I'm on a concrete basement floor so no load bearing concerns here.Tks for your thoughts. % of people told us that this article helped them. I made a jig to cut the angles for the legs on the table saw (pictured), *. A flat threshold: This very subtle stand design is a huge improvement over the annoying lip that fish keepers catch on when taking heavy, wet, spill-able things in and out of the cabinet. All of the vertical pieces supporting the weight of the stand slide neatly into this channel. They also have some beautiful 1x48 boards that I would love to have. Thanks :), As an added idea you can drape a sheet over it all and hide the blocks. 17 July 2020. Laying out the details of this could quickly swallow up this Instructable, so I made a separate one to cover just making the tapered legs. Leave everything else (i.e. This plan does not have that, but you could include it in one of the panels at the back. I added a small wooden block to mount the microswitch. This photo and the next one are screenshots from the design I did using Google SketchUp. Tack on $6 for a paintbrush and $3 for sandpaper if you don't have them already, and you can. The two most important features of an aquarium stand are that. They lean inward, then lift out. I am convinced I can build Something more suitable for me thank you so much I will be eagerly await your reply. I would suggest you use these to get a concept in mind, together with the photos. You can use this design for a lot more than just aquariums! There's got to be a better option, right? In any case, paint the wood with a nice thick coat, using a primer first if you prefer. I allowed them to dry for about 6 hours before applying a second coat. These are not "as built" (meaning I did not go back and modify the plans to match any changes I made as I built the stand). on Step 22. Yes with my setup everything is diverted through that one opening on the back left. Here's a tip if you keep fish: use TWO power supply strips, none just one. I live in a typical by level ranch and under where the fish tank will be is my downstairs family room. That's all buried below the substrate. I built a stand for a rectangular, 75 gallon aquarium, you may be building one smaller or larger than that, and it could be rectangular, square or bow-front. Also, none of the outlets could sit in water should a leak occur. Pictured is a stack of these wedges and two of them side-by-side, so you can see them from an inside view, including the effect of the notches.The wedges are attached to the stand with glue, one side at a time, and were held in place with weights. What if I want to have my tank away from the wall? The microswitch goes between the 12V power supply and the LEDs, and interrupts just the positive wire. Think about how you will plug things in and how you will hide dangling cords or power strips. Yes, but youll need special tools to cut the glass and a strong sealant to ensure there are no leaks. My preference was to have a single shelf. The stand has remained level and perfectly stable. The vapors from latex paint are noncombustable.After the paint dried, it got bitterly cold so after clearing it with my wife, I took the painting operation inside and clear-coated with a non-flammable, water-based VOC polyurethane. The first four of these ideas could be used as an improvement to a store-bought stand or one you already have:1. Question That is what I am thinking, if so can you give instructions on how you did that? Ask around, look up and think about the compression strength of the wood, consider various types of joinery and how you might eliminate the risk of lateral collapse or too much pressure on one point of the frames. THANK YOU!Now I'll show you mine since you've shown me yours. So, I will keep this list very general, and you can calculate what you need: *. The idea is to use two rectangular frames, one as the base and one at the top, with a channel routed into them. To remove them, turn the acrylic latch to the side and pull on the dowel. Yes, I have thought about this but haven't seriously pursued it. I just made mine today. LOL. Take a look at your stand and the room it is in, and imagine your aquarium here. It's not quite my style, but it is great to see something besides those horrible 2x4 stands that you see everywhere on the net. I hope you saw several original ideas here for aquarium stands, whether you use yours for fish, reptiles, hamsters or whatever small pet normally kept in an aquarium. For inspiration, I poked around the web, looking especially at kitchen islands for ideas. Plywood (for the floor of the cabinet only), *. Strip of cool white, waterproof LED lights. I danced an Irish jig, because dancing in front of your children is fun. Okay, I'll just come straight out and admit it: I'm a sucker for a good contest on Instructables. Only one problem: they're so ugly! I'm curious, but have you thought about a matching canopy at all? It's not quite as nice as yours, but looks like a piece of furniture in the house. 1 year ago. 2 years ago You just saved me hundreds of dollars. The wood and cinder blocks can be bought from Lowe's or Home Depot for $30 or less, and of course the employees can cut the wood for you as well. Youll also need to make very precise measurements to make sure the pieces fit together properly. I too am not please with the option the pet stores have and they are way too costly. I'm still so happy with this project! Remember that your aquarium will also be holding several gallons of water which will add on weight. Next, assemble the frame by attaching the 4 width pieces to the 2 length pieces and attaching the height pieces at every corner. Hi,I'm 6'4" and I like my tanks higher in order to comfortably work in them. Approved. Might be nice to add some kind of curtain over the two holes for discreet storage. I am about to build a stand for a new 75 gal tank, and will be incorporating some of your idees. I just acquired a 6 foot tank that holds over 100 gallons, and have been fretting over what to use as a stand. "Was looking for simple, strong stand layout, and this was it. I'm hopeful that well beyond this contest, there are ideas you can take from it and apply it to your own design, whether your tank is big or small. Finally, lay your 2x8 wood planks over the top, aligning the edges. 4 years ago "I am not building an aquarium stand, but the video was extremely informative. Most of the verticals are 1/2" thick, with 1/4" trim, so the combined depth is 3/4" thick and matches the corners. Then, youll have a homemade aquarium stand at a fraction of the cost of one from the store. I think that visually helps tie the whole thing together.I flipped the cabinet upside down again when gluing the corbels. If you want this design enough, I bet you can find a way to make it work. Cinder blocks bear weight best when you stack them with the holes facing vertically (so the holes will be hidden once your stand is assembled). This is a great idea! Making these pieces, and the jig used to make them, was a project in-and-of itself. Aaron Bernard is an Aquarium Specialist and the Owner of Limited Edition Corals in Phoenix, Arizona. Lowe's will certainly cut the sheet, but I believe I would have to purchase the entire board because of its unique remnant size. Thank you. Having read your DIY, I feel that my fretting days are over ;) Of course, I'll have to adapt these instructions for my monster-size tank. Also, I picked a lighter paint color so the light would be reflected.2. *. Plus, my cat totally digs the craftsmanship. You can buy glass online or from a glass cutter in your area. *. But I've never been satisfied with the quality of aquarium stands sold in pet stores, and on top of that they can run you hundreds of dollars. It looks great. So you obviously can't just plop an aquarium onto a spare rickety table and hope for the best. ", "Followed the basic steps and ended up with a very sturdy frame. Like you I have found a huge lack of plans out there for aquarium stands, but my issue is a rather feisty feline that might also necessitate the addition of a canopy. You can purchase a hammer at a hardware store or online stores. They're sturdy enough to hold up mobile homes, so they have no problem supporting the massive weight of a large aquarium. Share it with us! 6 months ago My son got a new laser cutter at school. 6 months ago. This design can be modified accordingly by adjusting the length and width to your needs. Second Prize in the Animal Innovations Contest. Many aquarium enthusiasts build inexpensive stands from cinder blocks. Merriam-Websters defines "innovation" as "the act or process of introducing new ideas, devices or methods." Also, at this point you might notice the whole tank design uses only concave curves and straight lines. I'm thrilled to have come across this post! You can even use press board to go cheaper; it just doesn't look quite as nice. There are two hand twist knobs for removing this assembly from the cabinet. Sand them down, smoothing the edges and removing any splinters. I don't know enough to tell you how much weight your floors can handle considering what type of foundation and flooring you have. With something this long it seems like it might benefit from structure spanning the top center width. To learn how to stain and paint your aquarium stand, scroll down! This worked out for the best: I was simultaneously smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving and painting on the same day in the same area. This doesn't have to be exact, but use a ruler to make sure that you have between 12 and 13 inches of space between each column. Have one similar for a 29 gallon tank. It was barely warm enough in the garage to apply this. The risers separate the stump from a slate base buried at the bottom of the tank, and everything you don't see is held together with stainless steel screws or PVC glue. My wife and I get bored with how the house is decorated and like to rearrange our furniture for a low-cost makeover. I do have a question though. on Introduction. There is also a wide-spread practice by manufacturers of not finishing the back of the stand because the designer probably expects you to always place the stand against the wall.But doctor's offices and Chinese restaurants put theirs out in the middle of the floor? But you didnt say if you then filled the empty slot below the span of the door. Looks gorgeous, it's arriving tomorrow. It's fun to share. But my infatuation with the beautiful craftsman quality cabinetry skills out there ended with getting some ideas for "the appearance," not construction. Your tank stand doesn't have to look anything like one you could go out and buy. I built the power supply manager out of two pieces of pine. I wish I had the expertise to help you out. Do I need a medical degree or a good recipe for kung pao chicken to have that? The thickness doesn't really matter, as long as it's nice and flat (not warped). I used the tank, partially filled with water, as a weight. Here are things to bear in mind before you begin. Before building his stand, we spent some time thinking about balancing the structural needs of an aquarium stand versus the aesthetic appearance, and came up with this solution. Then I tested to make sure the top would fit without glue, then removed it and put it back on after gluing. Was that one piece, or did you have to put it together with pieces? Better lighting is really helpful for finding the essentials you have stored away for aquatic life health. Now, to empty the tank and get it swapped over to the new stand! Was wondering how much did the materials cost to build the stand, roughly?It is probably the best looking stand I've seen, would love to see a canopy to match. 2 years ago on Step 9. This Instructable will show you what I'm hopeful you will see is unique about it and how I built it. I just acquired a 6 foot tank that holds over 100 gallons, and have been fretting over what to use as a stand. Oak is a very sturdy and good quality wood for this project. A dowel: This is something simple to hang wet nets on.5. Start with cutting the materials for the two frames from 3/4" pine, then route one edge as shown. Give adequate knowledge for me. My thinking was that it would be nice to make it easily removable so I can rework how the cords are arranged, etc. Do you want to add another shelf or make any other changes to the structure of the stand before continuing? Think about what faucet you will use for water changes and how you will access it, preferably without having to haul buckets of water back and forth across your house--I've been there and it ain't fun! Pre-made stands bought from the store can be very expensive. My stand is positioned 3 inches from a load-bearing wall. Of course, you place the mounting screws to match your power supplies and other equipment. Excellent outline! Is a provision for ventilation included or required to minimize moisture accumulation from sump, etc? Lighting: The inside of an aquarium stand can be dark. Now, for the 2x8s and plywood. If you have the extra time, though, you may want to wait 24 hours just to make sure its completely bonded. Most people recommend priming raw wood before applying latex, but the brand I use is very thick and goes on fine without causing any warping to raw wood. I'm new to the hobby and seriously considering building this stand. You have to glue the bottom pieces into the slot first, and carefully so that the cap will fit after everything is dry. Last Updated: September 15, 2021 ", http://www.reefaquarium.com/2013/building-a-aquarium-stand/, http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/29-building-an-aquarium-stand. This is great!!! While making an aquarium stand, keep in mind that you must build it to suit your specific tank. Upgrading to a 55 gallon and going to use your plans for sure! I will be back for the more great post. This allows the 3/4" plywood floor to rest evenly with the outside edge, essential for a flat threshold. So the solution was to come up with a design that involves the use of two "secret" removable panels which would fit into the aesthetics of the cabinet. And whether you make a stand like this or not, I'm hopeful you will also see some helpful ideas on what you might incorporate into your cabinet. Then, cut 2 pieces of wood to the desired length, 4 pieces to the desired width, and 8 pieces to the desired height, which can be up to 3 feet. Yes it will work. Yes I filled the slot under the door with a piece of pine trimmed to fit as tightly as possible. 2 months ago. You should apply at least 1 coat of paint to your stand (if you intend to paint it), but theres no harm in applying 2 coats overall. Try adding some 2 by 4 cross pieces to the part of the frame thats immediately under the fish tank, parallel to the short edges of the frame. Does everything get routed through that one small opening on the back left? You can hang the door with european hinges designed for a flush mounted door. The two pieces are then biscuit joined and glued together so that you leave a 3/4" slot that is 3/4" deep from the lowest point.I used a circle cutting jig to create the large arcs in the outside layer of the bottom frame before gluing. This way I will get the most creative and simple stand for my 66 gallon tank. I especially liked seeing some of the details you added for both functionality and aesthetics. Okay, let's switch gears and explain how I built it. 3 years ago. Install these vertical posts so that their long sides run parallel to the cross braces on your frame. I tested multiple stains on a scrap of pine and decided on a wood conditioner, followed by an oil-based stain called "gunstock." Automatic Light Switch: The lights come on automatically when you open the cabinet door, just like your refrigerator.3. I can tell you that, personally, I've had my 55 gal against a load-bearing wall in my 2nd floor apartment for 3 years with no issues. In North America, Home Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, and even Walmart sell hammers. Thanks for posting this! Put the top on to hold everything still while the glue on the bottom dries, but don't glue the top on yet.You can use shims if needed to hold the vertical boards compressed against the outside edge of the frame slot. With so many different tank sizes sold at a typical pet store, it would be difficult to offer aquarium stands in any color other than black (or occasionally faux wood). I purchased the driftwood from a local fish store. You may also opt to use finishing nails to complete the installation. :), The pink aspen leaf logo was modified by from a photo borrowed under Creative Commons license from, Paintbrush (nylon bristles are best for latex). Anyone know how to make kung pao chicken? With your setup you could have more than one removable panel.If I built this again, I would have made the stand taller. *. (hinges and pulls not on in this photo yet), I am having a hard time seeing how all your plumbing and cords exit the back of the stand. way to go! My goal was to use the walls also as support, and in your proposed design you are taking that out. If you study every layer, from top to bottom, the weight of the aquarium is really just sitting on a stack of boards. I do have a quick question. Looks tacky but did it and works very well. Thank you! Steel gray on the wood and black cinderblocks. Also, I imagine the weight of yours would be significantly less since you won't be using as much water for turtles. :). tank light, cabinet light) plugged into the other strip. Also, do you find that the top center is rigid enough? It's always good to learn from others. You could use a stand like this one for fish, reptiles, hamsters or whatever other pets you might normally keep in an aquarium. Loved this so much that I found a local woodworker here in Bluffton, SC to make this for me. I'm thrilled to have come across this post! This cuts the 2x4 into a wedge. Do you have any advice or caveats? The ground wire completely bypasses the switch and should be connected directly from the power-supply to the LED strip.The lights click on automatically when the door is opened, and click off when it is shut. You dont need to attach sheeting to the back of the stand unless it will be visible or you plan to store a lot of items in the stand that might fall out of the exposed back. on Introduction. Biggest worry I have is the move from one tank to the other! Please leave a comment if you have any questions, and don't forget to share a picture if you decide to build this stand yourself! I added two storage bins to the shelves to hold fish food and supplies, and I hid my power strip beneath the shelf on the left hand side. After 15 years of much-appreciated service in holding up 750 pounds of a combination of glass, rock, electrical equipment, water and the variety of fish and aquatic plants that give me peace, it was time to accept the resignation of my old, particle board aquarium stand.And rather than go to the store to hire a new one, this time I would make my own. All you need are some 2x4s, a drill, screws, wood glue, wood sheeting, and the willingness to put a little work into it! What would you recommend for a hexagonal tank that is 20 " wide but technically 18" because of the hex shape Hello n hi I have a125 gallon tank set up on blocks now with 8 cylinder bricks wood etc but want to take up a little higher with 4 more bricks is it safer to do this or keep it at the same level, Aquariums are a beautiful addition to the home. Luckily, if you want to try to save a little money, you can actually make your own aquarium stand at home. Thank You. Dose this setup work for a salt water aquarium? It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles aquarium plants that you serve. Thank you for sharing useful material. I have attached "as designed" Sketchup files which may assist you in building a stand. I am thinking of building one myself. I tried to take everything that I did not like about my old, store-bought stand and to do something about it. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Rather than chose one, I wanted something that would do all three:1) with the back against the wall (and the cords and tubes going through an opening in the back);2) with one of the two short sides against the wall, so that it sticks out like a bar (with the cords and tubes going through an opening in the side);3) completely out in the middle of the room (with no cords or tubes showing, provided I have a "drilled" tank and a power outlet)But there were no plans - anywhere - for this. I love your design. Is there a structural reason for making the plywood and 2x8 boards longer than the tank? Really great build, I am gonna try this tomorrow with a 48 inch aquarium! ", "It helped me ding the stand frame for a 250 gallon aquarium stand. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If one of those panes were to crack because of unevenly distributed weight, you would likely have disastrous water damage on your hands. The more panels you remove, the more force you are applying to a smaller area of the top and bottom frames (more pounds per square inch of surface). 2 years ago, Question wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. After that, I made a slight modification to the jig, returned each board to the jig and used a router to cut out the square notches necessary for the legs to fit flush around against the base frame. Youll need to measure the dimensions of the tank and build your stand slightly larger so the tank is fully supported. it looks like a 1x8? Waterproof wood glue (all joints are glued, not nailed or screwed). This article was co-authored by Aaron Bernard. Can I just make the structure as wide as the tank? I made a jig that I could put a 2x4 in and run through the table saw, flip it over and run it through again. Next, lay the sheet of plywood over the cinder blocks, aligning the edges. I am considering a different option for the walls of the design with magentically removable panels that will not add in any way to the structure. Expert Interview. Use a stiff bristle brush or broom to sweep any concrete dust from the cinder blocks so the paint goes on smoothly. There simply is not enough time to glue the top and the bottom simultaneously.So to ensure that everything stays still and in exact alignment to the top frame, I used some angle iron pieces and clamped them to the firmly glued corners, then I clamped the vertical slats to the angle iron as I went around so they were in perfect alignment. I carefully used a saw, a wedge and a hammer to split the stump into two pieces vertically. You can pre-assemble your stand to make sure it is positioned properly and looks the way you want before painting. No, it doesn't look tacky. I give the planer the MVP for this project. Allow the wood glue to dry for at least 2 hours before moving forward. Using a file, I slightly rounded the edges of the boards so they were easier to fit into the top slot.