HOW TO: build an aquarium rack - cheap and easy

If you liked this video, you will LOVE my book: thekingofdiy.com
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cheap and easy aquarium rack
how to build an aquarium rack
how to build an aquarium stand
fish tank rack
how to build a fish tank rack

[@traderpete007]

What kind of 2x4s do you recommend? Funny now 7 years later and a duglas fur 12 ft 2x4 is now $16 because of covid. $25 became $125

[@darrellkouri6761]

I am new back to the hobby and just built this rack to hold two 30 gallon tanks.. I left the uprights tall enough to either add another tank later or build a canopy. Thanks for the quick fast and easy design.

[@CosmasBauer]

Nice rack but I definitely would use a good glue + the screws to hold it together. Because with only the screws it might sag and cause problems. Nice vid. as always!

[@chasonsnotes]

The wood? I am racking my brain trying to imagine something creative stong and looks fantastic out of iron rods and angle like the stand but tall rack

[@TheRedxx1]

Thank youuuuu! Ive been looking everywhere for DIY stand ideas.

[@ziurcs]

Joey, thanks for the inspiration. I just built a 3 aquarium stand based on your stand build video. I used 1x4s at the ends to help support the 2x4 supports. It is designed to hold 2x55gal and either 2 15gal or a 33 gal. I did anchor it to the wall. Keep the videos coming, they are always great ideas for the hobby. From watching your previous videos and book, I previously built a 125 gal stand and canopy. Thanks!!!

[@HankHill1]

Did it last 8yrs, cos I'm about to start sawing away here 😂

[@marfionestephen3835]

Great Videos keep up the great work. I was wondering would it be possible to put a 39 gallon of the bottom shelf since it will be supported by the floor. I was going to use three aquariums. The 39 on the bottom and 29's on the other two shelves. I have started building the stand but am not to the point of doing the final assembly. Thank you Steve

[@haihai78]

great video, What is the minimum and recommended space or clearance between the top of a tank and the shelf above in a multiple tier aquarium rack. Thanks

[@therick2325]

Another great video Joey, love it

[@briansfishtanks]

Awesome build Joey!

[@edgardovarela9356]

wanted to start by saying I love all your vids I built my wetdrys from the videos I have seen from you,so my question is knowing that you have another video for a stronger rack build but me having limited space and wanting to do it like the design in this video is there any suggestion from you on how to strengthen it to hold the 55s

[@2010Luap]

Hi Joey. Great video like always. I have a question if you can help.. I Need a rack made. 5 tier, for five tanks each being 4x2x2'. So it'll need to be really strong if at all possible.. Any chance you can help? Thanks

[@AmbersAquariums]

Great information! Thanks for sharing with us :)

[@malcolmaquino974]

I remember in a more recent video you saying these DIY kind of videos dont get you viewers I think its only because youve covered so much already in the past :D. Good reference material

[@allaboutgreen1]

Thanks for the awesome idea buddy! I will make one now!

[@MauriceMccomie]

Great idea once again Joey. This one also seems so easy to do and will really make you feel a sense of accomplishment when you're done. Keep the ideas flowing :)

[@jaysonking1468]

Another awesome video Joey

[@DallasDaddy]

Great video Joey! :)

[@NateK-MN]

Could I build for a 40B on the bottom shelf and then subsequent smaller tanks on top, supported by sized frames with cross support on the 40?

[@d.c.416]

i like that extra 6" brace you added to the bottom to prevent tipping. whats the depth vs height ratio you'd recommend to prevent tipping on units like this??

[@faizalfishingtv]

Awesome great job 😁👍

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

Good advice and build.

[@rodhurst5831]

Great little video, thanks, just want to pass on a pitfall, the support blocks would be in the way if you wanted to use a popular designed LED light on top of the bottom two tanks with only 4" inches clearance between tanks, you'll need 31/2" plus the height of the light ends so the light fits under the 2"x4" support block, I'm glad I saw that before I built.

[@Portnowthrifts]

Ik I’m late, but if the lights are under 4 inches, you can fix them to the 2x4

[@gusbalduco]

Great video! But one big question (for me): nothing of support under the tank? All the Weight just in the four corners?

[@joop6045]

Is this a good setup for breeding discus?

[@dawnasheville3]

loved all your vids wonder if you do Shrimps I am having problems with mine in 10 gal (without Under gravel filter)so I bought 2 fluval Nano's one is a 7.9 EBI the other is Fluval Edge 6 gal thinking the reason of the Shrimps dying is due to no circulation on the bottom is it a good idea to use under-gravel filter in both tanks with gravel then sand then the Shrimp substrate to get the ammonia and other toxic stuff to circulate better for my new setups ?

[@GCaquatics]

Thank you for this video, i was wondering how much is minimum working space between top of one tank and wood supporting the tank above, I was wondering if 6" was enough and you recommended 4 so i should have enough room to play with, thanks once again bro.

[@UHPhilipA]

I built this for my 2 29 gallons. It's great, though I'm sure you'd build it better. First time I have ever built anything. I'm now building a stand for 6 29 gallon tanks as I'll be breeding soon. Thanks for everything, Joey!

[@shres1567]

how is it holding up?

[@HankHill1]

@@shres1567 I know right, the public demands an answer lol

[@CloverKismet]

Do that platforms have to be perfectly level before they are installed?

[@tomhannaby1581]

Hey Joey are you full time into fish and tanks as a day job?

[@dgmannn]

I want to stack 4 75gallon tanks on a steel rack. run then in sequence top to bottom. any suggestions or cations?

[@dbzkid161]

Just the video I was looking for! Thanks joey!

[@thekingofdiy]

your welcome.

[@Forsanctus]

Hi Joey, Quick question I'm hoping you could answer. I'm looking to build a rack for an area with limited space leaving a row of tanks just a few inches off the floor. With that said how would you go about cleaning the bottom tanks sub-straight. I use sand and don't like to use the python system to reduce the chances of slowly plugging my plumbing. Any suggestions would be great.

[@foxxul]

This video was 8 years ago..that's not long ago when you think about the Xbox One being released in 2013, but cameras have come such a long way since 2014, wow.

[@rust4u2me]

How did you filter these aquariums? Individual or shared filter system?

[@michaelosborne53]

Joey, I’m building an aquarium rack using some of your design. I am putting 20 10 gallons and 4 20 tall on it. The length is 55 inches and width 37. I am building sturdy rack based on your stand. Should I center brace because it’s over 48 inches. I am using plywood on top of the shelves. Thanks

[@theanswer69786]

hey do u not need a plywood in the middle to support the tanks? or does the tanks just sit on the sides? thanks

[@paulnerlich1954]

Building one like this now and I am excited. I am adding a horizontal brace for each shelf as I will have (4), 10 gallon tanks on 4 shelves. I will have 8 inches between shelves and it will be 21 inches wide to hold them. They will be 4 across with side view up front and will be 42 inches in width. I cannot wait to get it finished tomorrow, then off to pick up 16 tanks and drill them.

[@00Noey00]

how is it holding up?

[@kennethang9000]

Would this setup be ok for 40 gallon breeders?

[@yeskafreska4760]

dope video thanks for the Inspo

[@MrRawr2013]

Does the bottom of the glass panel of the tank need supper or just the black brace?

[@5hunnavibez329]

if i sawed out a top and put a light in the space do you think theres a bulb powerful enough to shine through all three tanks?

[@scarlettbaltazar4121]

Do you have a wood glue that you recommend?

[@franciscodurendez7460]

Well done, thank you

[@Excalibure666]

Hey Joey nice work. Can i ask what did you put under the tanks for supporting glass? I mean each frames not support bottom glass, at middle point. When you fill up water, rocks, sand etc. can bottom glass break? Because frame is actually empty. Or did you put wooden plate or something like this?

[@thekingofdiy]

the bottom pane is elevated up by the trim of the tank. No support is needed under it.

[@JEFFAROWANA]

you're great...👍

[@alligatorsnappingtud]

I have a 125 tank with a fx6 runing . The watter level is about 7 to 9 inches. I have a 6 foot uvb bone lite . I'm keeping hatchling alligator snapping turtle in . do you think this is enough filtration ?

[@TheFishtankfamily]

great vid as always, perfect if your looking to start breeding tanks

[@thekingofdiy]

Basically what i use them for.

[@jonathanF80]

It could be a beginner stand for the beginner tank!

[@stayyw0ke]

Could i do this with 2 different sized tanks?

[@Sentientmad9m]

Im wondering if this would work if i made it wider (50 inches longish) if i could get a my 55 gallon on top and 29 and 10 gallon a shelf underneath it

[@purpleaquatics798]

Love your videos! now I've built a regular stand for my 29 gal but I just bought 2 40gal breeders and am wanting to make a double stand for those. I know you said this setup is good for up to 30 gallons but could it possibly work for my breeders? Thanks!

[@thekingofdiy]

I would watch my video on the rack i linked in this one for anything over 30 gallons.

[@LeoPazzo]

Lol it's funny how people think that glue is stronger than a screw. If your gunna use any glue use PL construction adhesive. Great vid once again

[@torrancem5215]

Was if functional for using. Like adding fish and water changes?

[@TaylorYarick]

Don't show this to reddit or else they'll rip you a new one for bearing load on the screws 😂

[@CraigHawks]

Quick question. Why not use a sheet of plywood under the tanks. It would support the bottom of the aquariums and provide additional stability against side to side movement.

[@ranjanty]

I don't want to be critical as you did a good job. It could be done with a greater weight capacity if the support 2x4s were placed vertical not horizontal. But it works 👍

[@PhatRat0]

Joey, any chance of some more DIY tank decorations? I loved the sand waterfall, and the DIY 3D background was interesting. Can we expect anything else along those lines? :)

[@thekingofdiy]

Sure! All in stride though. Lots of projects in the line up.

[@edgardovarela9356]

will this work for 55 gallon tanks im trying to put 4 stacked up like this i know its up to 30 gallons but could it be done similar for 55 gallon tanks ?

[@haibach7054]

Nice Video. Keep up the great job.

[@thekingofdiy]

Thanks pal

[@babinsagoldfish2980]

Sae pisan Gan. Ku abdi diturutan nya. Haturnuhun

[@fishworld1449]

How u support tank bottom?? Is this only stand on 4side support

[@sas27uk]

Can you please tell me what type of wood you use ? I can not find anything that cheap here in the uk for this size rack system. I have been recommended redwood but its very expensive so any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@GorillionDollars]

This guy lives in Canada, where I assume wood is cheaper. I remember a Scottish guy on the comments here complaining about the same thing.

[@gonamission2748]

aaaahhh man your now good for me i swear, its only just really settled down between me and my girl since i took up the garage with a monster tank of frontosa, I wonder if she will go for this if i lay on thick how much money we will save with running costs :-D

[@crispers702]

I have a question im building a fish tank stand for a 30 gallons. Can i use a 10x3 or 8x2 screws?

[@Sentrygunmancolab]

What type of wood did you use?

[@TheJonathanCleveland]

Would you or anyone happen to know the measurements I would use to build one that holds 3 10 gallon tanks? Thanks!

[@dyang4906]

When you open the glass tops, wouldn't it hit the supports you put in place?

[@joeprovenzano4362]

I know I’m watching an old video but I have a question. If the Python cleaning system is not an option, how do you do manual water changes on bottom tanks sitting 4 inches off the ground where gravity is an issue

[@rosidasimarmata6733]

Thanks man.

[@candicetabbener4117]

Hi great video i was just wondering if i was to do a 2 tier stand for my 2 3ft tanks that in total would weigh around 75 gallons would this stand hold that weight?

[@nicholaswood7231]

I recommend deck sealer, paint, or something to waterproof the wood. Humidity is going to warp the stand. Could be catastrophic. The tips for bracing to the wall and providing a larger base were very kind. A lot of people overlook that when the stand gets designed. Inertia and gravity don't usually get factored by beginners. :)

[@thekingofdiy]

I have built more stands out of 2X4's than i have videos. From small racks like this, to stands holding 500+ gallon aquariums. Never once have i treated the wood. Never once have i had an issue. While it wouldn't hurt, its certainly not needed.

[@peersupportcounselor1904]

could i make it twice the height and have 6 tanks?

[@jaydenforbes1245]

I know this video is old but still wanted to say thank you now I have a way to put nine shrimp breeding tanks in my room😅

[@Bigmunoz11]

great tips as always brother

[@thekingofdiy]

Thanks my man

[@markofajfar4073]

***** Hello Joey. You are a master of DIY. I have a question for you mate. How to bild a aquarium hood with lights under it?

[@andrewleslie6169]

Another great video! Fish question: I've had a few fish die in two of my tanks. About $135-$200 worth if fish. Do you have and ideas on what could've happened?

[@thekingofdiy]

No details = no answer.

[@Shhawnyh]

usually mine are much cheeper, so i have no idea :-(

[@CarlosCruz-ew5gu]

Thanks just figure out how to make my diy stand.

[@ripnish7611]

Can i use a nail instead of screws?

[@apartmentaquariums]

good video, I wonder if I can talk the wife into it=), she knows it will mean more tanks are coming.

[@thekingofdiy]

Takes up the same space as 1 tank. . cover the rest up with a blanket the same color as the wall..... she might never notice. lol

[@maaz_khan_7_]

+The king of DIY You Just make our life and the hobby look so good..thanks for sharing the video.

[@TheOrangefan13]

I am working on this build right now with 5 20 gallon aquariums, I went alittle overboard though and also have the extra fortified method that joey showed in his how to build large aquariums, where he had a second crossbeam where he could fit a sump hanging off both sides in my case.Its going to sit awfully high though a little concerned about bowing will have to see what happens when I finish. Using minx wood finish and spar urethine for extra support. Its also a great idea to always have a towel maybe screwed on to a couple of brackets for water changes/gravel cleans so you don't make a mess. :) Definitely will post on diyfishkeepers when finished

[@AquaGeek]

Can you really work on the tank and catch fish with only 4 inches in between them though?

[@chasonsnotes]

I can't. Six inches is barely enough.

[@AwesomenessJourney]

Doesn't leave much space for lights either

[@superrcflier]

You can use galvanized anchors to make stronger too, great video 👍

[@lakemalawifishkeeping2599]

Can I keep two breeding group together in the same tank with a divider not much room in my apartment lol

[@k-makesomething]

I built one of these two hold two 20 gallon longs and one thirty gallon. One note: If you use lids on your aquariums, you definitely need MORE than 4" of space above each aquarium.

[@hooktraining3966]

If I added extra support could I make a stand that supports more than 30 gallons? I have a 40 gallon that I want a rack for so that I can put a hospital tank above it and a sump below it.

[@1borntodiex]

Snek Nek did it end up working out ? I was wondering how much extra support to add for a 40

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thank You!! :D

[@uttammondal570]

🍕

[@AGUILAR3]

Great video. Simple and clean. btw, why not just sit the bottom shelf flush with the floor. Instead of supporting the 3 tanks on 4 legs, you are actually anchoring it with the 240lbs of weight from the bottom tank.

[@thekingofdiy]

You can, but i needed the bottom up high enough to still create a siphon when im doing water changes. If i sat it flush on the floor, water changes would be limited on that tank.

[@JSpalding]

Subbed

[@navnav2816]

uhm..what kind of wood is he using?sorry i dont have any knowledge on that field.

[@kellyfornez8340]

I want to make a rack for 3, 20 gallon long tanks I am new to the hobby and I really want to start breeding some easy fish. can anyone help me with the blueprints?

[@mikem4653]

hi just wondering do you make this for sell? I need one like this really bad for my 2 36x18.5x18 aquariums to save my room space. I dont have the saw. I only have the screw driver and screw. all I need is just cut it in piece and ship to me. I'll screw by myself. and I'll pay you.I been looking for the coffee table and TV stands. for long long time. but there's no size fit my 2 tanks.

[@mikem4653]

please let me know really appreciated

[@shrimpsociety7057]

buy the wood at lowes or homedepot and them after you pay go ask if they can cut the wood for you(the first 2 are free but the rest are .50 each) give them the sizes you want the cuts and they will cut them(but they might not be precise cuts but they will be pretty close. or buy the wood and then ask a friend or a neighbor or even post an ad on craigslist for someone to cut the wood so that you can do your project.

[@kellrayable]

If you have kids ,definitely have this anchored to the wall. They just can't help themselves from climbing lol

[@thekingofdiy]

Indeed. I run electrical currents through my racks.... that'll teach them.

[@BalbuenaNYC]

How the hell u rub electrical current??? Or you joking here. I googled this and found that electricity doesn't flow through glass. Please elaborate boss /: I have 3kids

[@arielvdw]

Grand nice work. Could you specify a list of materials and indicate the dimensions of the timber. I do not understand them. Thank you.

[@ceecee8274]

Do you have anything to update here ???

[@kaleoburdett7162]

will this work for 40 breeders?

[@darkassassin1987]

Joey how do I build and support a rack for these tanks??i need help please ! 20tall 55g 20tall ----------------------- 40b. 40b. ----------------------- 20L 20L 10g 20L 20L

[@thekingofdiy]

At the 00:13 second mark, i have a link to a build on multiple size aquarium rack.

[@patricialeckey9114]

I am looking for plans to build a 3 tier 10 gallon aquarium stand for 3 tanks 2 fish and 1 hamster

[@agitatedgeoduck4836]

Are you going to be feeding the hamsters to the fish?

[@jamiebrick6871]

Can someone tell me the measurements of wood please

[@Tonyburge]

Jamie Brick 2inches x 4inches. 2 by 4

[@goldfishkeeper4289]

Jamie Brick you can use like 30 inch

[@tomallison1827]

How about an upscale extruded aluminum stand. Like the new tank BRS made for their clownfish harem. or team up with them on some designs and a supplier like 8020.net

[@thekingofdiy]

Thanks for the link! I'll look into it.

[@yukiosaro]

I have two 20 gallon tanks and one 10 gallon. How would I set up the top last shelf to accommodate the 10 gallon one since it's not as big as the 20 gallon ones?

[@internetthingscompany1776]

yukiosaro buy another 20 gal

[@nevinyoung9147]

You are much better off using nails for shear strength applications than screws. You could use screws to get started and once everything is lined up, then nail it together. Nails have much better shear strength. Screws will probably be OK if the weight is not too much, but just saying, nails are better.

[@sammcewan6556]

+103112177334022608693 Hay joey was wondering if i can get some advice on fish tank build, im gonna do a triple stack of 4ft tanks, I'm gonna do dado joints along with a back up brace like you did in this video, also gonna make sure there 2 support beams on the rectangle piece that the tank is gonna sit on, my only concern is the 2 long horizontal piece that tank sits on whether its gonna need a vertical center support beam in the middle cause I'm not sure if its gonna sag in the middle due to being long? or can i get away without it.