Fishsticks
Member
- Joined
- 4 Jan 2013
- Messages
- 34
Hi,
I'm looking to build or buy an oak stand for a three-foot 200 litre tank. I'm practical and not afraid of building one, but don't have any real experience woodworking and don't have many tools yet, although I can probably borrow a router and tablesaw.
The Powers That Be have decreed that the stand should have an oak finish, which is a small concession for allowing a tank in the living room! She quite likes this one, but I want to get a rimless optiwhite tank built so am looking for a stand that comes a) without a tank, b) without a cover, and c) without a significant rim arount the base of the tank. Neither of us like the Formica Ada-style stands.
I've considered a frame of pine timber or glued plywood strips covered with oak plywood with mouldings and edging veneer to neaten it up, and I don't think that's overly ambitious - although it will take a lot of time. I've also considered building a cabinet 'properly' using solid oak mixed with oak plywood, but I think that there is a significant risk I'll end up ruining some pretty expensive wood through lack of skill.
Although I quite like the idea of building my own stand, I'm also realistic that I could potentially spend a huge amount of time saving a relatively small amount of money (after buying tools, materials, etc.) I'd also like to get my tank set up asap rather than spending months perfecting a self-built one.
I recently saw this cabinet online for £300 (I haven't seen it in the flesh yet) - it's almost exactly the right size and looks robust. I really like the look, although a CO2 cylinder might be a squeeze in the cupboards. Is this sort of thing likely to be suitable? It's not as bomb proof as I'd planned my self-biuld to be, but then compared to an LFS cabinet it's probably a lot sturdier. I'm keen to err on the safe side, especially since I rent my house.
Any suggestions on designs to consider, sources of suitable stands, or recommendations for custom builds? I know it's a very open question - just generally looking for advice here 🙂
Many thanks,
Matt
I'm looking to build or buy an oak stand for a three-foot 200 litre tank. I'm practical and not afraid of building one, but don't have any real experience woodworking and don't have many tools yet, although I can probably borrow a router and tablesaw.
The Powers That Be have decreed that the stand should have an oak finish, which is a small concession for allowing a tank in the living room! She quite likes this one, but I want to get a rimless optiwhite tank built so am looking for a stand that comes a) without a tank, b) without a cover, and c) without a significant rim arount the base of the tank. Neither of us like the Formica Ada-style stands.
I've considered a frame of pine timber or glued plywood strips covered with oak plywood with mouldings and edging veneer to neaten it up, and I don't think that's overly ambitious - although it will take a lot of time. I've also considered building a cabinet 'properly' using solid oak mixed with oak plywood, but I think that there is a significant risk I'll end up ruining some pretty expensive wood through lack of skill.
Although I quite like the idea of building my own stand, I'm also realistic that I could potentially spend a huge amount of time saving a relatively small amount of money (after buying tools, materials, etc.) I'd also like to get my tank set up asap rather than spending months perfecting a self-built one.
I recently saw this cabinet online for £300 (I haven't seen it in the flesh yet) - it's almost exactly the right size and looks robust. I really like the look, although a CO2 cylinder might be a squeeze in the cupboards. Is this sort of thing likely to be suitable? It's not as bomb proof as I'd planned my self-biuld to be, but then compared to an LFS cabinet it's probably a lot sturdier. I'm keen to err on the safe side, especially since I rent my house.
Any suggestions on designs to consider, sources of suitable stands, or recommendations for custom builds? I know it's a very open question - just generally looking for advice here 🙂
Many thanks,
Matt