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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Lumber (2 by 4s)
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Hammer
- Nails
- Particle board, 1 inch thick
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
Set up your aquarium project in a garage or shed where paint fumes and sawdust will not cause health or sanitation problems.
Measure the length and width of your aquarium. Purchase 12 pieces of lumber (2 by 4s); each piece of lumber should be at least 8 inches longer than both the length and width of the aquarium. The extra wood will allow you to cut the lumber to size while still making a stand that can adequately support your aquarium.
Cut eight pieces of lumber for the top and base of your stand. Each piece of wood should be identical in length and at least 3 inches longer than the measurements of your aquarium.
Sand the corners of your boards.
Nail four 2 by 4s together to form a square: the top section of your stand. Repeat with the other four pieces of wood to form another square: the base of your stand.
Use more 2 by 4s for "leg" pieces--join top and bottom squares at the corners to make a box. Make sure the edges are flush before you nail the pieces together.
Add support pieces to the bottom of the frame, running front to back. These should fit inside the frame. Place them at regular intervals inside the frame and attach them with nails.
Attach supporting boards to the front, back and sides of the stand at the halfway point of the stand.
Use a piece of high-density particle board to form the surface of your stand. The particle board should be at least 1 inch thick.
Attach the particle board to the top of your frame. Place a layer of wood glue along the top of the frame and place the board on at. Put one nail in each corner and every 2 to 3 inches along all four sides of the wood.
Allow the wood glue to dry for two to three hours.
Paint or stain your aquarium stand to match your interior decoration and allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours before moving the stand inside or placing your aquarium on it.