Build An Aquarium Stand In 10 Steps
what you'll need
- Concrete blocks (preferably 6 by 8 by 16 inches)
- Equal-sized wood material (like 2-by-4 inch lumber)
- Plywood (a 1/4-inch board should do)
- Quick-drying premixed concrete patch
- Paint or varnish
- Cutting saw
- Power sander or sand paper
- Carpenters pencil
An aquarium stand is a place where you can put your fish tank. Here’s a very simple way of building a stand for a regular-sized aquarium.
Step 1 – Measure the Width and Length of your Aquarium
Before you can start working on the aquarium stand, you first need to get the dimensions of your aquarium. This will determine the number of concrete blocks and 2-by-4 lumber that you will need.
Step 2 – Cut the Plywood According to Measurement
Get your plywood and cut it according to the length and width of the fish tank. You can leave 1 or 2 inches' allowance on the edges of the board.
Step 3 – Mark the Location
Mark the area where you plan to put up the stand with the length and width dimensions of the plywood that you cut. Simply position the board on the floor and trace the four sides using carpenter’s pencil. Make sure to provide at least a 3-inch allowance between the wall and the intended backside of the stand. You do not want your aquarium stand to touch the wall.
Step 4 – Position the Concrete Blocks
Using the marks on the floor as a guide, position a concrete block both on the left and right sides (width sides) of the sketch. Make sure that each block is placed within the outline.
After putting the two foundation blocks, stack 2 more concrete blocks on top of each. That makes a total of 3 blocks on each side. These blocks will serve as the legs or support for the aquarium stand. The number of blocks you use will actually depend on the platform height that you desire. If you want to set it higher, you can use 4 blocks on each side.
Step 5 – Apply Premixed Concrete Patch
After all the concrete blocks are put in place, apply premixed concrete patch to secure the blocks in place and provide smooth finishing. Leave the finished support to dry for at least an hour.
Step 6 – Cut and Sand the 2-by-4 Planks into Equal Sizes
Meanwhile, cut the 2-by-4 lumber into three equal lengths. But make sure that they can span the distance between the two stacks of concrete blocks. Sand the edges of the material to remove any imperfection on the surface.
Step 7 – Sand the Plywood You Used for Measuring
Get the plywood that you used to sketch the size of the aquarium. Like the wood planks, sand and smooth the surface of the plywood.
Step 8 – Paint or Apply Varnish on the Wooden Materials
If you prefer, you can apply paint or varnish on both the wood planks and the plywood for them to attain a more polished look. Let for about 2 hours.
Step 9 – Place 2-by-4 Planks on Top of the Concrete Stacks
When everything has completely dried, put the 2-by-4 pieces on top of the concrete blocks. Make sure to space the planks evenly and that their sides are secured in place.
Step 10 – Place Plywood on Top of Wood Planks
Finally, put the plywood on top of the 2-by-4s. It will act as a supporting board for the fish tank. When everything is in place, you can put your tank on top of the aquarium stand and enjoy the view.