NewSalt,
I DIYed my stand for my 29G. When I get home on Monday I will take some pics for you to get an idea. All I have with me is a pretty rough sketch as seen below.
The vertical elements were done with 4x4s and the horizontals with 2x4s. All joints were end lapped. I built it by making the top and bottom pieces, making sure they were completely square. And then added the 4x4 verticals.
I tried to show that the top and bottom pieces were constructed differently. The top, so that the weight of the aquarium is along the strongest (widest) part of the 2x4. The bottom, with the widest part along the floor to provide the maximum surface area to transmit the weight.
But I ended up finding that the floor was so out of whack that I had to use furniture levelers and so the weight is resting on the 4 corners. Its worked so far.
All pieces were double coated with poly and held together with drywall screws.
I had some left over plywood from a shelving project in the laundry room so I am added doors and one side with my electrical panel. The other side faces a wall and I haven't bothered covering it yet.
For the past month I have been trying to think what it was that I haven't done that I needed to. And I just realized it. I need to secure it to the wall. Earthquake country and all.
Have fun and enjoy your project. I know that after working with electronics & computers all day it is nice to do some woodwork. Its alot more personal and warm than electrons.
