and if your interested, here are a few of my last one....I waaaay over built it....I bet the stand itself ways 150 pounds LOL

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/P5260006.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/P5290003.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/P5300008.jpg
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/q...k/P5310013.jpg

What I have decided to do is use my existing stand and then design a "cover" to go around. This will eliminate the need for bracing that might get in the way of the sump as well as eliminate the need for it to hold a 1000 pounds. I am not sure yet if it will have doors... or a three sided pull away piece. I am sure there will be some sort of access door... but at again, it will have no bracing in my way when I need in the sump.


And just want to add... you don't NEED to use all hardwood for the stand.... the majority of stands fabricated for aquarium use composite woods like MDF. Very dense and very heavy. Properly sealed you would never have to worry about it. And on top of that.... MDF would probably run the same cost as solid wood.

I really like the electrical box idea. I think I will do that with my own stand! I have been humming and hawing over what to do with the power bars.

I saw that you are going to build using wood. Have you thought of a steel stand. Reason I say this is of course much stronger, but resistant to water damage, mold, rot, etc.... Ok you may get rust if not painted/powder coated properly, but much more resiliant.

Then you could do a nice wood cover for it.

My 150 was done on a steel stand, and I didn't like it. And it did start rusting after a couple years. Skinning it was also tougher, and past stands with wood, for me, seemed easier.

I made mine from 3/4 plywood and maple, wasn't too hard to do, though it's a little overbuilt. If you're interested I can have a look for the drawings I made before I built it - yours would obviously have to be scaled up somewhat as your tank will be bigger than my 75.

There are some pictures in my tank log here

If you want to know anything else, let me know,
Rob

Here's some pics of my latest stand...built for a 48 x 18 footprint.


http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...7/DSC03580.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...7/DSC03583.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...7/DSC03584.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...7/DSC03586.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/k...7/DSC03591.jpg
Everything glued and screwed with deck screws.
Still have to put the doors on...

heres some of mine its just the framing and its for a 200g

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287900378

http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287900378


http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1287900378




i too had to go a little higher than i wanted as my skimmer needs around 30" or more for clearance and in the pics the stand isnt finished it still needs cross bracing and it needs the center framed out, ill be in stalling 2 large magnetic doors in the back and in the front in the square you see is a viewing window made from acrylic so i can view the refuge and fragtank:) ill post some more once i get it completely done:)

Just my 2 cent worth...... as a welder by trade but also a jack of all trades (carpentry, plumbing and electrical - don't like to pay for things I can do myself :biggrin:) I would be on the side of metal stands simply for the fact that the material you can use is smaller in size and stronger over time ( wood rots and gets moldy) This allows more room for all our goodies under the tank. As for skinny the stand there are many avenues such as hinges (welded or screwed on) strong magnets are the one's that come to mind. But to each is there own and what others like to use for building materials is what they use. :biggrin:

Again just my 2 cent's.

Edit:
I do give props to some if not all of the wood stands I have seen in person and on here for jobs well done. There is some GREAT craftsmanship displayed and you all should be proud of your work.

Be sure to use a paintable silicone (won't be 100% silicone) or just use indoor/outdoor caulking. I like DAP Alex Plus.