Building stand for fish tank

cattlegrid_79 · Post by **cattlegrid_79** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:18 pm

Hi all

I'm looking to construct a real simple stand for a fish tank. Tank measures 54cm square. Was hoping to construct a basic frame with enough support and then finish with either MDF or ply.

Question is, due to the weight of the tank, what materials should I consider using?

I was thinking 4x2 for the frame. Would that be sufficient? Weight is probably around 20 stone all in.

Thanks

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 4:48 pm

Welcome c79

, i've built a few tank stands and 4x2's should be o.k.,
i wouls use ply or pine cladding for the finish as m.d.f. and water don't mix very well

. It might have just been me, but whenever i cleaned my tanks out i alway's spilt water somewhere.

Steve. F · Post by **Steve. F** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:56 pm

As you have not mentioned the height you want tank to sit at i assume it will be approx 2 foot off the floor.
With this being the case i would say that a 2x2 frame would be sufficient provided you were looking to cut suitable joints such as mortice and tenon.
If the whole project is just going to be screwed together then then the 4x2 would give you a larger area for screws.
i would definately use ply over mdf for the reasons already mentioned and unless the ply was completley closing in the legs i would say that 4x2 may be too hefty looking where they meet in at base unless you were to splay cut the bottoms around6 inches from floor to reduce the bulky look slightly.

Think of this as an example:
How many hot water cylinders have you seen built up on a tank stool constructed of just 2x2 nailed together with a chipboard top.
Dont know about you but ive seen loads.
im sure the weight of one of those filled with water would equal or if not far exceed the weight of the fish tank once full.

Wood Magnet · Post by **Wood Magnet** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:30 pm

Found this, it may give you an idea.

Hitch · Post by **Hitch** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:39 pm

When we got a fishtank last year, i was going to build a stand for it.

I had a design in mind, rough costs etc

It was cheaper to buy the one from the shop along with the tank. Thats not even considering my time to build it.

Of course, if you want something special, it is worth making one.

How many litres is your tank? Each litre of water weighs 1kg, plus the weight of the tank.

Cannyfixit · Post by **Cannyfixit** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:46 pm

does it have to be wood

a friend of mine picked up a stainless steel work counter out of a cafe that closed down it was in a scrap yard only cost him £25