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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/25/2008 3:49:34 AM
Posts: 38,
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I am redoing a stand I recently bought with a used setup and I'm somewhat handy, but not ultra-handy (I'd like to be one day).
Anyways, while looking for ideas on moldings for mine, I stumbled on these great plans to build one from scratch. You can save a ton of money and really feel great about your accomplishment after building things. I just built a pergola in my backyard in one weekend.
If you are interested, here are some great plans with pictures, parts list and everything.
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml
I play music too: http://www.myspace.com/therecycledcitizen
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:27:50 PM
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I built the frame for the stand for my 125g almost exactly the same way, except I used 2x4's screwed together in the corners rather than 4x4's. I also used 5 cross piece supports on the top of the stand to make sure that there wouldn't be any sagging or bowing in the front and back of the stand.
Here's a couple pictures of my stand with all the plywood already attached, but before I stained and sealed it.
Here's one of the finished tank/stand except for the doors (getting put on in the next couple days).
I definitely liked building my own stand over buying one. It was cheaper, is probably built stronger, and is customized to my tank.
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10g Heavily Planted - Betta, Cory's, Oto's
20L - Paradise Gourami, Kuhli Loaches, Banjo Cat
125g Planted - South American Biotope
20H - Breeding Angelfish and Fry!
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/25/2008 3:49:34 AM
Posts: 38,
Visits: 198
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that's absolutely beautiful! you did an awesome job!
I play music too: http://www.myspace.com/therecycledcitizen
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:27:50 PM
Posts: 657,
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Thanks. Be sure to post pics of yours so we can see how you did it.
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10g Heavily Planted - Betta, Cory's, Oto's
20L - Paradise Gourami, Kuhli Loaches, Banjo Cat
125g Planted - South American Biotope
20H - Breeding Angelfish and Fry!
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/25/2008 3:49:34 AM
Posts: 38,
Visits: 198
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mine was already built and i'm just refurbishing it, but i will do so.
what did you use for a poly after you stained? i'm still debating that for mine.
I play music too: http://www.myspace.com/therecycledcitizen
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:27:50 PM
Posts: 657,
Visits: 1,051
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I used both a Minwax stain and a Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane (brush on) clear semi-gloss. I used 2 coats of each, but you can use more or less coats of stain for darker/lighter colors, and of course additional layers of polyurethane will help protect the stand from water more.
The stain color I used was Red Mahogany, the plywood was birch, the trim was poplar.
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10g Heavily Planted - Betta, Cory's, Oto's
20L - Paradise Gourami, Kuhli Loaches, Banjo Cat
125g Planted - South American Biotope
20H - Breeding Angelfish and Fry!
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/25/2008 3:49:34 AM
Posts: 38,
Visits: 198
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in your picture, what is the blue stripe on the top of the stand?
silly me, is that just the edge of the plywood?
I play music too: http://www.myspace.com/therecycledcitizen
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:27:50 PM
Posts: 657,
Visits: 1,051
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yah, its just the edge of the plywood 
I did add the two outside doors before I had to leave town, but not the middle two. Hopefully my dad will be able to add them while I'm gone. Just the two doors helped deaden the sound of the sump A LOT.
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10g Heavily Planted - Betta, Cory's, Oto's
20L - Paradise Gourami, Kuhli Loaches, Banjo Cat
125g Planted - South American Biotope
20H - Breeding Angelfish and Fry!
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