Planning to DIY a stand and canopy (need help)

[arkmann]

This coming weekend, I will most likely pick-up a standard 100G acrylic aquarium from one of the members of the forum (you know who you are). It will not come with a stand or canopy. I have been busting my B-hind trying to source a used stand for it but to no avail. Anyways, I am seriously considering making my own stand and hopefully a canopy as well.

I was wondering if anyone can give me ideas on how I can approach my stand. I have read the available DIY threads and I think I still need more information. From what I have read, a well built stand for a 100G tank can consist of 2x4 in the corners and center legs. Question is, is pine the cheapest wood that I can get for this project? How much am I looking at in wood spending money? Which tools would be an absolute necessity for this project? I have no wood-working tools except for the usual 40+ piece auto tool set that you can get in Autozone or a similar place.

By the way, shinypenny's DIY seems a "doable" DIY for me.

As most of you don't know, I am an older college student who lives in an apartment. I will probably do the project with my stereo at a "louder" volume so as to mask out the "construction music."

Your input is very much appreciated.

 

[Ianab]

Which tools would be an absolute necessity for this project?

You will need some sort of saw, a circular saw or a good jigsaw would be OK. or you could get away with a decent hand saw, especially if you are doing some stealth building
That and a battery drill/driver, a tape measure, a square and a pencil.

That should about do it.

Pine may be the cheapest wood, and will be fine for the stand. But watch the really cheap construction grade stuff, it's often warped, or will warp AFTER you use it. It just makes life difficult You may get better results from another local timber?. Depends on what part of the world you live in as to what timbers are available.

Cheers

Ian

 

[joey02]

be sure to use the good 2x4's on the stand frame. not the cheap economy ones. for covering the stand and canopy, pine is usually cheapest i find. but you could almost cover it in anything and paint it too. Ianab is right about the tools, all he listed is what is needed. just make sure the cuts are even. and to use wood screws, not nails.

 

[arkmann]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I would have to purchase or borrow a circular saw from someone then. All the other tools should be readily available. In terms of lumber, I am first thinking of checking out the local habitat for humanity hardware center. Hopefully they should have wood that are not yet warped or what not. If they don't, I will most likely get the 2x4 from home depot and get the paneling from H4H.

Once again, thanks for the input guys. I have never built anything and this would most likely be my first.

You will need some sort of saw, a circular saw or a good jigsaw would be OK. or you could get away with a decent hand saw, especially if you are doing some stealth building
That and a battery drill/driver, a tape measure, a square and a pencil.

That should about do it.

Pine may be the cheapest wood, and will be fine for the stand. But watch the really cheap construction grade stuff, it's often warped, or will warp AFTER you use it. It just makes life difficult You may get better results from another local timber?. Depends on what part of the world you live in as to what timbers are available.

Cheers

Ian

 

[dexman1349]

The only thing I would suggest is instead of using Pine, i would use redwood. I know it's more expensive, but the wood quality is USUALLY better. Plus the redwood will hold up to the more humid environment.

+1 to everything else posted.

 

[arkmann]

Thanks for all the input. I just got a tank, stand, and canopy yesterday and I'm on my way to refurbish the stand and canopy.