135 Gallon Build...

Two doors are fine. Just be sure you have settled on your filtration methods now and size the openings appropriately. Many of the larger canisters are a hassle in standard size cabinet work to get them in and out, and to even route the thicker(larger) tubing from them out and back up to the tank top. Same for a sump..leave more than adequate room to work on it and to remove or replace it. More than adequate for me is 6" more than I think is necessary, lol.
 
I'd tend to agree with the 2 door theory. My cabinet has 3 doors, and so does the hood. Now, I'm new to this whole 100+ gallon tank thing, but I wish the door openings were a little bigger.

Makes it sometimes tough to gets lights, decor, filters, etc., inside without moving stuff around. Looks like you're off to a great start. I've just been through this so I know how you feel. The shop's a mess and your miles from done. Just keep plugging on... Fine job so far. Good luck.

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The exterior dimensions are 72-3/4"L x 18-3/4"W x 33"H. I am planning on the sides extending about 2.5-3" behind the stand in order to hide all the tubes and wires from sight behind the tank, if that makes sense. Filtration is something I am still in limbo about. I am considering an Odyssea canister and some other filter (maybe a SunSun for the UV) to add the CO2 loop and heaters to. I may just breakdown my 26 bow front and use the equipment from that ( Cascade 700 and pressurized CO2).
 
+1 for diy. I made a 40g breeder stand that now houses my 40g fowlr and 20g refugium/sump (which is still in progress lol).

:cheers:
 
spunjin said:
Fantastic idea! I am going to build the frame so it will have two 20" doors. I am currently working on a SketchUp to post for suggestions on my frame design. That will be posted shortly.
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Thanks, it is not really my idea, I saw someone with something like that on their 200G tank online and thought it was a pretty good idea as it makes maintenance much easier and simpler. There is easy access too. I want to build something like that for my 72 gallon bow front for my canister filter.
here is the link I'm using to build

http://www.projectaquarium.com/plantedAquariumArticles_ADAAquariumStand.aspx

it is cheaper compared to buying a real ADA stand, but it looks just like one. If you don't want to build that way, I would suggest still using the formica so it has a clean cut finish unless you prefer the wood look.
 
I finished all the milling of the lumber yesterday. I felt compelled to use my marking gauge, chisel, and hammer to make the end joints. I was very pleased with the result. I feel the joints came out cleaner and more accurate this way.

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I dry fit the top frame and one end isn't perfectly square so I need to do a little more work to fix the issue. I will be doing the dry fit for the front and back frames this week and checking for square then making corrections if needed.

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Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

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Looking great so far!
 
any updates
 
Not to date. I don't really have the time during the weekdays to work in the shop.
I am considering going with a DIY LED fixture inside the canopy I'll be making. I have been reading on various forums on plans and ideas. I do like to save wattage and I like how the LEDs penetrate better than the PC bulbs.
But first I will be finishing the stand and most of the canopy.
 
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