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DIY fish tank

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Old 12-28-2007, 09:06 PM
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Default DIY fish tank

Has anyone here ever made a fish tank stand? I have a ten gallon tank that i wanted to put in my room but i have no stand. I think that 50 bucks is way to pricey for something that small. So i was wondering if anyone has made one before and if they could offer me any tips to make it look nice.
Old 12-28-2007, 11:42 PM
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Haven't made one myself, but I can offer a little advice as a fishtank owner: Make the stand beefy. Even a 10 gallon setup is going to clock in around 100lbs. And you'll want some shelving for your filter, air pump, and all the accessories you'll end up with. Plus you need someplace to store your fish food, tank chemicals, and cleaning supplies.
Old 12-29-2007, 01:07 AM
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thanks im goin to get the wood and things 2morrow so if i get it built i will take a few pics.
Old 12-29-2007, 01:29 AM
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I think something along the lines of a really sturdy cabinet would work well. Or double-doored cabinet.

That way you could have the tank sitting on top, and then have all your pumps, and other accessories inside the cabinet for a clean looking setup. Just run the wires and hoses out a hole in the back of the thing. It would look much better than having a stand with wires and hoses dangling all around.

Just an idea though. Im picturing one of those little dual-door cabinets like you would store a collection of VHS tapes in. We have one in my living room. I dont think it would support that much weight though. Although youd be surprised. Even cheap particle board can support a lot of weight if its applied vertically.
Old 12-29-2007, 01:56 AM
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I have one of those big dual door dresser/cabinet things but my tv is on it so i cant use that. Im just going to try and build a decent one 2morrow.
Old 12-29-2007, 07:01 AM
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I've made a few myself, will have to take some pictures when I get a chance. Mine was for a 125gal, so a bit more then you need. And that only cost $20. Get some 2x4 and build 2 frames the size of teh tank, this is your top and bottom. Then cut a bunch of 2x4 about 24" long. Attach these between the frames. I would saw 2 in each corner, make the ends solid 2x4. Leave teh back and front open for access. Then a small sheet of 1/8 plywood to cover it up and look nice. A little trim for the corners and your done.
Old 12-31-2007, 09:38 PM
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I got it built today so i took a few pics. Dont mind the ugly wall color it was a bad choice just been to lazy to repaint it.

Picture023.jpg

Picture025.jpg

Picture024.jpg



What do u think of the stand?
Old 01-01-2008, 02:08 PM
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Looks pretty good! You going to keep it in natural wood, or finish it?

I was going to suggest putting a sheet of styrofoam or packing foam underneath the tank, but you've got plenty of braces under the upper surface.
Old 01-01-2008, 04:00 PM
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i did stain it it was a cherry finish. I put braces under the boards on the top i have three goin across it. What would styrofoam do?
Old 01-02-2008, 06:15 PM
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I'd also like to know what a piece of styrofoam would do..lol.


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