DIY Maple Aquarium Stand

[quake120]

I have an aquarium stand that came with my 75 that I don't exactly trust...It is okay for now, but one of the back panels split (just a bit...not a full split), and I don't want 75 gallons of water and fish on the floor. Time to build a new stand!
I want this stand to be sturdy and stylish. What I think I want to do is to build a very sturdy frame with 2x4's, then cover it in maple for the look. Anybody have a stand built like this?
What advice can you give me as a first time stand builder?

[jackde]

As a cabinet builder I can tell you what I would do. Build your 2x4 frame useing screws and pre drill on the ends so as to not split the 2x4. The 4 corner legs I would bevel if you want to save a little extra room. On a 75 gal. I would put in a center leg fornt and back with a lap joint. Now to finish it off. First a solid maple face frame on each end. next a front face frame with center stile over lapping side frames and flush trimed. Finish it with some nice sold Maple raised panel doors 2 in front and 1 for each side and you will have one fine looking stand.

[quake120]

That sounds all above my woodworking skill level...Fortunately, my dad has been building cabinets, shelves, and such his entire life, so he can help. The way you described the stand, it sounds like it would be sturdy, functional, and beautiful. Time to start measuring!
Is it okay to have the front of the aquarium parallel to the edge of the tank? (i.e. there is no lip where the aquarium sits)

[peppie]

If it were my build I would use plywood only. Get rid of all the 2x4s. If your dad is a cabinet man he can surly build a stand or help you build a stand out of plywood that will hold well over a 75gal tank.
I helped a buddy not to long ago re build a plywood stand for a 180.

[jackde]

Not sure what you meen about parellel with edge of tank, but anything can be done. A complete top can be put on some what like a counter top, but not needed. I like the looks of a stand with the 2x4's the size of the tank and the frame work extending up to cover plastic at the bottom.

As for the use of plywood, nothing wrong with that. It is however harder to make frame work out of. It leaves plywood edges that have to be finished with venier or capped with solid wood. It for sure won't hold up to water as well should you have a leak and it costs me just as much as solid wood.

To respond to peppie's post, you can do away with the 2x4's store purchased don't have them. I for one tend to do over kill. Better safe than sorry. The words (re build) got my atttention.

[DustinB]

On my phone so I can't elaborate, but here is my maple skinned 2x4 stand.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2008290

[cubsare1]

here is how to build the stand: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1567110&highlight=diy+stands
And here are finished stands to look thru and give you ideas: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1688446&page=20&highlight=fancy+stands

[jackde]

Now that's what I'm talking about. Very nice, my compliments.

[Donw]

To respond to peppie's post, you can do away with the 2x4's store purchased don't have them. I for one tend to do over kill. Better safe than sorry. The words (re build) got my atttention.

Peppie is correct a plywood carcass properly built is stronger than construction lumber. It also leaves more room inside the stand. Overbuild is one thing using excess materials is another. If your dad does cabinets and has the equipment he will understand how to do it an why. As far as covering edges goes the solid face frame will cover the front of the carcass and the top will need to be edge banded with solid stock. Most common mistake people make is making the faceframe with pocket screws like a non structural kitchen cabinet. To get the load specs high enought the stiles and rails should be mortise and tenon on tanks 48" or longer with no brace between the doors over a 43" span.


Don

[project-roc]

This is a solid maple stand that I built for a friend of mine, no 2x4's needed if built properly.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/project-roc/PB041615.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b147/project-roc/PB041616.jpg