55 Gallon Tank Stand (with photos)

[SKAustin]

Step 16: A bit more reveling.

Once the stain has dried completely, it’s time to take another peek at the overall look. The difference this time is, we are doing it with a bit more purpose. Tip the project back, prop it up with a scrap 2x4 and put the doors in place. Take a good long look. Make sure you are happy with the color. If not, this is the time to make any adjustments. A second coat will darken up the existing color. A coat of another color will adjust the hue a bit. But if you’re happy with the look, it’s time to seal the deal.

[SKAustin]

Step 17: A few coats of Polyurethane

Well, we’re nearly finished now. A few coats of Polyurethane will seal up the wood for protection from the inevitable spilling of water, and give it that real furniture look. If you are using Stain Crayon to fill your nail holes, here is the time to do it. Fill your holes, and then wipe off any excess with a clean dry cloth.

It's time for a clean brush and a well-stirred can of Polyurethane. Take your time here. Apply thin even coats with a diligent watchful eye for any drips or runs. Take your time here. This step could make or break the overall appearance of the entire project. If you’ve never applied polyurethane before, here are a few pointers that will prove helpful.

* Take your time.
* Apply thin even coats.
* Do not get too much Poly in the brush at one time. That would be asking for problems.
* When moving the brush from the can to the project, slowly rotate the brush to prevent the poly from dripping off of the brush.
* Never draw your brush over a corner into the project, as this will cause runs.
* Draw your brush from the project, toward the corner and continue straight off the edge.
* When at all possible, adjust the project so that you are working on a flat, horizontal surface. This will reduce the chance of drips and runs.
* Allow the project several hours to dry before attempting to move it.
* Lightly sand the finished wood with fine steel wool between coats.
* Take your time! Don’t rush it.

Ok, with that said, 2 coats of poly to any inside and backside surfaces, 3 coats of poly to any outside surfaces or inside surfaces that water may repeatedly be spilt upon.

[SKAustin]

Step 18: Adding the hardware

Measure and mark the holes for your hinges and door handles. Pre-drill the holes taking extreme care not to drill the holes for the hinges all the way through the doors, and install the hardware. Make sure to thoroughly check your door clearance at the top and the bottom prior to the final tightening of your hinges. Then just add a few felt pads to the corners of the door for a nice quiet operation.

[SKAustin]

Step 19: Preparing for the tank

One last order of business before we can put this project to work. Have the Empty tank ready for this step. Apply a bead of Liquid Nails For Projects around the perimeter of the stand where the tank frame will sit and lay the cork (or foam) on top of the bead. Do not push the cork down onto the bead. Carefully set the empty tank onto the stand and allow the tank to compress the cork onto the bead. Allow the liquid nails a few hours to set, and then remove the tank. If possible, let the Liquid Nails dry overnight before replacing and filling the tank.

[SKAustin]

Step 20: Put your hard work to some use

That’s it. You’re done. Get that tank filled back up, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

[roka64]

WOW! That's incredible! Nice job.

[FishEggs]

very nicely done. the stand and the step-by-step guide. could be one to put in the article section.

[meegosh]

Very nice work! Looks like you've had some experience in woodworking! I am working on a dual stand setup for a 30 long and a 10 gal, nothing quite as nice as yours!!! My first time doing anything like this, I took your idea of using some trim around the top and bottom.

Thanks for the tips, great resource for any DIY'er!

[steve149c]

Fantastic - very well put together, and great detail. Thanks for sharing,

Steve

[mom2reds]

looks very nice , Job well done. The step by step process that you did will be sure to help someone else that wants to build their own stand.