THE GREATEST STAND EVER BUILT EVER!!

[Lance Basslet]

This beauty was hand crafted by a master craftsman. He chose only the finest of hardwoods, each board milled to his exact specifications. The stand has been polished, sanded, and buffed no less than 27 times. It is working art.

DO NOT OFFER TO BUY THE STAND! IT IS NOT FOR SALE! I would not accept even the largest of monies for this perfect blend of both art and science.

Seriously, how can I trust this thing to over 1000 pounds of weight?? Everybody was like "oh it's so easy to build an aquarium stand...I build one every Sunday before breakfast." Well some of us have the carpentry skills of a drunk child and tools purchased from Target. I should just buy a stand from a fish store right?

 

[Antics]

I don't think "DIY" fish stands are ever worth doing unless you require/desire an oddball stand. People like to say DIY is cheaper, but when they say DIY is cheaper they literally mean 2x4s and some deck screws they had laying around in their garage. I recently had to build a DIY stand because I wanted it to be ~40" tall. Even doing the work myself and having my own tools, the wood and primer/paint puts the cost pretty similar to a commercial stand, and that's not even counting the labor involved.

All that being said, if you take your time and do the proper prep (and sanding) you will be surprised how nicely your stand cleans up.

 

[justingraham]

Ur insane but I enjoy ur crazy post keep them coming what's the next post going for QT is a good one u can poke fun at

 

[mannyhernz]

Its really not that bad.
Heres mine with 2 days progress

 

[jlanger]

I don't think "DIY" fish stands are ever worth doing unless you require/desire an oddball stand.

I have to disagree. DIY stands are better than factory stands.
I feel that the mass produced stands that are sold by factory-based aquarium makers are of less quality than most of the DIY stands shown on the forums. Those factory stands are basically built to last long enough to cover the warranty on the aquarium; which is usually only one year. If the stand fails and the tank cracks after the warranty period has passed, they don't care.
Most of the DIY stands that are built and presented in these forums are grossly over-built; driving up the costs. But I'm pretty sure that these DIY stands will outlast the factory stands built from some pine and thin composite sheet materials.

And when it comes to discussions on the costs involved with building aquarium stands, I find it remarkable that people try to save money on the one thing that keeps their expensive aquarium and livestock from crashing to the floor.

 

[Antics]

I have to disagree. DIY stands are better than factory stands.
I feel that the mass produced stands that are sold by factory-based aquarium makers are of less quality than most of the DIY stands shown on the forums. Those factory stands are basically built to last long enough to cover the warranty on the aquarium; which is usually only one year. If the stand fails and the tank cracks after the warranty period has passed, they don't care.
Most of the DIY stands that are built and presented in these forums are grossly over-built; driving up the costs. But I'm pretty sure that these DIY stands will outlast the factory stands built from some pine and thin composite sheet materials.

And when it comes to discussions on the costs involved with building aquarium stands, I find it remarkable that people try to save money on the one thing that keeps their expensive aquarium and livestock from crashing to the floor.

True, but I'd wager its probably an interesting coincidence that most people who get into this hobby are out of it again within a year or two. Building your own stand is certainly a better idea than buying a mass produced commercial equivalent. I'm just saying that typically speaking, it's not in your best financial interest to do so, ignoring the good points you've made concerning customization, longevity, and actual strength.

 

[scardall]

I have to disagree. DIY stands are better than factory stands.
I feel that the mass produced stands that are sold by factory-based aquarium makers are of less quality than most of the DIY stands shown on the forums. Those factory stands are basically built to last long enough to cover the warranty on the aquarium; which is usually only one year. If the stand fails and the tank cracks after the warranty period has passed, they don't care.
Most of the DIY stands that are built and presented in these forums are grossly over-built; driving up the costs. But I'm pretty sure that these DIY stands will outlast the factory stands built from some pine and thin composite sheet materials.

And when it comes to discussions on the costs involved with building aquarium stands, I find it remarkable that people try to save money on the one thing that keeps their expensive aquarium and livestock from crashing to the floor.

I have one of those DIY stands that is 20+ years old and is one of a kind. (75g mixed reef)
top when new
bottom now (all natural)

 

[Lance Basslet]

It looks like a hot tub and an aquarium had a baby. I love it. Super cool.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

HA! Looking good!

 

[Kyuss414]

I see the OP was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

 

[Lance Basslet]

What can go wrong with four cans of smurf colored spray paint?

 

[Antics]

Hope you wore a mask!

 

[Pruett-nc]

That was pretty funny ya'll have to admit .

 

[spectra]

I think the DIY stand is the way to go.......I have built a bunch and actually enjoy some of the frustrations that go along with them......

 

[Rutrag]

I have to disagree. DIY stands are better than factory stands.
I feel that the mass produced stands that are sold by factory-based aquarium makers are of less quality than most of the DIY stands shown on the forums. Those factory stands are basically built to last long enough to cover the warranty on the aquarium; which is usually only one year. If the stand fails and the tank cracks after the warranty period has passed, they don't care.
Most of the DIY stands that are built and presented in these forums are grossly over-built; driving up the costs. But I'm pretty sure that these DIY stands will outlast the factory stands built from some pine and thin composite sheet materials.

And when it comes to discussions on the costs involved with building aquarium stands, I find it remarkable that people try to save money on the one thing that keeps their expensive aquarium and livestock from crashing to the floor.

I have to agree. Factory built stands don't take much water damage and they're done for, not to mention that if you have to drill the stand to accommodate plumbing, you void the stand's warranty and your aquarium warranty. (Which in most cases isn't honored anyway unless you use their crummy factory built stand. Go figure.) Factory built stands are also often too short and don't accommodate filtration equipment well either. I will say that building, skinning and painting one isn't really a cheap option when it's all said and done, but you end up getting what you want in terms of dimensions instead of settling for what's out there.

 

[ReeferBob]

This beauty was hand crafted by a master craftsman. He chose only the finest of hardwoods, each board milled to his exact specifications. The stand has been polished, sanded, and buffed no less than 27 times. It is working art.

DO NOT OFFER TO BUY THE STAND! IT IS NOT FOR SALE! I would not accept even the largest of monies for this perfect blend of both art and science.

Seriously, how can I trust this thing to over 1000 pounds of weight?? Everybody was like "oh it's so easy to build an aquarium stand...I build one every Sunday before breakfast." Well some of us have the carpentry skills of a drunk child and tools purchased from Target. I should just buy a stand from a fish store right?

This is very strange. Why did you use wood filler? I assume for looks since it provides nothing structural. The stand is strong enough but if you want it to look better, "skin" it with something that looks nice. Even paneling would work.

 

[Lance Basslet]

I also plan on putting a plastic farting scuba diver in my tank. I am very strange.

 

[corey01]

I must say my drunk carpentry skills are right on par with yours. I can tell you however just stick with it. you dont need expensive tools to make a DIY stand. this was my first attempt ever at making one. complete with a $120 set of rechargeable hand tools from lowes. I think all in I was around $90 and some change to make this. *already had the tools and I have no reason to believe I couldn't put a car on this thing. its a 125G so 1000+ lbs on it. I will say I think I can do better next time. but I am very happy with what I did here.
I will make a note that this has been cleaned up substantially since this photo was taken.

 

[chefjpaul]

Awesome thread...op...you one funny dude.

 

[Lance Basslet]

I must say my drunk carpentry skills are right on par with yours. I can tell you however just stick with it. you dont need expensive tools to make a DIY stand. this was my first attempt ever at making one. complete with a $120 set of rechargeable hand tools from lowes. I think all in I was around $90 and some change to make this. *already had the tools and I have no reason to believe I couldn't put a car on this thing. its a 125G so 1000+ lbs on it. I will say I think I can do better next time. but I am very happy with what I did here.
I will make a note that this has been cleaned up substantially since this photo was taken.

$120 rechargeable hand tools? Are you Bob Freaking Vila?