DIY Stand

bruno21447 · Nov 9, 2013

K need some more advice my buddy is going to build my stand he usually makes them for vivs and such. He is great with wood. Is there anything besides making sure it can hold the weight of the tank? Was thinking of doing a door in the front and maybe on the side to be able to get into the sump easier. Any tips would be great in building a stand from all the experienced here. thanx guys.

cromag27 · Nov 10, 2013

I have built numerous stands. What size of tank?

bruno21447 · Nov 10, 2013

93g cube

cromag27 · Nov 10, 2013

3/4" hardwood (birch, oak, etc), plywood only. No lumber is needed. Pocket screws and wood glue to hold it together. Needs a solid top if you tank bottom is flat, no top needed if your tank has trim. Stand must be as strictly level. The rest is up to you. You can route openings for doors, apply trim, make it the height you want, open or closed back......etc.

DomC · Nov 11, 2013

tatuaje08 said:
3/4" hardwood (birch, oak, etc), plywood only. No lumber is needed. Pocket screws and wood glue to hold it together. Needs a solid top if you tank bottom is flat, no top needed if your tank has trim. Stand must be as strictly level. The rest is up to you. You can route openings for doors, apply trim, make it the height you want, open or closed back......etc.

I have built all my stands using this method.

bruno21447 · Nov 11, 2013

nice thanx for the help. I seen a couple with doors on the sides and front does that weaken the stand? I was thinking maybe a front door and side just to make it easier access?

cromag27 · Nov 11, 2013

Doors won't weaken the stand.

bruno21447 · Nov 11, 2013

K see a few posts that talk about water proofing the stand. what works best to keep the stand in the best shape? Would plastidip paint for cars work good? or is there something that would be just as good. want to do the outside and inside

cromag27 · Nov 11, 2013

I don't bother with that. I use 2 coats of kilz which is a primer/sealant. Then a few coats of gloss paint. High quality paint will dry to a tough finish. On the inside of the stand I usually build an acrylic drip pan that covers the entire bottom, with sides that are 4" tall.