DIY Open Leg Aquarium Stand

Whether you plan on having a fresh or saltwater aquarium, and regardless of its size, you will need a place to set it. Aquarium stands are a secure way to display your fish tank and save space on your countertops. Commercial stands are available in both wood and metal constructions; however, these can be expensive. Another option is to make your own at home for less money.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood
  • Wood glue
  • Wood screws
  • Drill
  • Sixteen metal "L" brackets
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Stain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut 16 pieces of wood. Use quality #2 or better wood for this construction. You can start with 2 x 4s or any other style of wood you prefer. You will need four pieces that measure 2 x 2 x 21 1/4 inches, four that measure 2 x 2 x 7 1/2, four at 2 x 2 x 26 and one piece 11 1/2 x 21 1/4 x 1 1/2.

    • 2

      Construct the base of your stand using two of the 21 1/4-inch pieces and two 7 1/2-inch pieces. Place the pieces of wood onto the ground to create a rectangle, with the shorter pieces across from each other and the longer pieces across from each other. Apply a bit of wood glue where the pieces of wood meet and use wood screws to attach the pieces of wood together. Make sure the pieces of wood are flush to one another before drilling the screws in place.

    • 3

      Repeat all of Step 2 with the other two pieces of 21 1/4-inch wood and 7 1/2-inch wood. This will create your top.

    • 4

      Place one of the 26-inch pieces at one of the corners of the base. This will be one of your legs. The leg should be flush against the base and pointing upward. Apply some wood glue between the base and the leg. Place a metal "L" bracket on the inside of the leg. This should be located where the leg and the base meet. Drill wood screws through the L bracket to secure it. Place a second L bracket on the other side of the leg.

    • 5

      Repeat Step 4 with the other three legs, using two metal "L" brackets on each leg.

    • 6

      Place the top of the stand on the four upright legs. Use two metal "L" brackets for each leg and attach them to the top the way you attached them to the base, making sure to use wood glue on each leg.

    • 7

      Apply some wood glue around the wood on the top of the stand. Place the 11 1/2-inch sheet of wood on top of the stand. Use a hammer and nails to attach the top to the stand.

    • 8

      Use a wood stain to finish your completed stand. Allow the stain to dry completely before using the stand.