed the rails down to 1-1/4" wide, but if you're using standard 2x lumber you could just as easily use strips of 3/4" plywood or 1x lumber (assuming you're using 3/4 plywood..) and got the plywood sides and back on

 

[NewObsession]

And the back. Oh, and also put the plywood panels in the centre where the drawres will go, and also adds rigidity ( is that a word?) and structure

 

[NewObsession]

latest update.. Last night finally finished getting the drawer slides and drawers in. Hopefully soon I'll have the leveller/feet finished and I can post those as well...

 

[aXio]

It's looking awesome!

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

You have better crafting skills and patience then I. I like the drawers. I prefer a an open bottom without a floor which I have found to be rotted-out on most used old cabinets I have restored, needing to be removed anyway. However I like your false bottom floor design that can be pulled out for floor/carpet cleaning beneath, the best of both worlds. Still concerned about your small wheels though and highly recommend that once you find a spot and fill the tank you never move it full. One girl in area who has marine tanks had her 100 on wheels and when she went to move it full after all the mass got moving a corner wheel got jammed suddenly and simply snapped off tipping the tank which slid off the stand and hit the floor all in one shot due to inertia, heavy objects that stop suddenly tend to keep going with or without the stand.

 

[NewObsession]

It's looking awesome!

Thanks!

 

[NewObsession]

You have better crafting skills and patience then I. I like the drawers. I prefer a an open bottom without a floor which I have found to be rotted-out on most used old cabinets I have restored, needing to be removed anyway. However I like your false bottom floor design that can be pulled out for floor/carpet cleaning beneath, the best of both worlds. Still concerned about your small wheels though and highly recommend that once you find a spot and fill the tank you never move it full. One girl in area who has marine tanks had her 100 on wheels and when she went to move it full after all the mass got moving a corner wheel got jammed suddenly and simply snapped off tipping the tank which slid off the stand and hit the floor all in one shot due to inertia, heavy objects that stop suddenly tend to keep going with or without the stand.

Thanks Gunner. I appreciate the advice. For the record I have no intention of moving it once it's full. That's also one of the advantages of the removable bottoms. If something falls behind the tank I can pull out the bottom (or the bottom drawer since under that is open as well) and retrieve it. Also, there are supports going in between each caster that will support the weight once it's in place. Hoping to get those done tonight, depending on how much I worry about cleaning and paiinting them even though they won't be seen. Might have pics of them up for tomorrow.

 

[fishorama]

I like the drawers!

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

T Also, there are supports going in between each caster that will support the weight once it's in place.

Now that is smart idea and I was going to mention it. The wheels only have a footprint of about 1/8"X1/2" and would definitely do some damage to the floor or the wheel itself over time. Supports with carpenter wedges will also allow you to level the stand and tank if necessary.