building a stand for a 180g tank

[Rob A]

Build with confidence these things last.

Just for sh**s and giggles I measured my stand today to see if there was any defection after 4 years. The cross brace is a 2 x 7 not a 2 x 6. I forgot that I bought premium lumber for this stand and they had that size. There is maybe 1/32 inch deflection but it is hard to tell. And here are a few pics of the stand after 4 years.

 

[reefmaster70]

Framing done, glue drying. Next will be half inch ply top and skinned all the way around.

 

[reefmaster70]

Hey all... My 180g tank stand has been built for a few weeks now, I am trying to decide what/how to "skin" it with? What will look nice, be functional, etc. I would like access doors of some kind on the front obviously and then on one end, where I am going to recess and mount in a control board that has all the Apex, pump controls, etc mounted to. I am not opposed to panels that velcro in place, as opposed to "hinge doors". or even hanging door style on the front. I just need some idea, or inspiration to get my skin job figured out, so I can finish this.