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DIY Project DIY ADA Style Aquarium Stand

Thanks for the replies, the cabinet turned out better then expected. For now I have decided to just keep it simple inside, didn't want to spend too much time because I'm not sure if I'll be keeping the JBL filter. I've got all the materials to arrange all the cables and stuff, but during the startup of the tank, I'm gonna keep it like this for easy access. The wood on the inside isn't painted on purpose, hopefully it will soak up any water should I get a leak inside. I'd rather change those parts then the entire cabinet. I also figured out why I still had a gap on the side with the door, I miscalculated the distance with the hinges...ah well, like Bob would say, We don't make mistakes, just happy little incidents!

Yours is coming along really nice Piotr, can't wait to see the end result!
 

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Wow, it turned out really nice, my compliments! You clearly thought about placement of the electra better then I did haha! Looking at yours, I might just do a stand for my 30x30 cube and paint it white, nice 'n clean!
 
I wouldn't be worried at all. Guessing you've already done it by now but im sure it's 10x stronger than the stuff that comes prebuilt. Mine in 18mm MDF and could hold a British Challenger nevermind a 90x45x45.

Wanted to update you guys on my progress a little.

Not done much since i got the wood cut from B&Q but did the build yesterday with the help from a mate and the dog.

I got these from screwfix to help-

- 3.5x50 SPAX http://www.screwfix.com/p/spax-single-thread-woodscrews-3-5-x-50mm-200-pack/23821

- Ronseal wood filler http://www.screwfix.com/p/ronseal-multipurpose-wood-filler-natural-250g/38120

- Monkey Glue http://www.screwfix.com/p/gorilla-glue-wood-glue-532ml/83299

The screws are fantastic, never thought i'd be so excited to use a screw but these were top notch. No countersinking or piloting.

The gorilla glue sticks well and fast.

Not used the filler yet but im sure it's fine.

Finishing the cab off this week and i'll get the pics up.
 
The wood cost about $120 but I bought it straight from the lumber yard:

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I used dowels to join but check out my Journal for the full blow by blow of the build - quite a few pictures showing the build process and challenges encountered ....


Sent from Nokia 3310 using Tapatalk
 
Been busy recently but got round to getting it mostly done.,

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Picked it up from green machine today with 3x9L bags of amazonia. Just need to fit the doors once it's setup.
 

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To get the super high gloss and in fact the flat Matt finish these days, furniture manufacturers (kitchen, bedroom etc) use an acrylic sheet over a painted surface. The acrylic has the pre applied Finnish effect and offers protection. Pop to a good quality high street showroom and see.
Not sure however where you can get the acrylic so bit of a doh from me on that.
 
Going to have a go myself at one of these, great thread! What is the consensus on what to use as a primer? It seems some are using PVA whilst others are using water based primer? If you use the latter, do you then have to seal the top coat with a varnish to make it waterproof(ish)?
 
subterranean said:
Going to have a go myself at one of these, great thread! What is the consensus on what to use as a primer? It seems some are using PVA whilst others are using water based primer? If you use the latter, do you then have to seal the top coat with a varnish to make it waterproof(ish)?
Click to expand...

Water based primer is fine but as you say it may need a layer of protection as a last coat. I didn't bother, if i do have any issues id just build a new one a little differently. Boat varnish would be ideal. When you go to get the parts i would recommend the 3.5x50 SPAX http://www.screwfix.com/p/spax-single-thread-woodscrews-3-5-x-50mm-200-pack/23821 as they are great.
 
Don't use PVA it forms a seal that prevents paint, glue etc sticking. Years ago we had some walls re-plastered and guy offered to paint them as well, which was a big mistake, we let him. He PVA'ed the plaster first then emulsion painted. After a year odd, "spider" shaped cracks appeared in the paint and you could just peal off the paint in great strips leaving an absolutely spotless plaster wall underneath 😡. Sanded wall, resealed with diluted emulsion paint and repainted. Lasted years.

So, paint the wood/MDF with either very diluted emulsion paint or specialist MDF primer. I have used both and MDF primer is a tad better as it produces less raised fibres on the MDF.
 
Hi guys,

Bit of advise when it comes to assembly. Did you let the glue dry first before screwing it all together or did you do it whilst wet?
 
Not sure if this is the 'right' way, but I screwed and glued at the same time. Seems to have worked!
 
Hello everyone, I just joined this forum on a recommendation from a fellow member on another forum. I'm looking for the plans for the 120p cabinet with all the measurements. I've been looking for days on the www but have only come across the smaller tanks. Can someone please help me.
Thanks
 
Welcome to the forum...wouldn't it be possible for you to scale up these plans...

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