I've been keeping fish for years and basically for financial and space reasons never got beyond metal frame stands. They're just so much cheaper and for a small area are more convenient for keeping multiple tanks. Anyways I'm considering building my own wood stand. I worked at a pet store for years in highschool and college so I'm not a stranger to the assemble out of the box commercially available ones but haven't had any experience designing and making one from scratch. I want to do this because I think I'll enjoy the process, it sounds like it can be cheaper, and it gives me a bit more choice in what the stand will look like. Anyways, this is still a while off before I'll try my hand at it but I'm the kind of person who likes to plan everything out and do my research. So are there any websites or books that are good resources? I'm looking to make just a simple, but aesthetically pleasing, 29 gallon stand and potentially a canopy. Thanks
Beginner DIY stand question
- Thread starter redwing191
- Start date
I'm giving serious thought to this one for a yet to be purchased 75 gallon. Looks like the basic design can be up or downsized as needed.
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/darkdep_DIY_Stand_and_Canopy_Part_1.html
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/management/darkdep_DIY_Stand_and_Canopy_Part_1.html
Although that is a nice stand in the link, it is COMPLETE overkill! Using single 2x4's is heavy, imagine moving doubled up 2x's. Take a look at what the commercial stands are made of, or at least many of them. My 72g commercial stand is basically 1x3's stood on end and attached to a thick wood frame top and bottom. Plywood stood on end is tremendously strong, especially compressive strength wise. But whatever the case, build according to your ability and comfort level. Good luck.
Here is the thread for the one I built for my 125g. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199351
And one for a 20g.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213592
Here is the thread for the one I built for my 125g. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199351
And one for a 20g.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213592
Redwing, as long as you have the tools it is an afternoon of work for a simple stand. I have built a few and got my info from http://www.garf.org/ this is a reef sight but they have two types of instructions both are easy. though your labor costs time the reward is great. hope that helps and best of luck
The ultimate question for what design you should use and how much time it will take is what tools do you have available?
I wouldn't recommend trying to build a good looking one without a tablesaw. You could also use a circular saw but you need to be much better with it than me to get it to work out. If all that you have is hand tools, you can do it just be prepared for it to take you a month or two.
I wouldn't recommend trying to build a good looking one without a tablesaw. You could also use a circular saw but you need to be much better with it than me to get it to work out. If all that you have is hand tools, you can do it just be prepared for it to take you a month or two.