SketchUp

[fivesmallworlds]

If anyone else out there is looking for a good program to use to aide in creating computer renderings of DIY projects download Google SketchUp. It's a fantastic 3D image program. I'm using it now to create the layouts for the stand and canopy that I'll be building shortly. It uses actual dimensions in inches and feet so that you can design something on the computer, take measurements from the screen and use them to make your cuts. It is pretty sweet. Not to mention FREE!!!

I'll post some pics later of what I've done so far. Really not that difficult to learn either, especially if you have any experience in Photoshop or the like.

[Chad Vossen]

YES YES YES!!!!

i have been useing microsoft paint to make all my sketches, 10 pixels = 1 inch.... and it always takes me forever to do anything that way too.

thank you, i have 3 stands to build and this will help big time

[fivesmallworlds]

Here's a quick one that I made. It really turns out quite cool. Best free download I've gotten in quite some time!

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll67/colingallows/Stand1.jpg

[Chad Vossen]

is there anyway to save the "project" then upload it for other people to use? something so that people can download your project, and view the dimensions and such so they can make plans to build their own. does it give you a supplies list at all, such as all the pieces you used and their dimensions.

oh man i wont be able to play with this till tomorrow night.

[Fish'InMN]

There is no supplies list or BOM, though it will calculate the area/volume/etc of any given piece or pieces. The "online/sharing" feature is I believe called the 'Warehouse', there is an export option.

EDIT: Almost forgot, here is a nice little library of reefing-related SketchUp models and collections: http://www.reefs.org/library/modeling/sketchup/

[flyingclay]

Quit putting this stuff on line. I downloaded it last night and was up way to late playing with it. Great program and can rotate to see all angles easy to navigate and design, need sleep, Thanks, les

[kpete4]

thanks, this is really cool!

[fivesmallworlds]

I wish it would give a supplies list, that would be wicked. You can use the tape measure tool and create your own though. Just measure all the pieces that you need and head to the shop.

i did the above design (although pretty standard) in about 30 min. Now I'm working on my actual plans including inside structure and everything. If it turns out alright I'll post it in here in a DIY section, then follow it up with pics of the actual build. That may be a while though...

[Rundquist99]

Awesome program, just what i was looking for to design a DIY Nano

[fivesmallworlds]

Glad it helped. Parts of it are a little tricky to learn, and I still don't have it down, but it's fun to mess around with.

[Chad Vossen]

i used this to build my tank rack. took my measurements to home depot and had the wood cut for me, assembled it at home in an hour, and it fit perfectly between the wall and reeftank.

once i get the dimensions of the room i'll be moving into, i'll start planning the layout so that i can just move in and put things right in their place.

[Dhummel]

CAN I HAVE IT TOO PLEASE!!!!!!
thank you.

[kaluden]

This is definitely nice for a free program, I am sticking with solidworks though, I get that free through work. I am a design drafter, these 3d programs are what I do.

[aka_BigRed]

This is definitely nice for a free program, I am sticking with solidworks though, I get that free through work. I am a design drafter, these 3d programs are what I do.

I agree that Gsketchup won't replace AutoCAD etc, but for a "weekend-warrior" like myself, I want to do some random 3D stuff but don't have the need or time to learn the full blown AutoCad suite (let alone the licensing cost of AC). My brother does AutoCAD work, but there's time I don't want to have him do it for me, and Gsketchup is great for the casual user.

[kaluden]

oh yeah, definitely no arguments from me on it being a good free program. it is what I would use if I didn't get solidworks from work (4.5k per seat, no thanks) Actually, I will probably be installing gsketchup on my laptop since it cant handle solidworks.

[truvkngfan]

I think this is an awesome program to test ideas and see what they would look like. I was thinking of building a small tank with a minisump built under the sand and rock. I am thinking of having the first chamber open water, the second chamber full of LR rubble and the last chamber with a sponge and screen. Wondering what you guys think of the design and if it would work...

http://www.rhsdplanning.com/saltwater/minitank.jpg


Here is a link to the file for those that have downloaded SketchUp..

http://www.rhsdplanning.com/saltwater/minitank.skp

[FastFish720]

Ok, so Adam and I hit on the idea that the skimmer cup would overflow because over the aquariums water level.

The hidden fuge could be lit from below.

Total Volume is around 8 gallons.

[fivesmallworlds]

Neat idea. the skimmer cup would probably overflow, but that would also reduce the water level of the tank until it reaches equilibrium.

Making the skimmer taller or putting it on a stand would help. What kind of skimmer are you planning? Input/Output design of the skimmer might come into play.