My 215 build

[mrbill]

I figured that I better get going on my build so I started the stand for my new 215 yesterday. I have built about a half dozen or so stands over the years and this is they way I like to do them. Instead of starting with the inside bracing I start with a 3/4" plywood shell that is designed so the tanks weight is directly over the sides of the stand. This carries all the weight directly to the ground. I use screws, glue and biscuit joints. After the shell is done I go back and add bracing to the inside. I always do a staggered, double bracing so every joint is backed up with wood. The bracing also goes all the way to the floor to help carry the weight. This results in a extremely rigid, completely square and plumb cabinet that you could park a car on. Wait a minute, the tank will weigh as much as a car. Anyway the basic stand is done. I have trim for the bottom of it and trim for the top of it that will cover the bottom frame of the tank that needs to be installed and of course the raised panel doors need to be made. Cutting the top. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/firstcut.JPG


I then set the top directly onto the tank to make sure it was flat when the face frame was applied.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/faceframeandtop.JPG http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/doublingupallbraces.JPG The double back braces being installed.


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/finishedbasicbase.JPGMore or less done, The hood for the T5's is next.

[RogersCG]

Nice... Following along... I'm very curious how you are going to do your hood.

[mrbill]

I got a little more done with the base unit, installed the bottom and top trim. I was going to make the raised panel doors myself until I found out that I could have them made by a local cabinet maker for only about $10 more per door than what just the materials would cost me. Seemed like a lot of work for only $40 (four doors). I also figured I would probably screw up some wood anyway and it would than have cost me more in the end so I ordered them. Next step is the light hood. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/basewithtrim.JPG

[bob_trrnt]

Very nice work. i'm a wood butcher.

[Boker420]

I guess I'd be worried about that stand being strong enough. Compared to yours, mine must be 5 times overkill then. If I was you I would add a bunch for bracing to that. Why chance it?

[old_man_river]

I guess I'd be worried about that stand being strong enough. Compared to yours, mine must be 5 times overkill then. If I was you I would add a bunch for bracing to that. Why chance it?
over kill is the way to go. we could put are 220 and five poeple on it and not worry about it

[FastFish720]

Looks like an awesome start!! More pictures!!!

[Chris Goetz]

I guess I'd be worried about that stand being strong enough. Compared to yours, mine must be 5 times overkill then. If I was you I would add a bunch for bracing to that. Why chance it?

3/4" plywood should be plenty strong as long as it's cross braced well to keep the 3/4" in place.

Have you seen the aquarium manufacturer stands? They work and they don't look near as nice/sturdy as this.

Very nice stand mrbill. Who is making the doors for only $10 each?

[old_man_river]

it looks great

[mattb]

Nice craftsmanship!!!

[RogersCG]

Very nice stand mrbill. Who is making the doors for only $10 each?

+1... I need doors and for 10.00 + materials I am interested too...

Looks great BTW!!

[flyingclay]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now that that is almost done Ive got some work for you to do, great craftsmanship

[mrbill]

Heres a photo I posted in another thread showing my stand loaded with 2845 lbs for those that think its built too light. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/standtest.JPG

[bkoppes]

I think that may hold your tank. :beerchug:

[Chris Goetz]

Heres a photo I posted in another thread showing my stand loaded with 2845 lbs for those that think its built too light.

I LOVE IT!!! And not one 2x6" in sight! :beerchug:

[mrbill]

I finally got back out to the shop yesterday. Since the beginning I have been planning to modify the stock overflows to lower the water level. The tank is 29" high and has a glass top brace. By lowering the water (a little over 1") I hope to be able to keep the top brace cleaner and I don't need all that extra depth anyway. The light hood will cover the water line and the bare glass at the top of the tank. Here's a couple of photos showing some of the slots cut and the jig I made to hold a Dremel tool to help make the cuts. I was able to lower the lip of the inner overflow using a router freehand. Boy, there's just nothing like cutting up brand new equipment.

[sameyer]

Good idea. I have the same tank with a lot of flow in my returns. The center brace is always in contact with some water making it a real PITA to keep clean.

[clownnut]

I finally got back out to the shop yesterday. Since the beginning I have been planning to modify the stock overflows to lower the water level. The tank is 29" high and has a glass top brace. By lowering the water (a little over 1") I hope to be able to keep the top brace cleaner and I don't need all that extra depth anyway. The light hood will cover the water line and the bare glass at the top of the tank. Here's a couple of photos showing some of the slots cut and the jig I made to hold a Dremel tool to help make the cuts. I was able to lower the lip of the inner overflow using a router freehand. Boy, there's just nothing like cutting up brand new equipment.


now you can put a wavebox in there.
i wish i did the some to the overflow in my tank, cant use wavebox because the water level is too high.

[mrbill]

A little more shop time tonight and I finished the overflow covers. I like to used clear Plexiglas. Set the plex on the overflows and trace them. Then just cut it out on the band saw and hit it with the disc sander. Add a couple of tabs (pieces of 1/4" plex) to hold it in place and then spray them with flat black primer. Keeps the little fishies in the tank and the light out of the overflows so you don't notice them as much.

[mrbill]

Its a done deal!!!! All I have to do is get a sump and start plumbing as well as adding the T5's. I'm really glad I made the light hood so it opens wide, this thing stands tall! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1240673/finished215stand.JPG

[Payne]

Things look great!! Ill take a overflow cover if you got an extra one.

[wolmutt]

Wow, that is slick. Great work! Is the front pane starfire?

[seaweed]

nice!!!!:beerchug:

[thepollock]

vary nice. i wish i could work with wod that good.:beerchug:

[mrbill]

Yup, the front glass of the Oceanic Ultimates is Starfire.

[REEFSTOCK]

That is so cool, Bill!

[Flounder]

Thats incredible!! Beautiful job