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So to start off this is the 150 gal. tank sitting on the stand. It measures 4'x2'x30";



Side view;



So I went to the local lake today and grabbed 4 new pieces of driftwood. I stil had a couple pieces left over from the last stand I built so I might use them in the setup. This piece of plywood will be used for the base when I cut it to size. Here they are;





Next I need to soak the driftwood so here is Toku's pool getting put to good use in the winter time;





I picked up this heater when I got the tank so I will use this one and the one in his current tank to give enough watts to keep the tank at 76 degrees fahrenheit;



On the way home from the lake I stopped at home depot and got two 50lbs bags of play sand.



Once the wood is soaked and cut, I will built the platform and prep the sand. I will rinse, rinse, rinse and rinse then rinse rinse and rinse the sand to lay it over the driftwood platform base. Stay tuned, next episode I will build the driftwood platform. Till next time, keep on keepin on

A fast update, I came home from class (physics yay:/) and the pool was empty, 2 holes in it:( I guess it doesn't like to be full of snow and frozen solid then heated up repeatedly. So I had to improvise, I put the wood in the guest bathtub and filled the tub up. I will clean the tub really good when I'm done;) I have been thinking about how I'm gonna arrange the driftwood and I think I have a idea;)

Looks good. Have you checked to see if the filter hoses are long enough? Do you know how old the tank is?

Thank you Steve! Actually I just ordered new hosing (which will be long enough) for the FX5 that is running on the 40 gal. The hosing supplied for the new FX5 is long enough:) The tank and stand are brand new, never used. I have to clean it because it has hand oil spots and dust all over it.

Looks to be a nice set up. Are you going to put sand over the plywood or am I getting that wrong?

Thanks, it should come out nice if not I will redo it haha. Yeah you got it right the plywood is my low budget base. I would use slate rock but that cost a bit too much when it comes to having to get the right tools to drill it. I'd rather keep the budget down and use the tools and resources I have lying around the house;)

Would the glues used in the plywood be a concern?

I have no clue, which is why I'm asking.

I used a piece of this plywood (you can see the cut out portion) for Toku's current platform. I have not see any adverse effect from it's use.

I also thought about that and rotting! And warping.

That is a good point, I was curious how the warping and rotting would go and it has lasted so far so I'm gonna try it again if mods are needed I will adjust and repair as required

I work in construction that's why I thought about warping and rotting. I have to admit I was thinking slate would be better.How long has it been in water?

about 6 months, I agree slate would be a better choice but I'm on a tight budget with this tank.

How about masonite? It has a different name now days its used for underlayment for tile work. I think its called hardibacker . Its not full of glue like plywood is! Its thin concrete board. Then again I don't know how they make it ? I wad just talking with a carpenter friend of mine and he recommended it. Said he for sure would not use plywood. Just trying to help.

huh, thanks I will look into that! Is there any other thin, smooth rock that I could possibly use?

I work with limestone but it will raise your ph. What kind do have where you live?