1) I liked the idea of eye-level viewing of a fish tank, instead of bending down to see it
2) a higher stand would allow my 24~26" protein skimmer to fully slide out (without having to remove the collection cup every time
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I decided to build a 40-inch tall stand. See pictures. Details after the pictures.
Stand with drawer slide pushed in
Stand with drawer slide pulled out (full 18" drawer slide extension)
see previous reply detailing drawer slide
Stand with sump pulled out.
40gallon breeder tank (36"Lx18"Dx17"H)
Stand with sump pushed in
(notice lots of extra room to put electrical boxes, switches, reactors, topoffs, etc)
Here is what decided to build.
1) 40" tall stand
2) Used these
DIY instructions to build the frame
3) Used 4x4 instead of 2x4 for the vertical sections. I over-engineered it.
4) Used 3/4" plywood on stand top (to help distribute weight of 120gallon tank)
5) Used 3/4" plywood on stand base (on top of the bottom frame) -- needed this as base to mount my drawer slide
6) Used 1/2" plywood for sides and back
7) Painted entire inside with high-glass white paint.
Put two coats of ebony black stain on exterior, then 2~3 coats of polyurethane.
NOTES:
a) use thin layers of polyurethane or you will get drip marks.
use a countersink #8 drill bit (helps the wood screws go in flush to wood)
c) use wood filler to fill the screw holes
d) 1st stain coat will still show the wood filler discoloration. don't worry, 2nd stain coat will hide it.
e) use 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 inch #8 wood screws for 1/2 plywood (since it screws into the 4x4).
f) use 2 inch #8 wood screws for the 3/4 plywood to 4x4 securing (and anywhere needed).
g) use a drill to make pilot holes before putting actually using the wood screws (prevents tearing/cracking of wood)