DIY Tank Stand
by Marc Elieson
First things first: These plans for a 135-gallon tank stand come compliments of the Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation, Inc. Therefore, I cannot accept any praise, glory, or responsibility for anything that may go right or wrong. If you decide to use these plans, you do so at your own risk. Now, enough of the disclaimer mumbo-jumbo...let's get to work!
Overview
These plans are for a 135-gallon aquarium stand: 96" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H). Notwithstanding, the instructions allow you to modify the measurements to match any aquarium size needed. Note: This is only a one person project.
Tools
● 1 - portable or table power saw
● 1 - screw gun, with Phillips bit
● 1 - orbital or belt sander, with medium grit
Materials List
Depending on the size of stand you are planning to build, the amounts of the following materials will differ:
● Two by four frame lumber
● 3/4" plywood for stand top
● 1/4" finish plywood for stand
Cutting List
Fill in blanks by measuring your aquarium
TOP FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank + 1"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
1 - piece 2" x 4" for each 18" of tank length for support
_ - pieces of 2" x 4" ____" long
BOTTOM FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank + 1"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
1 - piece 2" x 4" for each 36" of tank length for support
_ - pieces of 2" x 4" ____" long
KICK FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank - 4"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards and minus 2"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
FRAME BOARDS:
4- pieces 2" x 4" the height of stand + 2 extra frame boards for each 18" of length
(The stand in drawing uses 8 frame boards.)
Stand Assembly
You can finish this stand with any type of plywood or you can leave it unfinished. You will need a clean, dry work area.
1. Inspect all pieces for rough or flawed edges. Sand as needed.
2. Lay out boards for top frame.
3. Screw the end boards and supports to front and back pieces.
4. Lay out bords for bottom frame.
5. Screw the end boards and supports to front and back pieces.
6. Lay out boards for kick frame.
7. Screw the end boards to front and back pieces.
8. Screw the frame boards to bottom frame.
9. Screw the frame boards to the top frame.
10. Put the 3/4" plywood top on the stand.
11. Put on the kick frame.
12. Finish the stand with the type of finish you have purchased.
Disclaimer: By building this DIY project you agree not to hold the author or the owners of this Web site responsible for any injury or bodily harm you may cause to yourself or others. Always wear safety glasses when working with tools and keep chemicals and power tools away from children. Read and understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior to use.
by Marc Elieson
First things first: These plans for a 135-gallon tank stand come compliments of the Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation, Inc. Therefore, I cannot accept any praise, glory, or responsibility for anything that may go right or wrong. If you decide to use these plans, you do so at your own risk. Now, enough of the disclaimer mumbo-jumbo...let's get to work!
Overview
These plans are for a 135-gallon aquarium stand: 96" x 18" x 24" (L x W x H). Notwithstanding, the instructions allow you to modify the measurements to match any aquarium size needed. Note: This is only a one person project.
Tools
● 1 - portable or table power saw
● 1 - screw gun, with Phillips bit
● 1 - orbital or belt sander, with medium grit
Materials List
Depending on the size of stand you are planning to build, the amounts of the following materials will differ:
● Two by four frame lumber
● 3/4" plywood for stand top
● 1/4" finish plywood for stand
Cutting List
Fill in blanks by measuring your aquarium
TOP FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank + 1"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
1 - piece 2" x 4" for each 18" of tank length for support
_ - pieces of 2" x 4" ____" long
BOTTOM FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank + 1"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
1 - piece 2" x 4" for each 36" of tank length for support
_ - pieces of 2" x 4" ____" long
KICK FRAME:
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the length of tank - 4"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
2 - pieces 2" x 4" the Width of tank minus the width of front and back frame boards and minus 2"
2 - ____" 2" x 4"
FRAME BOARDS:
4- pieces 2" x 4" the height of stand + 2 extra frame boards for each 18" of length
(The stand in drawing uses 8 frame boards.)
Stand Assembly
You can finish this stand with any type of plywood or you can leave it unfinished. You will need a clean, dry work area.
1. Inspect all pieces for rough or flawed edges. Sand as needed.
2. Lay out boards for top frame.
3. Screw the end boards and supports to front and back pieces.
4. Lay out bords for bottom frame.
5. Screw the end boards and supports to front and back pieces.
6. Lay out boards for kick frame.
7. Screw the end boards to front and back pieces.
8. Screw the frame boards to bottom frame.
9. Screw the frame boards to the top frame.
10. Put the 3/4" plywood top on the stand.
11. Put on the kick frame.
12. Finish the stand with the type of finish you have purchased.
Disclaimer: By building this DIY project you agree not to hold the author or the owners of this Web site responsible for any injury or bodily harm you may cause to yourself or others. Always wear safety glasses when working with tools and keep chemicals and power tools away from children. Read and understand all safety instructions pertaining to equipment prior to use.