So as I sit around trying to come up with projects for myself to work on, one keeps coming up over and over again. An aquarium stand for my 75g reef tank.
This tank measures 48x18x21 (length, width, height), a 90g is 48x18x25, and a 120g(tall) is 48x24x25.
I would like to design a stand that would be able to hold all three sizes. I think I have the overall "idea" in mind for doing this. I'm just not sure about the best joinery method. I was planning to use 3/4 plywood for this build, and I would like to avoid any visible end grain where possible.
One thing that I have to keep in mind is weight. A 120g glass tank is going to be pretty heavy. Upwards around 1400lbs when full. This needs to be built as a cabinet because I need to have access underneath the tank as well. Basically there will be a sump down in that area, and other things.

I was thinking most of the weight would be dispersed on the ends and corners. Also the first 19" of the top would be 3/4 ply top as well. The back end needs to be open to allow for plumbing of a 120. The 75/90 would need to have holes cut to allow for the plumbing as well.
I see lots of guys using 2x4, 4x4, and/or 2x6 frame work. That seems like overkill to me. I'd like to think that 3/4 ply could easily handle the job with the proper joinery...
My biggest drawbacks are inexperience, ignorance and lack of tools. I have a decent table saw, plunge router, circular saw, oribtal sander, and 1/4" drill at my disposal. Don't really have much else than that though.
Any advice, tips and suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

This tank measures 48x18x21 (length, width, height), a 90g is 48x18x25, and a 120g(tall) is 48x24x25.
I would like to design a stand that would be able to hold all three sizes. I think I have the overall "idea" in mind for doing this. I'm just not sure about the best joinery method. I was planning to use 3/4 plywood for this build, and I would like to avoid any visible end grain where possible.
One thing that I have to keep in mind is weight. A 120g glass tank is going to be pretty heavy. Upwards around 1400lbs when full. This needs to be built as a cabinet because I need to have access underneath the tank as well. Basically there will be a sump down in that area, and other things.

I was thinking most of the weight would be dispersed on the ends and corners. Also the first 19" of the top would be 3/4 ply top as well. The back end needs to be open to allow for plumbing of a 120. The 75/90 would need to have holes cut to allow for the plumbing as well.
I see lots of guys using 2x4, 4x4, and/or 2x6 frame work. That seems like overkill to me. I'd like to think that 3/4 ply could easily handle the job with the proper joinery...
My biggest drawbacks are inexperience, ignorance and lack of tools. I have a decent table saw, plunge router, circular saw, oribtal sander, and 1/4" drill at my disposal. Don't really have much else than that though.
Any advice, tips and suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.