How to Build an Easy Aquarium Stand

Store-bought aquarium stands let you display your fish tank without using valuable space on your counter or shelf. They are built to hold the weight of a filled aquarium. However, store-bought stands are expensive. Cheaper models are available, but you get what you pay for and they often rust or have poor balance. Making your own aquarium stand saves you money without sacrificing stability or quality. To make your own aquarium stand, you need little more than wood and cinder blocks.

Things You'll Need

2 sheets 1/4-inch plywood, 30 inches by 18 inches
4 boards, 2-by-4-by-30 inches
Medium-grit sandpaper
Paintbrush
Outdoor water sealant
Power washer
Spray paint
9 cinder blocks

Instructions

- 1
  Sand and seal all the wood. Use medium-grit sandpaper. Brush away the dust with a dry paintbrush. Apply an outdoor water sealant to the wood and allow it to dry completely.
- 2
  Clean the surface of the cinder blocks using a power washer or garden hose to remove all surface dirt. Allow the blocks to dry completely. Paint them with spray paint or outdoor paint if desired. Allow the paint to dry before construction.
- 3
  Place three of the cinder blocks, open side down, where you want your tank. Space the blocks 4 inches apart. This spaces them evenly to support the plywood and tank.
- 4
  Place one of the plywood pieces on top of the cinder blocks. Center it on top.
- 5
  Place three more cinder blocks on top of the plywood, open side down. Place them directly over the blocks below. Place the last three cinder blocks on top of the row you just placed. Make sure they are flush on all edges.
- 6
  Place the 2-by-4s on top of the top row of cinder blocks. Space them evenly on top of the blocks.
- 7
  Place the second piece of plywood on top of the 2-by-4s. Set your empty tank on the now completed cinder block stand. Check to make sure the stand is stable before filling the aquarium.