Building a tank stand - Aquarium Advice

Punkymom · 07-28-2003, 08:02 PM

Hello! I'm new here, but I'm not new to fish. I've been keeping fish for the last 7 years, but only recently (we're talking today) purchased my dream tank! It's a 55 gallon, and I'm all excited about it, but I was wondering if anyone here has built their own aquarium stand? Or, does anyone know of a website with plans on how to make your own? I can't afford $180 to buy one!!! [acronym:a9a66753ec="Thanks in Advance"]TIA[/acronym:a9a66753ec]!!!

justDIY · 07-28-2003, 08:16 PM

administrative note:

moved to the [acronym:f269f1af1a="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f269f1af1a] forum.

-----

Punkymom:

Check out our [acronym:f269f1af1a="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f269f1af1a] forum - there is a TON of information contained there-in ...

I recently completed construction of a very heavy duty stand to hold a 120 gallon that I plan on getting soon... the method I used could easily be scaled down to your needs.

Punkymom · 07-29-2003, 12:22 AM

Tee Hee!!! Sorry, I didn't see this little forum...I was trying to find info fast, quick, and in a hurry! Thanks a lot!

fishfreek · 07-29-2003, 08:48 AM

For a 55 [acronym:b065a6c2a7="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:b065a6c2a7] tank you can use 2X4's to frame the stand and then use some nice quality plywood or paneling to cover up the sides and front. Be sure to put a door in the front and leave the back open.

Think about the viewing level of the tank. Do you want it to be eye height? Do you want to have easy access to the tank with out having to use a step stool.

Its extremly important the stand be level and square. Is this going to be a freshwater or saltwater tank? This will affect the final weight of the tank but either way you can estimate the weight is going to be at least 600lbs. Now I doubt you need to put extra supports on your house or anything. In fact thats equivlent of 3 semilarge guys standing side by side.

To spread the weight out over the most area have the bottom of the stand be made up of 2X4's in a rectangle the same dimentions of the tank. Build another rectangle for the top frame and then build 4 or 6 legs. Screw the legs to the bottom and top frames. Then cover the stand. Paint and stain to what ever color you like.

Those are some simple ideas and concepts.

07-28-2003, 08:02 PM	#1
Punkymom Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 426 Images: 8	Building a tank stand Hello! I'm new here, but I'm not new to fish. I've been keeping fish for the last 7 years, but only recently (we're talking today) purchased my dream tank! It's a 55 gallon, and I'm all excited about it, but I was wondering if anyone here has built their own aquarium stand? Or, does anyone know of a website with plans on how to make your own? I can't afford $180 to buy one!!! [acronym:a9a66753ec="Thanks in Advance"]TIA[/acronym:a9a66753ec]!!!

07-29-2003, 12:22 AM	#3
Punkymom Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 426 Images: 8	Tee Hee!!! Sorry, I didn't see this little forum...I was trying to find info fast, quick, and in a hurry! Thanks a lot! __________________ Out of the mouth of my 15 month old: "Ah da fiswa doo na say." Roughly translated: Silly fish swims up.

07-29-2003, 08:48 AM	#4
fishfreek Aquarium Advice FINatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Virginia Posts: 971 Images: 82	For a 55 [acronym:b065a6c2a7="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:b065a6c2a7] tank you can use 2X4's to frame the stand and then use some nice quality plywood or paneling to cover up the sides and front. Be sure to put a door in the front and leave the back open. Think about the viewing level of the tank. Do you want it to be eye height? Do you want to have easy access to the tank with out having to use a step stool. Its extremly important the stand be level and square. Is this going to be a freshwater or saltwater tank? This will affect the final weight of the tank but either way you can estimate the weight is going to be at least 600lbs. Now I doubt you need to put extra supports on your house or anything. In fact thats equivlent of 3 semilarge guys standing side by side. To spread the weight out over the most area have the bottom of the stand be made up of 2X4's in a rectangle the same dimentions of the tank. Build another rectangle for the top frame and then build 4 or 6 legs. Screw the legs to the bottom and top frames. Then cover the stand. Paint and stain to what ever color you like. Those are some simple ideas and concepts. __________________ Remember dont tap the glass, your fish will think you're an idiot -Anonymous mother Check out our articles area. 30+ Aquatic articles for your enjoyment Are you in or around the Shenandoah Valley area? If so click here to join our regional forum. Looking for affordable web hosting? Look no more We have the answer Learn more about Coral Reef Conservation. Free photo hosting

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07-28-2003, 08:16 PM	#2
justDIY Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 1,191 Images: 12	administrative note: moved to the [acronym:f269f1af1a="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f269f1af1a] forum. ----- Punkymom: Check out our [acronym:f269f1af1a="Do it yourself"]DIY[/acronym:f269f1af1a] forum - there is a TON of information contained there-in ... I recently completed construction of a very heavy duty stand to hold a 120 gallon that I plan on getting soon... the method I used could easily be scaled down to your needs.