How to Build a Stand for a 125 Gallon Tank

A standard 125-gallon aquarium filled with water, sand, rocks and fish can weigh more than 1,000 lbs. Many pieces of furniture will not support this much weight, but you can build a sturdy stand yourself fairly easily. This project can be completed in a weekend. A custom aquarium stand can enhance the beauty of your aquarium display, while saving you money at the pet store.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 front and back lumber rails, 3/4 of an inch by 4 1/2 inches by 29 3/4 inches
  • 6 front and back lumber stiles, 3/4 of an inch by 4 1/2 inches by 30 inches
  • 2 plywood side panels, 3/4 of an inch by 17 1/2 inches by 30 inches
  • 2 plywood floor frame rails, 3/4 of an inch by 3 3/4 inches by 71 1/2 inches
  • 3 plywood floor frame cross braces, 3/4 of an inch by 3 3/4 inches by 16 inches
  • Plywood tank top center brace, 3/4 of an inch by 4 inches by 17 1/2 inches
  • Plywood center brace support, 3/4 of an inch by 4 1/2 inches 4 inches
  • Plywood stand floor, 3/4 of an inch by 17 1/2 inches by 71 1/2 inches
  • 2 doors, 3/4 of an inch by 31 1/4 inches 22 1/2 inches
  • 4 metal hinges with screws
  • Nails
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out boards for the floor frame. Set two floor frame rails on their thin sides parallel to each other. Place three floor cross braces perpendicularly between the floor frame rails. Place one cross brace at each end of the frame rails, and one exactly in the center. Attach the floor frame rails to the cross braces with nails and wood glue.

    • 2

      Set a stand floor on top of the floor frame and fasten with nails and wood glue.

    • 3

      Lay out boards for the front and back frames, which at this stage are identical. For each side, lay three lumber stiles parallel to one another with the 4¼-inch side flat on the ground. Place one lumber rail perpendicularly between each stile at the uppermost and lowermost points, also with the 4½-inch side flat on the ground. At this point, you should have two rectangle-shaped frames, each with one stile in the center, with the rails enclosed by the stiles. Use bar or pipe clamps and glue the pieces together. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

    • 4

      Mount center brace supports to the center stiles using wood glue and nails. Mount the supports 4 inches below the top edge of the center stiles.

    • 5

      Assemble the aquarium stand, using nails and wood glue to attach the side panels and the front and back frames to the floor frame. Mount the front and back frames to the floor frame with the center supports facing towards each other.

    • 6

      Install the center brace by resting it upon the supports with the 3/4-inch side on the support. Fix the brace into place with wood glue and nails.

    • 7

      Use the hinges to mount the doors over the two openings on the front of the stand.