How to Build a Custom Fish Tank Stand and Canopy

Large aquariums can be heavy, and all tanks require a solid, level base on which to rest. Most hobbyists also choose to cover their aquariums with a canopy, as this prevents dust from falling into the water and fish from jumping out. Lights can also be secured within a canopy. By designing and building their own aquarium stand and canopy, hobbyists have the opportunity to decide on materials that they prefer to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Canopy:
  • One piece of 1/2-inch-thick plywood (40 by 15.6 inches)
  • One piece of 1/2-inch-thick plywood (40 by 18 inches)
  • Two pieces of 1/2-inch-thick plywood (15.6 by 18 inches)
  • One square rod, 20 inches long (3/4-inch by 3/4-inch)
  • Two square rods, 10 inches long (3/4-inch by 3/4-inch)
  • Finish nail gun
  • Finish nails
  • Work bench
  • Stand:
  • 8 Cinder blocks (concrete block made with blend of concrete and ash), 8 by 8 by 16 inches
  • Polystyrene sheet, 44 by 17 inches
  • 1-inch thick board of wood, 44 by 17 inches
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Instructions

  1. Canopy

    • 1

      Place the top panel (1/2-inch-thick plywood, 40 by 15.6 inches) on a clean and smooth work bench.

    • 2

      Run a thin line of glue along the top-surface edge of one (length) side of the top panel.

    • 3

      Place the front panel (1/2-inch-thick plywood, 40 by 18 inches) vertically onto the glue line, and ensure that the edges are flush and the panel is square. Leave to dry for an hour, and then turn the structure over and nail the two pieces together along the glue line.

    • 4

      Run a thin line of wood glue along the side-surface edges (bottom and left-hand side) of one side piece (1/2-inch-thick plywood, 15.6 by 18 inches). Place this against the side surfaces of the left side of the structure.

    • 5

      Leave to dry for an hour, and then nail the side piece in place.

    • 6

      Repeat the process with the right-side piece (run the glue along the bottom and right-hand side).

    • 7

      Position the canopy on its front face. Place the 20-inch square rod (3/4-inch by 3/4-inch) in a horizontal position, along the inside length of the front panel (1 inch in from the edge of the pane). Center the rod, and nail in place.

    • 8

      Stand the canopy in a vertical position, with the left side pane flush with the work bench. Place one 10-inch square rod (3/4-inch by 3/4-inch) along the inside length of the side panel (1 inch from the edge of the panel). Center the rod and nail in place.

    • 9

      Repeat for the right side panel.

    Stand

    • 10

      Position two of the cinder blocks, one on top of the other, lengthwise. Measure a distance of 40 inches in a straight line and position another two, one on top of the other, lengthwise.

    • 11

      Measure a distance of 17 inches from the first set of blocks and at right angle to the line along which the two sets stand. Position a further two blocks, one upon the other, lengthwise.

    • 12

      Position the last two blocks, lengthwise, one upon the other, to complete the rectangle shape. Position the wood board upon the cinder blocks.

    • 13

      Position the polystyrene sheet upon the wood board.

    • 14

      Position the aquarium on the polystyrene sheet. Position the canopy on the aquarium.