DIY Tank stands pics

[Coyne]

I keep hearing tales of home made stands that are cheaper and better than store bought stands. Im not doubting this, but Im curious exactly what "better" might mean. Better, like it holds more weight and has more stability? Or, it looks better? Or both?

Im not super handy, but I know folks who are... so this could be something to consider for a 90 gallon Im planning.

Id be interested in anybody that would like to share pics of their homemade tank stands. Please include tank size and approximate cost.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[bshenanagins]

I keep hearing tales of home made stands that are cheaper and better than store bought stands. Im not doubting this, but Im curious exactly what "better" might mean. Better, like it holds more weight and has more stability? Or, it looks better? Or both?

Im not super handy, but I know folks who are... so this could be something to consider for a 90 gallon Im planning.

Id be interested in anybody that would like to share pics of their homemade tank stands. Please include tank size and approximate cost.

Thanks for sharing.

Look in the DIY section. There is a thread on how to build one. It takes you to a calculator that tells you what supplies you need and how much. I suggest using 4x4's for the base posts instead of 2x4's. The "pretty" aspect of it depends on your own creativity. Many people use paneling to dress up their stands. Lots of YouTube videos on this.

 

[huma-huma]

I built. 2x6 footer for my stand, it has a recessed floor section for my refugium tank, and a raised section for dry goods

 

[erichm20]

I built one for a 75 48 x 18 x 3 ft high. I used the 2x4 frame plans from about.com. Just google DIY fish tank stand and it comes right up. I've had people tell me it looks like its from pottery barn lol. It cost about $100. I'll post a pic next time I'm on the computer.

 

[vicdad999999]

all mine are basic 2x4 builds. They could be prettied up with stain/paint doors and what not. And not the prettiest of pictures. But only serve one purpose to me and thats to hold the tanks. My first one was for a 125 and I used 2 center supports.

I then built one for my 150 with just 1 center support.

Recently built one for my 120

and this one for a 40 breeder I started last week. And the only one that doesnt have a plywood floor.

these are all basic 2x4 kiln dried. But sturdy. with the exception of last 2 stands, I break my tanks down twice a year and move them, either into garage or into basement, so these stands get alot of abuse. If basement bound stairs get wrapped in cardboard and I just let the stands go. They get twisted, rolled, dragged,pushed, yanked, and even kicked. lol. And just as sturdy as the day I built them. None of the store bought stands would be able to tolerate my abuse, so i treat them very delicately. (goal is to replace them all) Theres lots of plans out there and this was the cheapest and simplest I could find.

Oldest stand was built in 2009 the one with 2 braces, other was 2010. Last 2 this year. This was the only year I didnt move them but will next year as I listened to a few friends and ended up loosing a few fish when I should have just moved them to a cooler room. Wife keeps taunting me with a 300 gallon, and if that ever does come to fruition, ill build the stand the same way, but most likely with 2 center braces.

 

[Coyne]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing your pics.

 

[AquaRick]

Here's a pic of my 225g stand using 2x4's and a few 2x6's.

 

[FallenRedeemer]

I haven't built my stand yet but I have designed it. Will use 4x4 for support in corner. There will also be another door on the right side just left it off the design so I could show the shelves.

 

[vundercoverdog]

DIY Tank Stand

Hey, I recently finished mine. I had a friend who had all the tools so I only bought the materials. In total with screws, wood, hinges, knobs, and paint was roughly $60-70.

Its 38"X16"36". Designed to hold (1) 29 Gal and (2) 5 gal.

Special features: Braced shelving to support (1) 5 gal on each shelf and 29 on top. A small cabinet for supplies and aquarium maintenance gear and 1 small compartment for books, frames, etc.

I used 2X4's and particle board for countertops and doors.

Here are some pics










I went with building my own stand because I wanted a stand that I couldn't find. I built side entry doors for accessing my tanks and I'm sure the shelves would hold the weight. And it was a fun project.

 

[J.Mcpeak]

I built a building, with considerable assistance! with wooden stands for 4-(6-max capacity) tanks and the other stand I used concrete blocks and RSJ steel post beams for the big tank. There are also areas for smaller holding tanks ie not my displays. Follow the link in my signature to my fishes and my fish house build set on Flickr for my build process, it is underway at this point in time. I used 3x2 and 1 1/2 x 1 3/4 stocks for the wooden stands. They are more functional than aesthetic but could've been designed with a showroom finish in mind.

 

[J.Mcpeak]

My fish house. I built all of the tanks except the one on the top of the stand in the middle.

 

[twiddlemuffin]

Mines a little more ghetto than most lol but it cost me about $17 bucks

 

[J.Mcpeak]

RSJ and concrete block stand. This holds over 1000Kg.

 

[J.Mcpeak]

Me and my tank, constructed from 12mm glass @ 30kgs per sq metre. The tank max cap is 900 litres. It's is filled with 750 litre water at approx 1Kg per litre and there is approx 1/4 tonne of slate.

See new acquisitions my fish house.

 

[J.Mcpeak]

Underside view

The stand on the right is a basic mod. of the Mk I fish tank stand, this will hold 200kgs + per shelf. Tested. Safe. The stand in centre frame is the Mk I, recycled twice, so Mk III.
It has lasted for 5 years or so, and is still going, all be it slightly less impressive than when it was first built.

 

[frank98284]

I keep hearing tales of home made stands that are cheaper and better than store bought stands. Im not doubting this, but Im curious exactly what "better" might mean. Better, like it holds more weight and has more stability? Or, it looks better? Or both?

Im not super handy, but I know folks who are... so this could be something to consider for a 90 gallon Im planning.

Id be interested in anybody that would like to share pics of their homemade tank stands. Please include tank size and approximate cost.

Thanks for sharing.

I used 4x4 at the corners and 2x4 basic frame my tank is a 75 tall the stand is solid and weighs around 40 to 50lbs also built a hood since then I have built a 20 and a 30gal stand using the same basic design except using all 2x4 on those two

 

[J.Mcpeak]

I used 4x4 at the corners and 2x4 basic frame my tank is a 75 tall the stand is solid and weighs around 40 to 50lbs also built a hood since then I have built a 20 and a 30gal stand using the same basic design except using all 2x4 on those two






View attachment 208466

Frank,
Craftsman, that's nice looking, fit for furniture!