DIY Tank Stand

Pakman2 · Oct 9, 2018

Are their any threads on this forum that discuss step by step for building your own tank stand? I see a lot of people build the frame but I have yet to see discussions regarding the fascia or skins of the stand.

Ras Bubbles · Oct 9, 2018

Well the frame is basically the most important, the skin is the fun part where your imagination comes alive. Basically just wood work, ripping and mitering either wood or other materials. I have been meaning to create a tutorial, but have not found the time.

Your welcome to take a look at my diy stand thread, which is still in progress. Hopefully something you see may stimulate an idea.

Good luck!!

Firemanreefkeeper · Oct 9, 2018

I built my own. I used 3/4 inch plywood that was already sanded. It was $60 a sheet but worth it as I didn't have to sand it. I used 1x2 sanded wood to frame in the doors and sides to hide the imperfections from the cutting of the plywood. I used an 18ga brad nails to put the trim on the stained the whole thing. It turned out nice and matches my furniture I already have.

Pakman2 · Oct 9, 2018

Ras Bubbles said:
Well the frame is basically the most important, the skin is the fun part where your imagination comes alive. Basically just wood work, ripping and mitering either wood or other materials. I have been meaning to create a tutorial, but have not found the time.

Your welcome to take a look at my diy stand thread, which is still in progress. Hopefully something you see may stimulate an idea.

Good luck!!

I’m following your thread

Pakman2 · Oct 9, 2018

Firemanreefkeeper said:
I built my own. I used 3/4 inch plywood that was already sanded. It was $60 a sheet but worth it as I didn't have to sand it. I used 1x2 sanded wood to frame in the doors and sides to hide the imperfections from the cutting of the plywood. I used an 18ga brad nails to put the trim on the stained the whole thing. It turned out nice and matches my furniture I already have.

Do you have any pics of the finished product?

Firemanreefkeeper · Oct 9, 2018

Pakman2 said:
Do you have any pics of the finished product

I will have to get them for you tomorrow as I am at work at the moment.

davocean · Oct 9, 2018

This here is rocketengineers DIY frame template, this has everything you need to know on building frame including spans and minimal lumber dimensions needed.

There are several threads in DIY asking to show custom cabinets and hoods, maybe search those for finish ideas.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1567110&highlight=rocketengineers+diy

davocean · Oct 9, 2018

Here's a good thread from this site that may help w/ the pretty part.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-off-your-custom-wood-canopies-and-stands.57685/

Firemanreefkeeper · Oct 10, 2018

some pics. Top is outside. Plywood covering 2x4 frame with 1x2 covering plywood edges. Bottom is inside frame work and extras for equipment.

Diamond1 · Oct 10, 2018

This guy has a nice video and a great looking finished product.

reacclimating 2 the hobby · Oct 10, 2018

I have a few pictures in my build thread as well if you want to look.

n2585722 · Oct 10, 2018

The frame or stand itself is the most important thing. I have a build thread for a hex tank stand and canopy. It would be a lot easier to build the side panels and front panels for a rectangular or square tank, but the technique is similar. If ou are going to build a stand from scratch partition a section for the power bars and electronics to limit their exposure to salt spray and high humidity. The link to my build thread is in my signature below.

Noobreefer22 · Oct 11, 2018

If you are going to make a stand using 2x4
I don’t know if it just me but I built two stand one without and one with 3/4 plywood on top but the plywood made it a lot easier to level the tank
Just use a drill and jigsaw to get holes for plumbing if it’s a reef ready tank

Fiveo124 · Oct 22, 2018

Does anyone have an idea of how to fran a Stand that is 72x 25 but put a 72x18? Would you just build it like you would a 72x24 tank any special changes?
I’m aware the bigger stand should hold the weight I’m just concerned because if the weight is not on the outside frame I’ll have issues

Noobreefer22 · Oct 22, 2018

Just have three vertical 2x4 on each side one in front, one at 18 inches and one in the back

Porcelain Crab · Oct 22, 2018

I have made a few stands and found if you aren't into the traditional wood stand the cladding finish is very challenging / time consuming to get an even result. For my most recent stand I used pre made IKEA kitchen panels and just glued them to the painted frame, worked a charm!

Porcelain Crab · Oct 22, 2018

Dual40IM · Oct 22, 2018

Just make sure that you overlap the joints, you do not want to rely on the screws supporting the weight. Basically the screw just hold the wood in place. Be sure to use a good quality waterproof wood glue also. Hope the pictures help.