So I think I am going to have to build a stand for my 130 gallon tank. I have talked to a few people around me, and I got price quotes between $475 and $750. I think I can get the materials and do it myself for a lot less. My question is this though...When building a cabinet stand, is regular building grade lumber able to support the weight of the tank and water and all the other "stuff"? By my estimates, it would need to support around 1500 lbs. (high side estimate). I am hoping "timg" can weigh in on this one since he seems to be the resident designer/builder on the site. I would, of course, gladly accept any input from all other members. Am I crazy to try this on my own, or should I leave the building to the pros?
Forget the pro's! If you have basic skills you can build the stand yourself, make it look good and have something to admire! Can you imagine hopw much it would have cost me to get this lot built by professionals? The first run of tanks was estimated at over £1500, it cost me two weeks and £135 to do the complete job, including lighting!
Regular lumber, as you call it works fine! Make the framework from 4"x2" planed timber, fixed to a wall at the back if you can. Make sure you have vertical supports every 2' and make the tank support base with cross-members every 12". Use a good grade flooring chipboard or 6"x1" planking to build the tabletop. finish it with anything you like, build the cupboards in under, fit a sump below the tank, anything you like, once the frame is there. 4"x2" butt-joined timber will support twice the weight you need if fixed properly.
this is the basic design of all my shelves, including the one that now holds my 62 gallon column tank and will hold the 8' + another column, adding another 150+ gallons to the display. I think it should hold your tank quite happily!
I just got finished doing this myself. It's not that hard, just takes time. I'll have to post up some pictures once I get home.
Good Luck with the build. Just remember to take your time, and don't rush....you'll thank yourself for the extra hours spent, when you don't have a stand falling apart around you.
We just finished ours on monday too. I love the customizability of it. I'll post pictures when I have time. (which very well may be August. Stupid School.)
Great job! We are just now doing the same project! You sure had some beautiful wood, is that one plank? Our choice is oak plywood on a 2" x 4" frame. When I got the tank it came with a store bought base that consisted of particle board with oak photo finish paper, can you imagine 125 gal resting on pressed board lip of aprox 1/4 inch with 1/2" x 4" cross supports stapled into the pressboard. It was just too flimsy. It had a homemade lighting hood made from solid oak, so we decided to upgrade as much as we could afford.
I love planning new projects, this is where the fun of this hobby is found!
Okay, here's ours. The artwork is courtesy of my wife and the formica top and sides are scraps found in my parents garage. I love this thing! My dad and wife and I all had fun working on it together. Even my 3 year old daughter helped!
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Just remember to take your time, and don't rush....you'll thank yourself for the extra hours spent, when you don't have a stand falling apart around you. 
