Okay folks... I'll start a thread on a complete DIY project, of upgrading my 125gal to a 240gal. All comments, critiques, opinions... welcome.
Let me lay it out for you...
I picked up a tank (http://www.tydpoolmarine.com/ brand) from an SDReefer (Wraithy). It needed A LOT of work, so much that it wasn't realized until I got it home. Wraithy had given me lots of extras when I left his house, so it took some of the pain out of the purchase... but, it's still painful (when your unemployed!). None-the-less, I continued on with the project to swap out my 125gal (with corals outgrowing) with the 240, even though my wallet said NO!
The canopy I got... was, fugly. So I knew I was to rebuild it. But to make it match the stand (which was "just okay"), would have been too much work since it was laminated (and I hate to laminate anything). So, I decided to build all new stand and canopy... and fix the tank's seams (one was splitting, another about to), and polish it out to perfection. My filtration would stay the same as it's built for 300gal+ ... and my lighting would change, since I want the shimmer of Halides.
So here it goes....
Here's my stand (in progress)!
(click on any picture to make it larger)
I used (10) 2x4x8' Kiln Dried and Clear Douglas Fir, 1 sheet 3/4" MDF, 1 sheet of 3/4" ACX Plywood, and 1x3 and 1x4 Kiln Dried and Clear Douglas Fir for trim. A whopping $300+ in wood! Ouch!
To make my job easier, I bought the Kreg System. Awesome!
The base, before 3/4" ply added;
Frame and base, ready for top plywood;
And with plywood;
You'll notice I made the stand for the dual overflow bulkheads to clear the "framing". I noticed on the original stand, it was a bit "notched" for clearance and with my experiences (with leaking bulkheads)... I want "easy" access to them (just in case)!
With trim and 3/4" MDF skin. And with tank... ready to be pre-plumbed;
... now, all I have to do is finsih the stand's doors ... and complete the canopy (and finish the plumbing). Once I move the tank into place, I can trim out the bottom edge with 1x4 and start flowing some water!