Homemade 30 Gallon Aquarium Stands

When choosing the right aquarium stand, you have to choose one that will support the weight of your filled aquarium and is also stable enough not to fall over. Pet stores carry a number of commercial options, some made of wood and some made of metal. The wooden ones, although stable are often very expensive. The metal ones are sometimes wobbly, but more importantly, often rust from water exposure. If you want to ensure that the stand you choose is stable, is inexpensive and will resist water damage, your best option is to make your own, using wood and cinder blocks.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 boards -- 2 inches by 4 inches by 38 inches each
  • 2 sheets plywood -- 38 inches by 18 inches by 1/4 inches each
  • Fine grit sandpaper
  • Stain
  • Deck sealer
  • 9 cinder blocks
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand your wood, using a fine grit sandpaper to smooth all sides of your boards and plywood. This not only removes any rough edges, but it also scratches the wood enough to make it more receptive to paint or stain. Dust away any dust created while sanding. Then stain or paint your wood pieces and allow them to dry. Once they are dry, treat the wood with an outdoor deck sealer to help protect it from water damage.

    • 2

      Prepare your cinder blocks. Clean the blocks with a power washer or a garden hose. This cleaning will remove any dust or debris from the blocks. Allow them to dry completely. If you want to paint your cinder blocks, you can use wall paint or spray paint. Because of the textured features of a cinder block, painting will take several coats. Allow your painted cinder blocks to dry.

    • 3

      Set up your first row of cinder blocks. The blocks should be placed where you want your finished aquarium set up. Three blocks should be placed a minimum of three inches from the wall, to allow for cords and wiring to hang down from your aquarium set up. The blocks should be parallel from one another, with the short sides facing the wall. The blocks should be laid holes down.

    • 4

      Place your first piece of plywood on top of your positioned cinder blocks. Center the plywood so that it is evenly spaced.

    • 5

      Set up your second and third row of cinder blocks. The blocks should be placed on top of the plywood, aligned over top of the first row of cinder blocks. When this is complete, you will have three cinder blocks in each row and each column with a piece of plywood between the first and second rows.

    • 6

      Arrange your boards over top of the last row of cinder blocks. You want them evenly spaced to help support the weight of the aquarium when it is placed on top. Cover the boards with your second piece of plywood. Make sure it is centered over the boards and cinderblocks.

    • 7

      Place your aquarium on top of the assembled stand. Make sure it is centered before filling it.