HOW TO: Build an Aquarium Stand/Canopy 1/3

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This is a tutorial on how to build an aquarium stand frame. In this video , i show all materials needed, total cost, and how to put it together.
Keep in mind, I kept this as simple as possible. Once i wrap this in plywood, the plywood gets screwed directly to the frame, so the strength would then increase even more. The reason for keeping most of my builds as simple as possible, is so that a wider range of people can actually do them. I try to keep tools, and complications to an absolute minimum.

[@jordyf2799]

10 years Later and look at you now :) I still use this video as a refresher when building wooden stands.

[@Reefphreak]

What a long way you have come in your video making process since this video! Doing research now on building a stand for my upcoming 75 gallon build and I'm going to follow this design. Keep up the good work man! You're an inspiration

[@Sandepower]

From the time Joey seemed a bit sad and spoke calmly.. now he is exctatic and speaks non-stop! But i like that change :-)

[@awoung2007]

It's guys like you who really make this hobby great. I upgraded from my 65 gallon to a 90 gallon cube and needed something unique for the build. I followed this video exactly and now my stand supports a 90 gallon cube reef in a third floor apartment! Talk about trust. I designed a shroud that works with the overall design of the space. I will post some pics once the apartment is finished. Thanks again.

[@beef2596]

Joey, I must say at first I wasn't sure whether I should build this stand, or just go out and buy one. In the end I decided to build this one. For about $40 I made a stand that's probably more sturdy than an overpriced $200 stand. And it looks great! This is the second thing I've built from your channel (first being the diy overflow). I must say, thank you very much. Keep up the great work, and the great videos.

[@thekingofdiy]

Glad it worked out for you! PS: For some extra assurance, i would not post a video on a project unless i knew it worked and was safe. Almost every video i have, is a project i have completed many times over the years prior to finally making a video on it. So feel free to follow any advice from my channel. You can trust me! ;)

[@beef2596]

***** I know! Thanks again!

[@BboyDeathzs]

Hey Beef. how big is ur Tank? 100g Above? if soo thanks if below then double thanks. just wanna know how big is it that i can cac my price on the stand. and one more question is it better to build the stand inside the house in the room or outside?

[@iJINNZ0]

Still remember watching this years ago. This is the first video on your channel I watched.

[@guyswartwout8173]

measure you doorway before you build your stand - classic advice.

[@ronvlaz7581]

I used your design and built a stand for a 72 inch long by 24 inch wide fish tank. I substituted pressure treated 2x6's and added a center support for the stand. When I filled the tank with water, there wasn't a groan or a squeak from the wood. Stand is ROCK solid. Excellent Design !! Thanks

[@JyB818]

Wow! You've come a long way! Not only in the picture quality, but also in your comfortableness in front of the camera.

[@myapaquette7418]

"If it doesn't fit make it fit." Best advice ever!

[@willyd708]

Mya Paquette that’s what she said

[@dontworryaboutit8445]

That's what she said💀

[@kenprice788]

Thanks for this video . Used your design to build a stand for my new 75 gal and will be modifying it for several tank I recently got a good deal on !

[@edumasterorco]

Joey! Your vídeos are incredibly helpful, and thanks to them I've been able to do and evolve so much in this hobby. I want to thank you for sharing what you know, and helping so many of us. Big hug to you, keep up the good work!

[@opium476]

Joey, just wanted to thank you for the great videos. You have given me the confidence to build my own aquarium and stand, so just wanted to thank you and let you know I am eagerly awaiting part 2.

[@warcraftaddiction83]

Watching in 2019, still good.

[@SM2099]

Watching un 2020 and it Holds up wonderfully.

[@ethanduke813]

@@SM2099 Ill be back in a couple weeks

[@soundescapade]

Great video here. Built me two 10g and one 20g long stand for about $50 bucks whereas the retails stands would have ran me well over $150. Thank you very much for taking the time to provide this!

[@TheWalmsleyshome]

Im going to start my stand thanks to your plans. Thank you. Just like them old days, when ppl help ppl. Im sure everyone thanks you. Good man.

[@davidr6720]

Thanks so much for the useful videos. I never built anything myself with wood, and following your instructions I was able to build a great stand for my frag tank, I need 2 more stands and after the first one, my confidence is very high that they too will be perfect. The tips about using the tools like adjusting for the width of the saw blade for cuts and using a piece of wood already cut as a templet really helped with my first lesson on wood working. KZbin University rocks!

[@HoboAltros]

I followed Joey's video step by step and built a stand for a 67 gallon acrylic tank, which I built also using his instruction. I am now building a two tank stand using the same method, with some modifications. Thanks Joey

[@IEATCHAIR]

I just wanted to post a video response to my tank stand and canopy, as well as thank you for the time and dedication you have for the hobby. I have been motivated to work along side your videos to create a 65 gal tank stand. I will be starting off simple with goldfish and work my way up to more challenging fish. Thanks once again for the videos and keep on trying to find DIY solutions to common challenges that Aquarists encounter.

[@Dren1827]

Nice tutorial Joey. I just built my stand frame today following your video. I was lucky enough to have all the power and hands tool I needed so it went together fast and smooth. The tank will be in my living room so now I need to figure out a good way to skin it and have it look really good and fit in with my living room furniture.

[@csifan52]

I just used this tutorial to make a stand for my 40 gallon tank! It was so cool! Thank you for the instructions!! 🙂🙂🙂

[@emilyphipps1044]

Thanks! I built this take for my 55 gallon tank and I love it. It looks awesome, feels very sturdy, and was very easy to make.

[@yvettedrenth6476]

Thank you for this great and comprehensive video! Your stand design was the only one I found that I could actually build and be sure about its strenght. I just finished my stand for a 55 gal tank. I used store bought wood for the frame and re-used old wooden pallets/ crates to finish the stand, turned out really nice :)

[@ryanpamperin4439]

how did that work? did you use these exact same dimensions?

[@MrJTBANG]

Video is a big help. Went to grab some 2x4s at home depot and some nails. Will be building tomorrow. Thanks for the help joey

[@TheMike3m]

just wanted to say thanks as I was on my way to buy a stand from a local fish store for over 300$ until I came across this video .. and realize how easy it is to make my own ! and it only cost 20$ in wood and was very easy following ur steps ! thanks again

[@allan7934]

Never gets old watching your video's Joey. Making my first stand this week. Thanks for these video's!

[@sierraocon3980]

Aww baby Joey before he got his confidence!!! I needed to build a stand and of course you have the best video for that even back then.

[@34SkiLLz14Luck]

Joey, i just want to thank you for my DIY - PVC Overflow, Moving bed Filter, Stand, Dresser sump, and MUCH more! You rock dude! Just finished my DIY PVC Overflow / spraybar / dresser sump, works amazingly. I just need to figure out how to silence the intake tube!

[@123bonitachica123]

Loved your Video. I built a stand for my 125 gallon acrylic and it it looks great!. Got to buy myself a miter saw and have some fun in the process. Your easy to follow instructions were great. Thank you for your time for posting this valuable video.

[@danielcain5003]

i love this guy I've completed 1 project that's got me open to doing 2 more. i can't wait to have the courage to do the aquarium itself. thanks king Diy

[@nickjm37fordel1]

Thanks Joey, another great video, it's great to see the building of a stand, they are a fortune in the stores. Looking forward to part 2. Nick...........

[@iroeki]

Followed your instructions. Finished my Stand for 100 gallons. Thank you for posting this video.

[@morrisdsouza3505]

Thank you DIY king. Just completed my first tank stand for 65 upright. Total lumber cost 28$ plus thin board to cover it all 12 $, 10 $ for quality nails. 20$ electric screw driver, 34$ circular saw, 8 $ paint, 2 trips to homedepot 10$, some peripherals like sand paper and brackets and wood glue (20$) and about 2 half days over weekend. In total around 130 $. And I have a custom size extremely strong stand!! Just one lesson I learned that I need to share. I had all the small studs to be inserted between top and base frame cut to exact size and all were about . 2 inch longer and I needed to spend a lot of time polishing them. I think 2 by 4 are not exactly 1.5 by 3.5 but more like 3.6.*

[@JPack95]

These are crazy to watch back in the day joey

[@donnasaunders4220]

You are very detailed. I totally understand now. Thanks! Awesome work!

[@LMSVLIM23]

Hey! You probably won’t see this but I’m so thankful for this video. It’s been years but I just built a stand like this and it’s been great! Big fan of you man, keep it up!

[@SheLsPeaker]

Thats right the explanations need to be detailed to what the person with the expertise thinks we need to know. Good job Joey. I now know how to build a stand for my tank sitting on the floor:)

[@Cliffepoos]

Excellent! Just the knowledge I needed. Thank you.

[@AverageAssassin904]

Just build my stand from watching your video. I'm very happy with it, never knew it was that easy to do! Thank you for this video :)

[@mattehv]

Hey Joey! Just finished the build on my 55 high stand and canopy, now wrapping with OSB chip board. One thing I did differently - instead of screwing in the guides on the top and bottom frame first, I screwed them to the top first, then installed the supports to make sure that they are taking most of the weight. Then I screwed the guides into the bottom. I used velcro to fasten the front piece on for easy access to my overflow filtration system. 30 bucks for canopy and stand. Thanks a lot!

[@peterschulties3258]

Oldy but a goodie. BUilding one today thanks long time ago Joey.

[@JayOrlando32828]

Yooooo bro super detailed .... I have watched about 20 videos and you have answer many questions ..... thank you

[@MrGonzales209]

Great video. My son and I are gonna give this a shot. All the questions i had and worries were all answered in this video. Thank you!!

[@cherylyaz3328]

Great Video! Thanks so much for making it look so easy! I am planning on getting a 55 gallon glass aquarium and I am worried about the strength needed to support this size of aquarium. I will use your video, and add just a couple additional supports and I think this will work GREAT! Thank You again!! - Cheryl

[@dcaldwell24]

Thanks for the vid! I'm a first time reefer and I just built this today and given this is close to 10 years old here are some updated prices haha, I used 8, 2 x 4 8s (didn't need the extra braces cause I have a glass tank) came to $48 and the box of #8 2.5 in screws were around $9, haven't got the plywood yet but still even almost 10 years later $57 still beats the store sold stands by at least $130. :)

[@zelot202]

i made this stand its been here for 6 months followed the instructions and man its good it is very solid im 100% confident in its design thank you for the good video the only bad thing is im you get your items over there cheap :) keep the good work up ty again :)

[@83mgroux]

What if your floor is slightly uneven? My floor that I'm putting the tank in, is very slightly uneven. So regardless whether I decide to build my stand or buy a stand, what would you suggest or recommend for slightly uneven floors?

[@austinrogers4255]

Thank you this is going to help a lot when I build my stand this weekend

[@rivershark28]

Great how to video. I have plans to build a double tank stand for my 90 and 55 gallon tanks. This video certainly helps.

[@MegaPhoenix07]

Ahhh, yet another great video. I'm glad to see that I build my stands the same way you do.

[@AfricanCichlidHub]

Superb video Joey!

[@skiesthelimit101]

Perfect Joey, you answered a lot of question. Good job.. Thanks

[@frenchboy2005]

Hey buddy. I've enjoyed a couple of your videos so far. Many thanks for taking the time to share so much information.

[@JDawgBuilds]

Thanks man! I build off this design but changed it a bit for my bearded dragon wooden vivarium I made awhile ago. Works good and was real sturdy.

[@ed878]

Top man Joey! Giving this a go this weekend, cheers

[@baek1988s]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed. I'm planning on using this design to build a stand for my 40 gallon breeder tank. Now, I need to get either a miter saw or circular saw. But I see that as an investment for the future. Thanks again :)

[@gtdaddy3]

Just what I was needing. Your vids are the best! Thanks for all you do.

[@Coalfired1]

Used your video to make a stand for my 40 breeder, ended up being pretty cheap like you said as well as sturdy as a SOB!. Thanks man

[@eyesuckle]

Excellent work, Joey. I built my own stand about four months ago, but I wish I had seen this video first. Your design is just as strong as mine, and much simpler to build. Kudos! The one addition I would have made to your video is to stress making the stand tall enough to accommodate whatever model of canister filter you plan to buy, if you go that way. I ended up having to buy two smaller rather than one large canister filter because I planned poorly, and they're still a tight fit! Oops.

[@ThomasKendall404]

Nice video man, I was really hesitant to building my own stand for only a 40 gallon breeder but that makes me think it's some much easier than I first made it seem.

[@MrDoberman101]

two days ago I was looking to build my own stand, and was searching on youtube for diy for aquarium stand. not one was informative enough to follow or was a really bad design, all in all, not one of the videos were helpful. I said to myself, i wish joey would have done a diy aquarium stand video, cause all your videos are so informative,and awesome, very simple to follow. Today my wish was answered. lol... should have asked for lottery numbers. Cant wait for part 2 of the build.

[@2010Luap]

great job. your videos never fail! can not wait to see the hood build, been waiting for a good one to pop up, got a feeling yours will be it! keep up the good work.

[@angelfish4life]

i wish all how to .... on youtube are like this every one of your vids are clearly explan thank you so much man

[@MEATSOMBRERO]

jOEY, I subbed you a while back and I watch all ur vids. Great job keep it up! Great simple explanations and clear shots of the projects. Thanks bro.

[@knightingalesaid]

Thanks Joey for all your great videos. Most helpful.

[@mikeletourneau5273]

Joe you saved my bacon! My tank recently started leaking and while emptying and moving it, I noticed the weight of the whole setup was causing the back legs to recede in a hole which was digging into our newly repaired floor (as the iron stand legs are L shaped making a lot of weight focused on a single point of contact). I knew my hubby would be pissed when he got home to find his 1 month old floor job had already been compromised. Thanks for your comprehensive tutorial, I'll have everything fixed and setup before he gets home from work. And he'll be none the wiser!

[@UnderTheTide]

Another fantastic video Joey!

[@BESTBBQDUDE]

Thanks Joey, I just want to share a little trade tip with you, place the first cut on the line then move the saw until the end of the 2X4 touches the door frame. the saw will not slip on the carpet and the door frame won't move so you have a stop to ensure all cuts are equal. No marking the next cut. Then move the saw for the next cut. on jobs with lots of cuts I've actualy screwed the saw to the floor.

[@iSpeciaIist]

Fantastic. Clearly explained and easy to follow. Will be using this in the near futute, thanks

[@MsMetrix]

Thats good DIY..... i would learn many things from you..thanks...

[@whitetrashandhellbound6905]

Joey is a Carpenter now! lol... Great build man. Simple and Easy thanks to your videos... I would like to see a video of your take on Matching Wooden aquarium Trim and/or Wooden canopies

[@jonathansimon498]

Well designed, loved the video. Keep it up!

[@carriep7812]

I used this plan to build my first stand (with my first aquarium). Thanks king of DIY! I thought it would be worth noting that 2x4s generally always have bow in them - and the ones I used were no exception. But, as long as you build it true, and squeeze together the pieces (clamps are a must), the weight of the tank when filled with water, will straighten out those wobbly stands. If you've never built anything before, you might not understand what I'm trying to explain here, but if you build it, and it does not lay completely flat - and it most likely will not, don't stress! :-)

[@rnauth1418]

Great design! Looks very solid! Thanks!

[@117Najae]

Hey Joey just want to say thank you all the way from Barbados. Keep it up.

[@IEATCHAIR]

totally. you inspired it, feel free to share it with whom ever you like. thanks again.

[@torjones1701]

This is a great video, but I noticed how much better your videos have gotten in the past 4 years! :)

[@saggitariolover]

Thanks so much for your video you really inspired me to build an aquarium frame for a bigger tank. Nicely explained video thumps up

[@jarheadltd]

Cheers bud, inspirational video. Am going to attempt this looks real simple but so cost effective. Keep up the good work and great videos!

[@Xman3194]

You have a great channel! Thanks for all your information.

[@nickrauseo7303]

Smart dude right here affordable and reliable

[@Pigment1971]

I constructed a stand for my 200x50x50 cm aquarium using this video and it looks awesome.. Thanks

[@AquadesignAquascaping]

Really cool. Might go diy for my next tank.

[@dr.ronaldk.allard7484]

Thanks for the step by step...!

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

Posted on trophs for ya, thanks again for the video, gonna try/do this Saturday!

[@graffitijunkiejfk]

Love your channel...

[@lizpizable]

Hey Joey, love your videos. Do you know if this stand will work with a 10 gallon tank at 30 inches tall? I feel like it would be very top heavy and would easily tip over.

[@deaksvids]

Thanks dude, Thats a great helpfor my custom frag tank build

[@TheCichlaKeeper]

awesome video..thanks man..going to build a stand for a roughly 600g tank (LxWxH) 8x4x30'' and this video made it more simple..

[@chekoz77]

Wow that stand is solid!! I could park my truck on top of that bad boy! Great job!

[@reggieshpcichlids5060]

This build help me out and I build something like this, thxs king diy!

[@handsup115]

love these videos..why would ppl dislike this jeezz

[@fansons]

This is very very useful, thanks for showing.

[@lorilynn6563]

You are awesome! Your videos have been so incredibly helpful, inspirational & saved me $$. Thank you!!

[@robotzombie3546]

I built this stand to fit a 20 gallon. It cost over 100$. I used a level, a square, 2x4s, plywood for top, screws, an arm saw, a table saw, a drill and a sander. Not easy but doable on a day off afternoon. It's great

[@n8n852]

you truely are the king of DIY, so many aquaponic, hydroponic and aquarium solutions on your channel, thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@oakland002]

Great video very informative very thorough

[@MrBrightSide77]

Thanks for the video. I am working on it.

[@sufiyansheikh131]

This is such a cool video man. Simple and super straightforward with no bullshit and lotss of cool info

[@Jimboslickster]

That looks like it would make an awesome work bench too