DIY Aquarium Stand & Canopy

Fish aquariums for the pet fish enthusiast are often objects of beauty and pride. Displaying these aquariums in a pleasing manner is often just as important to a fish hobbyist as maintaining them. Aquariums need to be put on some sort of stand, not only to provide better functionality for the caregiver, but also to place the aquarium where it is at a more visible level to the human eye.

  1. Wooden Aquarium Stands

    • An octagon-shaped aquarium.

      Use any wooden kitchen cabinet for an aquarium stand. Cabinets need to be at least the length and width of the aquarium in order to support the aquarium properly. If you have a large aquarium (50 gallons or larger), it is a good idea to put extra support under the top of the cabinet by adding some 1- by 4-inch boards in the middle inside the cabinet. Cabinets make good aquarium stands because you can store supplies inside the cabinets and, in some cases, you can place the filter system out of sight underneath the aquarium.

      Use a wooden dining room table. Make sure the legs are solid and sturdy. Use a round dining room table for a round or hexagon-shaped aquarium.

    Iron Aquarium Stands

    • Use a fancy iron plant cart for an aquarium stand. If the iron is rusty from sitting outside, knock off the rust with some steel wool and then prime and paint it. Many plant carts have two shelves. Consider putting a larger aquarium on top of the cart and a smaller one underneath.

    Aquarium Canopies

    • Aquarium canopies usually include a lighting system which provides radiant beauty to an aquarium, In the case of saltwater aquariums, canopies provide proper lighting for reefs and other marine life such as fire shrimp.

      Build a box (1 inch longer and 1 inch wider than the aquarium you are building the canopy for) from 1- by 4-inch pine boards, using wood glue and wood screws. On the inside of the box, run a 1- by 2-inch piece of lumber along all four sides, forming a lip that will sit on top of the aquarium. Using a piano hinge, attach a cabinet grade piece of 1/2-inch plywood to the top of the box. Install a light kit under the top. For extra ventilation, drill holes in the back of the box large enough to accompany two 4-inch fans.

      Apply wood stain to the canopy. If you have an aquarium that is already on a wooden stand, consider using a stain on the canopy that will match the stand. For variation, add strips of molding from the canopy to the stand to hide the seams of the aquarium. Finish the wood after staining with teak oil.