How to Build a Tank Stand

Fish tanks cannot be placed on just anything; they must be placed on a sturdy structure with a series of crossbeams. Commercial tank stands can be expensive, from hundreds of dollars for small tanks to thousands for large tanks. However, with basic carpentry experience, a homemade tank stand can be built just as sturdy as those found in a store.

Things You'll Need

  • Table saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Plywood
  • 2-by-4 frame lumber
  • Hand drill with Phillips bit
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • 2-inch wood screws
  • Tape measure
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

  1. Building the Frame

    • 1

      Have a pencil, tape measure and table saw ready to cut the 2-by-4s and plywood boards to size.

    • 2

      Create the frame of the tank stand by making two rectangles with the 2-by-4s and wood screws, then add a 2-by-4 cross-brace every 2 feet. The rectangles should measure 1 inch longer and wider than the size of the tank. Use a hand drill with a Phillips bit to put the screws in easily.

    • 3

      To determine the size for the vertical posts, determine how high the top of the tank will be, then subtract the size of the fish tank from the overall height. Attach a vertical post in between the top rectangle frame and bottom rectangle frame to all four corners with 2-by-4s and nail screws. Add cross beams every 2 feet.

    • 4

      Connect joints at all four corners and at the crossbeams. Make the joints with the 2-by-4s. Attach using wood glue and wood screws.

    • 5

      To build a panel on the bottom of the stand, measure the bottom frame, including anything that will get in the way of the panel, such as the vertical posts and crossbeams. Mark the board and cut out all of the pieces close to exact with a jigsaw. Attach the board to the bottom frame with wood glue and nails.

    • 6

      Repeat step 5 for the top of the stand frame, where the tank will be placed.

    Finishing the Stand

    • 7

      Cover each side of the frame with plywood. Attach the plywood with wood glue and nails. The side of the stand that will face the wall does not have to be covered with plywood.

    • 8

      The trim will be made of 2-by-4s and attached around the outside of the top of the aquarium stand. Measure the outside edge of the top of the stand to get the measurement for the trim.

    • 9

      Cut the trim at 45-degree angles if possible so that corners will be less obvious, just like a picture frame. If not, create lap joints with the front piece of trip overlapping the side trim. Use finishing nails and wood glue.

    • 10

      Sand the wood to smooth out rough or jagged edges or areas. Fill in any nail holes will nail putty if desired.

    • 11

      Stain the wood with a brush.