Custom fish tank stand

[phi delt reefer]

i would strongly suggest the following after building my own stand...

design something you like in sketchup - have the frame built with 1 inch square steel tubing. It will be super straight. Have the welder either weld tabs into the fram for you to screw wooden panels into it or you can use counter sunk magnets. The magnets only work if all surfaces are perfectly flat (used them on mine where the panels bows slightly and they dont hold worth a $hit.) For a more modern look you can use acrylic panels instead of wood but that gets pricey real quick!

Also have leveling legs added to the base so you can easily level it once you get it home.

The steel frame will be lighter than a solid wood stand and much stronger. Maybe Grizz can help you with the design and suggest a local a builder for you. I cant remember whether he is in BC or Alberta - maybe he can even build it for you. Come to thing of it - the stand he build for his 8 footer is what you want to start with. Just go with a different "Skin" for a more modern look. May want to ask some local welding schools if they can take on the project if you pay for materials. Good way to help the local students out while still saving some money. I would assume its a pretty easy project.

Just so you know - I built my own stand it cost about $500 in just supplies alone. Not to metion about a weeks worth of labour between two guys who have never built anything like this before. I would NEVER build my own stand again. I would contract it out in the future. I like complex units with everything hidden so that usually comes at a cost.

If you have an idea i can help you draft somethign up in sketchup - I'm not a pro but a tank stand is easy enough.