Comments/suggestions on tank stand/lighting

[fjr_wertheimber]

Okay, so I'm building a tank stand. I've done other woodwork before, everything from framing houses to building decks and furniture, but this is the first aquarium stand I've built. These pics just show the frame of the stand, not the exterior skins (debating whether to do true hardwoods or veneered panels, thoughts/comments?). I'm planning on having both the side panels on the base hinged to allow easier access to the sump/pumps/etc. as well as access through the front. Anyone have any suggestions, things I should add, things to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any help,
A.J.http://www.ajmerrifield.com/stand.jpghttp://www.ajmerrifield.com/stand_bottom.jpg

[hobogato]

looks like you know what you are doing.... what size tank is this going to be? on the canopy, i have found that there is not really a need for a frame, the wood you use for the skin is plenty strong to support the lights. this will reduce the weight of the canopy which is nice if this is gonna be a large tank. also, you may want to make the canopy open on the front instead of the top, it will make maintenance and feeding much easier.

[hobogato]

btw, welcome to maast!

[BIGBIRD123]

First of all...Welcome to MAAST.

Everything looks good but I agree with Ace on the front opening.

Steve

[secretweapons22]

I just want to know what kind of program you used to draw up those plans, very nice lay out.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Thanks for the welcome, everyone.
The tank is a ~110 gallon tank, (72"l x18"w x21"h). On the canopy the front face actually goes up with the top of the canopy (I got the idea when I saw Lee Hoy's tank last week). Think of a car trunk and you've got the right idea. I'm going to put the lights on a pivot (another idea I'm stealing from Lee, thanks, man) so the lights continue to shine down in the tank when I'm working on it, rather than in my eyes. I framed the canopy in 1"x4"s rather than the 2"x4"s that I used on the stand because I knew it would require less structural rigidity but would allow me to use veneer or 1/4" decorative ply rather than hardwoods. If I use hardwoods I'll skip the framing in the canopy.
I drew up the plans in Google Sketch-Up (the free version). Takes a bit of fiddling to get used to, but a great program. It's made it a LOT easier for me to really track how much material I'm going to need, rather than guesstimating, you know?

[VeronicaKelly]

When you're done building yours, will you come over and build me a hood for mine? =P

[caferacermike]

Get ahold of Brian at Kingfish. Last time I visited he was using this plastic wood that looked awesome. Looked like wood, worked like wood, but was a plastic veneer that was completely water resistant.

[Mr Cob]

looks like you know what you are doing.... what size tank is this going to be? on the canopy, i have found that there is not really a need for a frame, the wood you use for the skin is plenty strong to support the lights. this will reduce the weight of the canopy which is nice if this is gonna be a large tank. also, you may want to make the canopy open on the front instead of the top, it will make maintenance and feeding much easier.

I have an "top open canopy" and while it s a beautiful piece it is the most irritating thing during maintenance. It also adds abut a foot to the depth of the tank when trying to reach rocks etc at the bottom. Definitely implement it to be a "font open" canopy....maybe you can make it both front and top.

I just saw your explanation of the front face going up with the top. So nevermind. Good job.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Get ahold of Brian at Kingfish. Last time I visited he was using this plastic wood that looked awesome. Looked like wood, worked like wood, but was a plastic veneer that was completely water resistant.

Yeah, I'm trying to get together with him to get my tank drilled and a overflow put in. We've been trying to figure out a time to get together but our schedules keep conflicting. I'm also getting a (I'm such a geek, it's sad how excited I am about this) Reefkeeper 2 from him, too (if you look at the stand design you'll see where it's going to be mounted). I've got a laptop I'm going to keep connected to that Reefkeeper 2 so I can have it automatically upload files to my website so I can view my tank stats no matter where I'm at (and yes, I intend to use the new webcam function, too, so I can see my fish when I'm at work). Ah, yes, geeky bliss.

Hey, next question for everyone: As far as lights go, I'm leaning towards going with four 2x80 watt 60" Tek T5 Retrofit kits with the Tek II Retrofit 96% reflectors (for a total of 640 watts) with four D-D Geismann PowerChrome T5 HO Aquablue+ lamps and four D-D Geismann PowerChrome T5 HO Midday lamps. For an SPS tank, bearing in mind the dimensions of the tank (72" l x 18" w x 21" h) and the planning height of the canopy (18"), what are the group's thoughts on that? Not enough? Overkill? Just right?

[LoneStar]

Nice Google sketch!

Something I may add would be adding a shop light under the stand. It will work wonders for doing maintenance. Also, incorporating outlets in key areas where equipment will be placed will give it a nice clean look.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Thanks, Lone Star. Yeah, I plan to put three 18" fluorescent lights (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100384834&N=10000003+503357+10042001) under there, one at each side and one in the middle, recessed between the supports under the tank.