Here are some pics of it so far, I ran back to the shop to take some pics. Again excuse the quality of the pics, they are taken from a camcorder. Anyone want to donate a digital camera ;)

size: 48.5x16x41"

Stand without the removable center brace.
http://www.ditchmond.com/gallery/alb...andframe08.jpg

Stand with the removable center brace.
http://www.ditchmond.com/gallery/alb...andframe10.jpg

Bottom support
http://www.ditchmond.com/gallery/alb...andframe15.jpg

I've still got a bunch of work to do to it. Still want to add the plastic bottom with a 3-4" lip around the side, incase of any spills. I'm gonna built a shelf about halfway up on one side. I'm gonna put a bucket with a small tubing, that will drip-feed topoff water into the sump.

More pictures here

Is the center brace staying in or out when it's fully setup?

Its going to stay in. I had initally designed the 36" to be completely without the center brace, but now that its a 48" I had to put in the center brace. I figured I'd make it removable just incase I had to take the sump out for any reason. I've still got to put all the sidings on as well, and the cabinet maker next door said that even with the weight it would be okay to take it out for a short while if I ever had to.

i would think you would be fine omitting the center brace if that's what you wanted to do , i have no brace in the middle of mine on the back side , tank is 5' long , but i did use 2x6 for my header across the top . it looks like you have double 2x4 across the top on a 4' span with no concentrated weight in the middle you would be fine , again if that's what you were hoping to do .

-Russ

Yup, thats exactly what I planned on doing. But now also since I increased the size from 36 - 48", I need somewhere to put the magnets to hold up my doors, so I figured I'd use the removable brace for that.

So I decided "not" to expand the width of the stand from 16-18". It would of been nice, but after checking the amount of space where the tank is going to go, its gonna stick out a little too far from the wall then I wanted it to (seeing that I need at least 1-2" behind the stand as well.

Sealant is all done. Next steps are going to be getting the outside paneling and doors done, and also making the bottom plastic tank, incase of any spills.

Finally!!

After 2 months of waiting, I finally got the stand back from the cabinet maker next door. My dad had to finally lend a "word" or two, to get the guy on it. Kinda upset, cause when he wanted us to mill out some doors for him on a rush, we did it on the weekend for him just so his customer would be happy, and here I am waiting for him (for 2 months) to spend a few hours to cover up my stand. He also forgot to follow my detailed drawings, which shows how I wanted the stand made (including the folding out top lip, which he completely forgot). I said to forget it, just so I could get my stand, and not wait any longer.

I've still got one small bookcase left that needs to be made to go on the right side of the stand (will post pictures later if he ever finishes it), but regardless, the stand is home!

The front panel is completely removable. It is held into place by 6 clips. I'm probably gonna pick up some sleek handles, and screw them down the sides of the stand.

http://www.ditchmond.com/gallery/alb...l_DSCF0718.JPG

I have to put a little silicone on the inside top lip (1"), and pick up the foam from HD for the stand to sit on. I'm also contemplating putting some type of hard rubber mat under the stand itself, I'll see what they have at HD. Any recommendations? Something to keep the stand somewhat flat?

http://www.ditchmond.com/gallery/alb...l_DSCF0719.JPG

I will also be bolting the stand against the wall completely, so there is no chance of it falling foward (the stand is 41-3/4" high). Yup, PERFECT viewing angle!

That looks freaking sweet man!

Thanks! I'm starting to really like the look of it, the more I look at it. I was kinda worried when he (cabinet maker) said the wide doors won't work, and to use one big panel in the front. But it actually looks really sleek, which I like. That panel is heavy however, (he used 3/4" plywood all around).

I'm also contemplating painting the inside white before I start setting up. What is a good paint to use?

That's really slick. A lot like my stand with the removable front panel.