Boom Posted June 10, 2012 Report Share Posted June 10, 2012 I may have mentioned in the past that one of my other hobbies is custom woodworking. You can see some more of my work by clicking the link in my signature. For fish keeping, I specifically keep two species of African cichlids.Cyphotilapia Gibberosa (Frontosa) from the Mpimbwe region of lake Tanganyika in a 180 gallon tank, and in this new 75 gallon tank I keep Tropheus Moorii red from the Kachese region of the same lake. I build this stand and designed it with several key features. First and foremost, it has to be strong. A 75 gallon tank filled with sand and water weighs almost 800 pounds. The substructure is made of 2x6 fir vertical posts and 3 layers of 1/2" baltic birch plywood to make the cross beams. I used 5/8" dark cherry melamine to face the structure, and then solid Peruvian walnut to edge the melamine, add trim, and make solid frame doors. I decided to try some power carving on this project as previously suggested to me by Canadian Woodworking magazine editor, Rob Brown. (I have now had my work published in the magazine on two occasions). I wanted a simple design that reflects the waves of water as well as the shapes of fish, depending on your interpretation. The power carving was easily done with 60 grit paper on my random orbit sander. The Peruvian walnut is quite soft, so it went quickly. The trim is not thick so I didn't have to remove much material. I ensured that the lines carried over from the doors to the trim of the stand. You will notice the 3D background that I previously posted that I had some trouble installing. After figuring out the silicone issue, it went in fine and looks great. I have a half dozen Synodontis petricola in this tank as well as some Java Fern and Anubias. Thanks for looking and as always, I look forward to your comments, critique, and questions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Influence Posted June 10, 2012 Report Share Posted June 10, 2012 Like I have to say anything ! But damn nice looking stand . A matching cap would have been bad @$$ . Blake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace22 Posted June 11, 2012 Report Share Posted June 11, 2012 Beautiful! I generally like simple stands but this is just awesome. Great job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgofishn Posted June 11, 2012 Report Share Posted June 11, 2012 As usual, AWESOME WORK!!! :thumbs: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaykit Posted June 11, 2012 Report Share Posted June 11, 2012 Amazing wood working yet again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted June 11, 2012 Report Share Posted June 11, 2012 Love the carving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted June 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 Thanks very much everyone. I really appreciate the comments. I love showing my work to you guys as your are always so kind with the comments. Blake, a matching canopy is still to come! Boom :boom: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Influence Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 I never doubted it for a minute lol Blake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
83BULLDOG Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khobbs Posted June 18, 2012 Report Share Posted June 18, 2012 Wow! very nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperGuppyGirl Posted June 19, 2012 Report Share Posted June 19, 2012 WOW great choices it looks fabu! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDFISHGUY Posted June 22, 2012 Report Share Posted June 22, 2012 It looks great ! Even better with a canopy. Only thing I'm not crazy about is the doors. I think it would've been better if you carried the walnut right through or used a different type of wood in-lay in the cabinet doors instead of the glass. Still an awesome piece that anyone would be proud to put in their home. Its better than anything I've ever built. I really like the shelves on the sides. Great place to store fish food or ornaments and easy to get to the stuff at the back of the shelf with this design. Carving is uniquely awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nkavich Posted July 6, 2012 Report Share Posted July 6, 2012 Very nice Really like the carving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayboy Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 sweet stands look forward to seeing some more of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnfromwindsor Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 very nice work. I'd like to get together & show you what I've drawn up (stand & canopy 48"x24") & have you build it for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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