DYI Stand Plan, how is this idea?

[Easto]

Plywood type: I was checking out plywood and I figured between maple, oak, and birch that maple would be the most expensive. However maple was $55 per sheet 3\4", birch was $73, and oak was $79. Should I just go with maple?

[monocus]

shop around on your prices.your birch seems really expensive.i get my birch at rona or windsor for $37 a sheet,mahogany at $50,oak $80.and depends on the type of maple.(all 3/4)again maple does not take stain well

[Easto]

This was at HD. What's the best if we are painting.

[monocus]

doesn;t matter about your top as it will be covered.the sides i use 1/4 mahogany door skins-very tight even grain

[kwirky]

I'm currently building a stand for a 75 gallon and went with RocketEngineer's design, on reefcentral.

I attached a photo of mine so far. It's sturdy as **** and I'd say doesn't need the plywood to stay square. It has tons of strength where it's needed, is efficient with materials, and the 2x6 runs give more room for the opening because a center support isn't needed.

I'm going to put 1/2" plywood on the top and I have 1/4" birch plywood for the sides. I was tempted to do teak to match our mid century furniture but I couldn't find Danish teak.