Cheap and Easy DIY aquarium stand! Tank Talk presented by KGTropicals.

[@ericdencker1245]

Yeah super old thread, but your videos got our family into the hobby as hard-core as we are and I too never held saws and bigger tools etc and would always buy. My pop always would say if you have the right tools you can build anything. Thanks again and this will be an awsine stand for my sons new 75gal

[@yarasub]

Had the iPad with me and built this stand, just adjusted some measurements to fit my 55g. The whole time hearing you say don’t have to be perfect. A couple spots need a hit with the sander, but I’m happy with it 😊 Thanks for the simple build, wood cost only $ 25 FYI I’m 71 have a bad back and arthritis, so if I can do it,anybody can.😊 I had to reseal the tank, slight leak,and must say I did quite the sloppy job. However 10 hours outside no leaks with enough silicone to reseal a submarine. 😊

[@AG-dh4fy]

I've never picked up a power tool in my life, but this was so easy to follow. I stained it with Behr stain&poly and it looks great.

[@dwillhight]

One of the best videos on this subject I’ve seen thus far. I will definitely be building this stand for my newly purchased 75 gallon tank. Instead of spending 100’s on a stand I can use that money to stock and buy other supplies I need. Thanks!

[@willparsons32]

UHGGG... I'd seriously think about using drywall screws as they have a reputation to Snap the heads off if torqued down to much. Construction screws or deck screws are of better choice and if one can locate a hardware store that sells them in bulk then the cost is even that much cheaper as there is no "packaging" costs involved and for about the same price as dw screws, why would anyone want to use the lesser? OH and before I forget, it is a good idea to pre-drill the holes first is a wise idea! ....Just not sure why you would attach the legs to the OUTside of the rectangular frame instead of the inside corners where more support could be optimized.

[@TheOpelkoenjas]

Yeah, noticed that one too. But I don't think it would change much concerning the support of the weight. What concerns me more is the fact that he didn't put any support at the bottom of the tank to spread the weight evenly, but only on the corners and sides of the tank. Some people like having big, heavy rocks in their tank, and in my opinion one pound too much or a rock tipping over and you're in serious trouble. Glass can only have that much of weight, right? Glass does bend, but at some point it will give in. You're already adding gravel/sand/whatever, gallons of water, which is already a high amount of force you putting on that bottom, never mind adding landscapes like rocks, driftwood, etc.

[@ricardocarneiro7797]

Actually in a rimed tank like he used, the glass bottom in not flat on the stand, these aquariums are designed to be supported on the edges and corners, so if he supported the middle of the base and put that particular design tank on it it wouldnt do anything because all the weight is on the edges. These tank require to be level but not a level mat because of this. Hope this makes sense

[@TheOpelkoenjas]

@@ricardocarneiro7797 To my knowledge rimmed tanks always have some kind of support bracket in the middle (underneath the glass floor). This to prevent sagging of the glass and having too much pressure on the silicone that keeps the tank's bottom raised.

[@espeterson522]

@@TheOpelkoenjas It depends on the size of the tank. 55 gallons and up tend to have a support in the center of the bottom glass, which you could explore and change plans for the stand to accommodate. But to be honest, rimmed tanks do not require center support at *all*, unless you plan on putting a 200 pound rock directly on the surface of the glass in the middle of the tank. I watched a video recently of someone putting something like 250 pounds of weight directly on the bottom of a dry 10 or 20 gallon tank, and the glass held just fine. Something like 85%+ of the static force applied to the bottom of a rimmed tank redirects to the actual rim, especially at the corners.

[@johncox8882]

I built a rack that holds fifteen ten gallon tanks with the same concept of each shelf's weight sitting on a 2x4. A note for some people that do not understand the true weight of our tanks. My bottom shelf sat on the floor. This shelf was only like 8 inches before the shelf that held the first set of tanks. I used this space for shoe box sized totes for hatching fry. The real reason for a shelf sitting on the floor was this rack was built to be in a mobile home that I was renting. Mobile homes are know not to have the strongest floors. The shelf sitting on the floor distributes the weight more evenly. I did use 1/2 inch plywood so I could slide the tanks in and out of the rack which is not needed if only one large tank is going on the stand. Great build.

[@doelvaz]

Good evening John, I watched like 20 or so videos on how to make and stand for a 75 gallon aquarium . Finally I chose your model and made it this last weekend. Instructions were very clear easy to follow and the tnak has been sitting on top for various days and not a flinch from stand. Thank you for taking your time on making this video. It has saved me a good amount of money compared to those stands that come from Pet Stores.

[@valkirkmilo5901]

Curious of how you stand is holding up now .. I just built one today is why im asking

[@AlexDaKiller3476]

Most clear explanation I have watched

[@ollielloydjones5774]

not usually one to comment but this video is so good. Upgrading from a 20 gallon to a 40 gallon and didnt fancy buying a pricey cabinet. Tried to picture and draw one to plan it but this 'design' and 'shape' is great. Obviously I need to adjust some of the sizes but this is great.

[@reefingwithreefers325]

home depot sells inserts for wood, i forget what they are called, but you pre drill a hole and use an allen key to thread them in. it then allows you to thread in the adjustable furniture feet with 1/4-20 threads to allow you to level the tanks. ive used the 1/4-20 feet for a double 55 gallon rack with no issues. worth mentioning for people with wonky flooring. for my old rack that held 2x 75g tanks and 3x 10g tanks i used the adjustable feet that would be attached to the center support for a bed.

[@Silver_Creek_Aquatics]

Be super safe, and never be comfortable with a saw. Ask my left hand...lol 😂 Great video, no judgement here. I am guilty of getting a rhythm going when building as well. I appreciate the tips, and gonna build a stack for my 37gal and 2x 10'gals. I live in a tiny house so have to conserve space. That would be a cool video idea. Fish keeping in tiny spaces, and how to utilize the space you have.

[@Lando-wt5jg]

Thank you for making this video. I love all of the stuff you guys do but, recently I decided to get a 75 Gallon (for discus) and i got the tank from Petco during their 1$ a gallon sale (so about half off) and i was looking at stands and they were all really expensive. So instead I was looking into building my own when i found this. So me and my dad spend a morning/afternoon building it we saved money and had fun making it so i wanted to say Thank You.

[@leeannlong1881]

A

[@badkidimvupro3352]

How much

[@antoniovasquez7909]

I just did this fish stand just now & it came out great! I just recommend to put a piece of plywood just for extra sure support .

[@HadEnough745]

You can sink the screws a little, use wood putty to cover the holes, sand it and stain it. It would look 10x nicer..You can always box it in with some plywood or luan to make it look better. The prices of stands are ridiculous..This is the way to go for sure.

[@sniklfritzer9072]

I just built one, with just measure and mark...I didn't have a level or anything. It turned out great, just an eighth of an inch off. Ill put that in the back and shim that corner of the tank, its rough in construction...Ill make the final wrap look sweet. good video.

[@Fishingwithsteve]

Hey John, great video, I just finished making this stand for a mate, it came out really well, thanks for your video. Cheers from Australia....

[@JoeNocella]

Just built one of these today. Thanks for the easy to follow video. Painted it flat black. It took longer to sand and paint it than it did to build it. I did used SPAX #9 2.5" construction screws. I was afraid of the sheet rock screws since they are pretty brittle.

[@stephenmason5712]

Sheet rock screws??? Very brittle. Use deck screws.

[@lightningdt1]

Steve Mason deck screws for sure!

[@stevejernigan4371]

Construction screws work well also

[@upserlivinthedream]

Definitely use deck screws...3in long to be exact!!🙌🧰🔩🔧

[@chromedaddy123]

just made one, i love the design and the simplicity, thanks again!!!

[@Stephanie_Diamondz]

This week I am splitting up my 65g community tank with two new tanks… a 55g and 75g 🫧🫧🫧 Glad I can reference this video thx!

[@DiggingRob]

Mine came out Fantastic ….very Sturdy Stand ….Thanks John 🎉🎉

[@juliorivera870]

I'm going to be using pressure treated wood because my two 55gals tanks are going to be outside at my backyard

[@greenemar]

Amazing... looks like something I could do. You made it look so easy. Thanks a million!!!!

[@williamliu168]

This is great! I'm going to try to build one soon.

[@sylviab.791]

Did you?

[@lunes-1]

I have been watching videos of different ways to build aquarium stands and this is my favourite, I am going to copy the model adapted to the measurement of my tank.thanks very much for your video, is very well explained, you had made simple.regards

[@NinjaBaninja]

Just built mine today what a cool project

[@jonathanrivera1359]

Hey thank you so much I made mi self 1 of this and u safe me so much money 💰 again thank you it work perfect

[@TheHobbyist412]

Best stand building video I have seen yet. Very detailed and simple. Thanks a ton!

[@wantsome480]

This is awesome I've been wanting a 180 gallon for so long this video finally makes it affordable.

[@ryanharris2415]

awesome video, made 3 of these double fish tank stands last week with a shelf above the 2nd tank... thank you so much John!!

[@Eucadian]

So how do you get rid of the wobble? If the aquarium isn't sitting on a level surface won't certain areas of the glass be stressed more effectively lowering the life of the tank? I want to build one but I'm afraid of it having wobble.

[@WildAcresFarms]

With 400-800+ pounds of weight on this, it is going to be pressed very much flat. It doesn’t have any triangular braces and this is actually used to an advantage; there isn’t enough rigidity in the corner joints to resist the tank’s weight pushing it down flat. As long as all four legs are cut to the exact same length, you’ll be fine.

[@argonaut6386]

Lovely stand. I'm going to use your design to support my household cold water tank in the loft. Its 50 UK gallons which is 60 US gal so I'm hoping this will do the job. I may add extra horizontal struts as it will go through emptying and filing cycles. Thanks again.

[@johndiehardmclean23]

I love the fact that your telling us all not to worry about the wobble on the stand before the weight of the tank goes on it John...I watched probably every tank stand/rack vid on here a few months back before I spent a weekend building 2 x 6ft 6" 1's for my fish hut...I was totally stumped why mine were wobbly when I'd built them on a level surface! LOL A great vid man! :-D

[@6Sisu9]

I just used this design and it's perfect! For a low price tag of $24!

[@MrNeisonpromise]

Is there a chance for the aquarium to slip into the middle as it's all a big uncovered hole. What if you use a little bit of plywood to cover the top. I know this design is perfect but to have a bit fear get off when you see that big empty space. I'm asking.

[@mateomedina2921]

Thank you so much! I built this stand and it turned out great!

[@xXHuGGiiB34RXx]

i need to make this not for a fishtank but for a Veggie garden my mother in law is going to love it

[@johncameron4194]

Cool. Now Can you build one for me. LOL

[@QueAquatics]

Oh I am definitely going to give this a try. I need to make a few stands.

[@HadEnough745]

Excellent video. I did the math but it would've been nice to know how many 2x4s are needed.

[@mojavebohemian814]

Thank you

[@heatherclark77]

Thanks for the video! I was able to build this in 2 hours and for 25 bucks

[@KGTropicals]

Thats Awesome!

[@jeffb5785]

Not only don't you need to use pressure treated lumber but you shouldn't because you don't want the chemicals it is treated with inside your house. Pressure treated lumber is for outdoors only.

[@irishzx9r]

I have never seen anything like this just fabulous well done john.

[@KGTropicals]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@amp710_88]

Just built this stand it looks awesome thanks for the idea

[@juleshaines1815]

Most sensible video yet. Thanks. 👍

[@arslanhalo4392]

I would recommend to paint the wood black or water ever colour your tank is to make look better

[@gordon67401]

I know the videos old but typically treated lumber has a higher moisture level and will bow and warp over time with weight on it...

[@tulioalopez]

Thank you for everything again....

[@gtsolutions9221]

Do you think an extra piece of wood is necessary at the top of the shelf? I'm worried about the aquarium cracking in the bottom because it has no support. GREAT VIDEO i've become a huge fan of your videos! :D Regards! -Bryan

[@Foggydew931]

Doing it. The stand my aquarium was on bowed

[@Arks123]

Thanks for your time iin producing this video

[@rocktober2122]

John I am planning to follow this video to build a new stand for my 55. I have a question though. if I were to build it to the dimensions of a 75 and cover the top with a piece of plywood would this be ok to hold my 55. I am asking this because I’m planning to get a 75 to replace my 55. I just don’t have the money at the moment but need a new stand now.

[@kppriest]

Did you build it to the 75 dimensions? How is it holding up? I am in the same situation.

[@bernielee0088]

I need to make one for a 20 long... Got to figure out the length of all the cuts so I can have them cut at home Depot

[@deanmorier5353]

Going to be building this stand next weekend.

[@barbaracahill8605]

Great video. You should have been a teacher you make things so easy to understand.

[@KGTropicals]

Barbara Cahill Thanks ha ha, maybe I missed my calling:-)

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

***** nope, not missed, found.....

[@amandaaffrunti5129]

Awesome and very insightful!! Just started watching all of your vids and I'm hooked. Thank you, John.

[@bonezkira4824]

I know this is old but I hope you reply will this exact design fit a fluval fx6 inside, will I be able to pull it out and put it back in with ease 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@sniklfritzer9072]

some people on videos were saying if you can slide a piece of paper through the joints it wasn't good...how perfect does rough in have to be? I built houses and theres nothing perfect about rough in, and it holds a lot more weight than a fish tank.

[@mikedean203]

"In your Dad's garage" Something tells me John Does not realize the average age of his fan base. 😝

[@DabbaHashery]

Pretty sure you can check analytics on KZbin. He very likely knows his fan base better than anyone else.

[@FootballWorld-st5fp]

Great video! You are always willing to help us out.

[@pantsmcnasty]

Thanks, super straight forward video. What would need to change to accommodate a bow front? I’m trying to design for a 40 gallon with bow. Any recommendations? The other bow front videos I seen are for massive builds.

[@mnelson10000]

I don't understand the part where you say "don't worry about the wobble, we'll fix it later"... but I don't see where you fix it later. Did you fill the tank on a stand that's not square and flat?

[@Pray4Mojo1]

As long as the aquarium weight is distributed correctly, there's no need to fix it. I ran into the same problem but the problem did not correct itself. What I got was a cracked tank because all 4 corners were not level. So beware.

[@josemontalvo4532]

Pray4Mojo that is what leads to a crack in your glass aquarium. It must be level, it must be true.

[@darrellgomez1370]

Just built my stand based off of this design. But I have some wobble. Is this normal?

[@OblivionXD37]

If I wanted to build a 75-gallon stand like this one how many two-by-fours what I need and how many feet?

[@scottplumer3668]

The only dimensions you'd need to change would be the horizontal pieces. I would measure the actual aquarium you're building a stand for and cut based on that. You might want to add another vertical support in the center.

[@craigsfreshwaterfishplants9426]

Hey John, Really great Video on this... Just what i was looking for, going to try and build this today. However, had a question on the external uprights, the longest boards, 49", guess they are just there to have something to screw into for the weight bearing inside supports. So I could use a thinner board for the outside piece? So it is less weight and not so "hunky". Let me know if this makes sense and what you think? Just trying to trim it down a bit, but not sacrifice the integrity? Thanks!!!!

[@craigsfreshwaterfishplants9426]

Actually the outside or external uprights are 32" (I made a mistake in my first comment/question), those are the boards I would like to do a 1" by 4" or something like that, to just loose some weight and skinny up the stand. I figured since the structural part of the stand is the inside supports it would work. I have never built a stand before and just want to make sure my thinking is correct? Last thing I want is a disaster on my hands after the fact. Please note: I am not asking you to guarantee this altered design, just asking for your opinion and if you think it will work out? You have much more experience with this, then I do. I will proceed at my own risk regardless of your advice. Thank you very much!!!

[@14hometeam]

That is a very legitimate question. I was hoping to do the same. Did you get a response? Did you build it with the 1x4 uprights? Did it hold up, or?

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Thanks so much, and hello From Australia.

[@yuyu900726]

It would really great if you can build it without the more uncommon tools so it is truly educational for people without them.

[@lorenzostephens8214]

Hello I have a question? I found a 125 gal. Tank and stand. But the leg of the stand was broken. Do u have any videos on repairing or how to replace the bottom of the stand.

[@Tomi-quid-pro-quo]

you are so funny when you are working :)) well done , btw :)

[@craigwoodhull3028]

Woody's Discus (FB) John, you had me sold on your driftwood. 1st review on Amazon was two stars. This person had herd of problems with Universal Rock. He soaked it in Prime and waited two weeks before introducing. NO HELP, still smelled and he had fugus in his tank ! (maybe that is why the jungle cruise at Dis. Land STINKS !!!!! (and I was going to arder a background). You and Joey make some great stand videos. The Petsmart stand I have SCARES the hell out of me. THANKS

[@adrianmachado5902]

hey bud what kind of wood did you use for the 75 gallon stand

[@crispers702]

Im starting my stand and want to know if can use 10x3 or 8x2 screws,i can't find any 2 1/2 screw in home depot or lowes. By the way im using 2x4's. Thank you

[@mikebishop119]

Pressure-treated lumber would be a bad idea because it shrinks when it cures

[@716Flat4]

Do you think a person could maybe build it just like you did...but keep a shelf like layer at the bottom, similar to how you built it upside down...for better floor contact, or is that not a good idea?

[@luvmywetpets]

Just what I needed to build a stand for my new hospital tank. Would you possible tell me how to add some hinged doors to the front?

[@GivenMoney]

buy hindges >>>attach to doors >>>> attach both to stand

[@craigwoodhull3028]

That is good for the beauty of your stand. I am going to put a sump below. so a skirt is fine for me . Woody

[@jimmylabuguen2393]

Can’t this plan be used for a 120 gal tank too?

[@brazilianboy1014]

Great video. Thanks for sharing it John.

[@mariebock7]

If I do a double aquarium with the lower 20gal on top, 10gal below would you recommend placing more floor supports for lower level to accommodate the smaller size? Or would adding more 2x4 to the lower frame be enough?

[@JSpalding]

Great job John.

[@michellequick194]

Do you not need middle bracing on 4 foot stands or even 120 gallon tank stands for that matter?

[@sunriseshell]

Drywall screws are weak and brittle. Use construction screws. They don't cost much more and are designed for this purpose.

[@xisotopex]

would it be possible to add a plywood veneer like 1/2" oak or birch to this frame and have look kinda like furniture? for the front you could just cut the plywood panels and install them as cabunet doors?

[@reeferrico7894]

John can you do a video showing us what the prefect african breeding tank should look like. Thanks

[@rock31482]

I just got a 40 gallon aquarium and I have a 6 cube organizer from walmart and was wondering if it can work for the new tank

[@GivenMoney]

love it....exactly what I was looking for ....have a 55 gallon set up that desperately needs to get off my floor! like the secondary tank underneath option as well... would that require additional bracing at base along side of the 6" support pieces you have here?

[@walterdavis8085]

Do I need that type build for a 35 gallon tank

[@chelseafn104]

I want to make this. However I don’t want it to be 32” high. I would like it to be about 24-26” high. Need to measure to make sure I also don’t want the legs. So to build this. I would keep the 49”, 16”. My question is what would the measurement be for where the 19” boards would go? Can someone please let me know ASAP. I’m terrible with Math.

[@osiriskorn182]

just awesome

[@edcctf]

I'm planning to build this stand for a 120 gallon (60x18x25). I'm going to use 2x6's instead of 2x4's, but I'll be spanning 5' instead of 4'. Do you think I should go with 6 legs or would 4 do it? Sorry about the comment on a couple year old video and thanks!

[@lizziefellows5]

Personally I'd go for 6, better safe than sorry. The weight of the tank and water dispersed over 6 points over 4 means there's less chance of points of strain in the timber

[@axelfowle9308]

Or how about for a 6ft x2ft x2ft tank will the measurement & size be the same. Please can you let me know on all 3 how the tank stand will be. Thank you.

[@rockya5173]

Thank you for this.

[@Marioscorneraquatics]

Can I do 2 55 gallons stacked on something like this?

[@JWynnnn]

I like your vid. Pls Keep them coming.

[@trhoward7]

Great video, wish this existed years ago when I had to build breeder racks, could've doubled the measurements to hold 3-40's Also, how about a fish inventory stock update of fish in the shop? Haven't seen the shop for a while!!

[@cichlidman09]

Very nice John!!

[@KGTropicals]

Thank you sir!

[@maddawgzzzz]

dood. I love your channel. You deserve more views.

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

Have you ever built one for 2 tanks? Like a double stand

[@rpmhammer5273]

it looks solid great idea, i will do that with a few modifications , thank you.

[@michellequick194]

Is there a way to build this where I can put 2 tanks of equal footprint on top and bottom?