Howdy!
I have been workin the last 2 weeks to get my 75 stand created. I used 1x pine boards (4" and 6" widths). I chose the 1x's opposed to 2x's because they seem to be much 'truer' dimensions and are much cleaner/nicer looking.
The tank weight will be placed on an inner layer of vertical 1x4's (28" tall) and then there is an outer layer that I have attached to the inner layer. They are bonded with liquid nails and LOTS of screws.
The stand has 4 main pieces....front, rear and 2 sides. I'll try and recall to my best recollection, but it is all at home, so this may be a little off.
Sides:
Inner layer: 2-1x6 boards on the sides and a 1x4 board in the middle
Outer Layer: 2-1x4 boards on the sides
Front & Rear:
Inner Layer: 1x6 on each side and 2-1x4's in the middle.
Outer Layer: 1x6 on each side and 1x6 in middle.
There are also some horizontal braces and cross supports. As well as internal braces to support my fuge/sump.
I do not have any pics and my plans are all on paper...but I will try and get some pics so you can see. Hopefully this can give you an idea of what I am doing. If you have any questions, i'd be more than happy to answer them!!!
I was hesitant to use 1x boards, but now that it is built, it is VERY sturdy and puts to shame the stands that I have seen come with tanks at the LFS. So far the project has costed about $80. This does not YET include doors or a canopy, that will happen once the tank is blingin. :hilarious
I am doing a simple polyurethane finish....it looks very nice and glossy and should tolerate the 'elements' quite well.
