How to Build a Corner Aquarium Stand

Triangle-shaped corner aquariums can add visual interest to dead space in any room. Most corner aquariums, because they are intended to be stand-alone pieces of furniture rather than accessories to a desk or table, are quite large. If you want a corner aquarium in your home, you will need an aquarium stand. Finding the perfect stand for your corner aquarium in a pet store can be difficult, and online orders incur high-delivery charges. With some planning, you can make a custom corner aquarium stand on your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • 2-inch by 4-inch lumber, #2
  • 3/4-inch thick plywood
  • Hacksaw
  • Hammer
  • Nails, 16d sinkers
  • Wood glue
  • Paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the base of your aquarium carefully. Your corner aquarium stand needs to be the same size and shape as your corner aquarium. That means you will be building a triangle-shaped stand.

    • 2

      Draw plans for your stand before you proceed with building so that you know how much wood you need in what size. The dimensions of your stand will depend upon the size of your tank, but most stands are 30 inches high. The dimensions of the stand must exceed the dimensions of the aquarium by at least 1 inch on every side so that it is stable. Your stand will require you to build a floor frame, side rails, and top frame out of lumber.

    • 3

      Measure and cut the lumber you need to build the frame for your stand. You will need three pieces of lumber for the floor frame, three for the top frame, and an additional six pieces for the rails.

    • 4

      Build the floor and top frames with the lumber, hammer, and nails. You should have three pieces of #2 2"x4" lumber for your floor frame. Set the pieces out on the ground in the shape you want the frame to be, on their thin sides. Place the two back pieces at a right angle to one another, making a 'V' shape. Use your saw to bevel the ends of the lumber that are not connected, with the longer side of the lumber to the outside of the frame. Take the third piece of lumber, which will be the face of the frame, and bevel each end so that you can fit it between the two side pieces with the beveled ends meeting. Secure the lumber in this shape with your hammer and nails. Repeat the same steps for the top frame. It is also a good idea to secure the joints with wood glue, for added support. Allow all glue to dry for 24 hours minimum.

    • 5

      Assemble the frame with the rail pieces. You should have six pieces of lumber that are each 30 inches long. Use the hammer and nails to attach each rail on the inside of the floor frame, with the 4 inch side flat against the frame. Attach one rail at the end of each piece of floor frame, 3 inches from the edges. The rails should now stand vertically perpendicular to the floor frame.

    • 6

      Fit the top frame over the rails so that the rails are inside of the top frame with the edges of the lumber even with the top of the frame. Secure with hammer, nails, and wood glue. Allow the glue to dry.

    • 7

      Add cross supports to your frame if your aquarium is very large to help support the weight.

    • 8

      Measure the face of the frame and cut the plywood to the same dimensions.

    • 9

      Glue the plywood to the face of the stand so that the frame is concealed. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

    • 10

      Paint your stand so that it looks more polished. Allow the paint to dry before placing your aquarium on the stand.