Tank Stand Build

mipstien · Jul 23, 2018

I decided to build an aquarium stand. I needed it to house the sump and hardware. I think it came out great. I'm not finished just yet. I will be adding siding and stained but also I will be adding a clear panel to the front where the refugium will be. I brought the measurements to Lowe's and they cut everything there. I figured that would save time and it did. Finished the build in 4ish hours including breaks and a Dr. Who episode.

AlyciaMarieee · Jul 23, 2018

Looks great!

HairyGary · Jul 23, 2018

Looks good and plenty sturdy. What do you plan to skin it with? Doors?

mipstien · Jul 23, 2018

The plan is to have fully removable panels. I was thinking having it attach with flat hooks so I can remove the sides completely for maintenance. The front one I will cut a hole in to show the refugium through.
I attached the type of hooks I plan to use.

wall-fixings-for-flat-panel-hooks-di-bond-hangers-pack-of-2--[2]-1296-p.jpg

Mike_K · Jul 23, 2018

looking forward to following this. i just build a stand myself as well and want a similar design for my doors to be fully removable but hidden so you don't know they are doors.

Are you worried about the weight in the center along the front not having a middle support?

Can you take a photo underneath the top

mipstien · Jul 23, 2018

I only have a glass 55 gallon now with trim. Most of the weight will be in the sides. But I opted for the full solid top with rear support. The solid top will distribute the weight and I'm not worried about sag. If for some reason I see any problems or sag I will put two 45° corner joints in the front. That will keep my access hole as big as possible.

Mike_K · Jul 23, 2018

i am liking the big access and thinking of removing the center support as well. My stand has a 55 on it but was built for a 75 or 90 for the future and also because of how wide my sump is.

mipstien · Jul 23, 2018

I built mine to go up to a custom 110 or 125 gallon. Mine is so large because of our sump. It will fit in between the bottom 2x4s. I'm going to coat the inside of the base with a sealant and place a water sensor in there also. It won't hold all the water in the sump but if I have a small leak I want to know before it gets too big too handle.

4radz · Jul 24, 2018

Looks good. Like your removable panel hardware. Did you get that at Lowe’s also?

mipstien · Jul 24, 2018

I actually don't have the hardware yet. We have to decide what panels to put on it first. Then I will be able to figure out which hooks to use for the weight.

databox · Jul 25, 2018

Looks good!! I built my stand as well with removable panels. I used cabinet magnets to hold the panels in place.

The easy access was worth it.

WVNed · Jul 25, 2018

I would put 2 of those hooks on the bottom of each panel and put magnets on the top.

Kmack0415 · Jul 25, 2018

Looks really nice! I've been trying to figure out how to attach my panels on mine and I really like those hooks! Where do you get them or do you have a name brand I can search for?

mipstien · Jul 25, 2018

Looks really nice! I've been trying to figure out how to attach my panels on mine and I really like those hooks! Where do you get them or do you have a name brand I can search for?

They are some sort of Bracket Interlock Hook (google search).
There are ones that are long and flat called French Cleat (google search). I believe these are what I will use.

Example for those on mobile or that just don't want to click, this is a french cleat that can easily be built with wood or bought at your hardware store.