DIY Stand First Draft plans

[Cougra]

Attached is the first draft plans I have for my stand that I'm going to attempt to build soon. My tank footprint is 30.25"L X 12.75"W. I only have 36" of space to place the stand in and I would like the inside of the stand to be large enough to fit my existing sump that has a footprint of 25.25"L X 12.75"W X 18"H. I will keep the back of the stand open for ventalation and for added access.

I plan on using 2X4's for the frame, 3/4 plywood or MDF (haven't decided looking for feedback here) for the top of the stand where the tank sits and the bottom of the inside of the stand. For the front and sides I was thinking of using some sort of 1/4" Melamine board. Again here I'm open to suggestions for the sides, ideally I would like a cherry wood finished look.

Any and all idea's or suggestions welcome! I've got two weeks to finalize the plans before I start building it.

Canopy plans coming soon as well.

 

[DonW]

You do not need 2x4 frame on a tank that size. The 2x's just take up to much interior stand space and usually will get in the way of plumbing.
MDF or particle is not a good option for any thing that gets close to a aquarium. The evaporation alone will destroy it. No matter how careful you are you will have some spills.
I would use all 3/4 hardwood plywood except for the door which should be hardwood. If you are using stile and rail with mortise construction you can get away with 1/2.
Probably not alot of help. If you decide to change the design I'll be happy to help explain some plywood joinery that is easy.

Don

 

[Montanarocknreefer]

I had my stand and canopy built by Wooddood and mostly he used was tongue and groove knotty pine...I love the look of the set-up with the pine and is alot lighter.

I would probably use 2 x 2's for frame construction on a tank that size.

I also like that my stand is 32" square and the tank is 24" which gives me added space underneath and looks really nice with a shelf so to speak on both sides of the tank.

Looks like it is going to be a sweet set-up Michelle