converting a standard 150G metal stand ionto something nice

[Maduro]

Hey Guys,

I just picked up a sweet 150 gallon tank on craigslist and the owner threw in his original metal stand. This looks like one of your average metal stands all the petshops sell. I was originally planning on building a wood stand but it feels like such a waste to not utilize the meatal stand.

So, here's my idea...create a cabinet skin for the metal stand that will make it livingroom friendly while utilizing the metal stand for support strength. Has anybody else done this?

I wouldn't want to drill into the metal, so I'm thinking of creating a "cap" for the metal stand so the tank rests on a wood lid which all my sides and front doors hang off of. Because I'm not depending on the skin for support I could use light high quality veneer woods for the sides.

Any thoughts? If somebody has done this successfully I'd love to see or read about it.

 

[gomezladdams]

Sounds like a plan,there have been a few done like that.
Someone did one a while back with plywood panels held in place with magnets,just pop the whole front off when you need to get inside.

 

[Maduro]

I didn't think of magnets, that could really simplify my build....I'd avoid hinges and door weights all together and get a very clean look with nice molding