Home depot cabinet base

jsanchez · Jul 30, 2015

Hey guys so I'm in the process of setting up my 24x24x8 frag tank and was wondering if anyone had any experience using cabinet bases as aquarium stands. I've seen other people using them for much larger tanks so I figured this cabinet would be perfect since I am planning on using a 29 gallon as my sump and having the stand the same size as the tank wouldn't mean using a much smaller 10 gallon sump. The tank filled should weigh right around 200 lbs. If everyone agrees that I need some more bracing I'm not against adding it.

I had to sell my larger tank and get out of the hobby since I'm about to have a kid but this is my cocaine and I need my fix so I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible and the 24x24 stand I see in pet stores cost around 260$ so this is a much sexier option.
I was also considering making a 2x4 frame which would be cheaper anyways but would look uglier since I don't have the tools needed to skin the frame.

I plan on making this frag tank a very shallow sps/clam reef with a frostbite and naked clown. And maybe a small wrasse for pest control.

spartanman22 · Jul 30, 2015

I used a 48" cabinet base for a 75 gallon for almost 2 years with no issues.

redfishbluefish · Jul 30, 2015

That's a pretty neat idea. And what would you put on the top of the cabinet?

I think my only concern (and there's a good chance it's not a concern), is the stability of the cabinet with that undercut portion at the front of the base. Will that make it too easy for it to get pulled over? These cabinets are always screwed into the wall. Again, just a thought to look at potential pull over.

Rpujol85 · Jul 30, 2015

If it's the solid wood/plywood cabinets you're talking about you are as good as gold. No need to reinforce them IMO.

I used to install these cabinets for a living and we would put granite counters on top and then sit on them. A smaller fish tank should be no problem.

jsanchez · Jul 30, 2015

It's solid wood in the front and the box looks to be made of plywood. I didn't think I would need to reinforce since it's such a small acrylic tank.

Amoo · Jul 30, 2015

Particle board + water of any kind usually doesn't end well. Would probably work as a temporary solution, but if a few months turns into 6 months turns into 12 month...you see where I'm going here.

steve&mari · Jul 30, 2015

It should be fine our stand is built as cabinets are. The plywood is actually stronger then 2x4 construction if built properly. I had a 73 year old help with ours he's been doing woodworking and cabinet/trim carpenter following in his dad's footsteps. Our stand has the kicktoe front as cabinets do without any tipping. I'd only build stands this way from now on because of the strength and durability of the end product.

jsanchez · Jul 30, 2015

Amoo said:
Particle board + water of any kind usually doesn't end well. Would probably work as a temporary solution, but if a few months turns into 6 months turns into 12 month...you see where I'm going here.

The cabinet is made of mdf which is the same as most retail stands you find at your lfs. I will be water sealing the cabinet so that should also help. If I do go this route I'll take what you said and make sure to keep and eye out for swelling and bowing of any kind due to water.

Amoo · Jul 30, 2015

The cabinet may be skinned in MDF, but the main structure looks like particle board/pressed board and the reviews seem to support that. I actually had the same thought for my tank that size and talked myself out of it for that reason. I knew I was putting an ATO resevoir (I just use an open top 10G tank) which meant I would get some evap inside the stand. As long as you keep the paint fresh on it you should be fine for a while, but man I highly dislike particle board.

Since your link is for Home Depot, look for a product called RedGuard. It's used to waterseal subflooring and walls prior to tile installation. It will cost you wuite a bit more then a regular primer and you will probably have to prime and paint over it still, but it could turn a temporary solution into a long term fix. That stuff is legit.

jsanchez · Jul 30, 2015

Thanks man I greatly appreciate. I honestly 100% forgot about evaporation and only took spills into account... I'm at home depot right now just looking at the stuff in interested in and I'll look into that sealer.

Edit: @Azoo just checked it in person and the sides are definitely just plain particle board.

jsanchez · Jul 30, 2015

Can't edit my post

sorry for the double post. I just realized since the top of this cabinet is open, and I can take out the bottom, I can "implant" a frame that's made of 2x4's and use the cabinet as a skim since my woodworking skills are basically non existent. Would still keep me at under 100$ for the entire "stand".

steve&mari · Jul 30, 2015

As stated be careful of particular board seal it and reseal it then if possible rhino coat it the bed liner stuff it'll pretty much be impenetrable then. Also don't forget to have fans to exhaust heat and humidity from cabinet it'll help with moisture and cooling tank on hot days if that's a issue ever.