DIY Aquarium Rack

Aquarium racks are used to hold multiple aquariums. These are sturdy systems that can be designed out of a number of materials. A simple and low cost means of building these racks is by using construction lumber, plywood and cement blocks. The wood will be built into shelves and the cement blocks will support the weight of all the aquariums. A stand like this can be easily disassembled. The materials can be relocated and built elsewhere or used for another project.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • 4 pine boards, 2-by-4-by-15 inches
  • 6 pine boards, 2-by-4-by-45 inches
  • 2 pieces of plywood, 3/4-by-15-by-48 inches
  • Screw gun
  • 24 wood screws, 3-inch
  • 10 cement blocks, 8-by-8-by-16 inches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position two 15-inch boards on edge, parallel and 45 inches apart. Set three 45-inch boards perpendicularly between them on edge, parallel and spaced 3-3/4 inches apart. The corners should be flush. Screw through the 15-inch boards and into the ends of the 45-inch boards so two screws enter each end of the 45-inch boards. Repeat this step so you have two frames. These are the shelves to your aquarium rack.

    • 2

      Set two cement blocks flat on the floor so their 16-inch sides are parallel and so they're space 32 inches apart. Set one more cement block on top of each of the first so their sides are aligned. You will have two pairs of cement blocks.

    • 3

      Lay one of the wooden frames on top of the cement blocks so the sides are flush. Set the plywood on top and set the last six blocks on top of the plywood. There should be three cement blocks at each end of the frame and they should be aligned with the bottom cement blocks.

    • 4

      Set the last frame on top of the six blocks from the last step and position it so it is aligned with the bottom frame. Lay the plywood on top so the edges are flush.

    • 5

      Set your aquariums on the shelves. This rack will hold eight 10-gallon tanks. You do not need to screw the plywood to the frames because the tanks will hold the plywood in place.