How to Design & Plan: DIY Aquarium Stands Pt 2

Hey everyone! Today we continue our deep-dive series on how to build your own amazing aquarium stand. In this Part 2 we are going through the design elements. Everything you need to know to build a quality and sturdy stand for your beautiful aquariums.
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[@Name-ot3xw]

Thinking about just building a box out of 4x4s, 3 12' lengths would add up to ~$45 plus a sheet of 3/4 plywood for under the tank and sump. Add in a 2x4 for a couple of stretchers if I'm feeling anxious.

[@aarhud]

Do you find the "Stair Step" style stand makes working on the top tank difficult? I'm re-doing my fishroom and I'm debating this design.

[@Riffwaters]

@@aarhud It's more difficult for sure, but I find the pros outweigh the cons. And I only do it for tanks that are max 18" wide and max 24" tall. That works for my height/arm reach.

[@coreygunter4787]

I built my stands (8) at 36" and 40" tall, depending on my tank heights. Im 6'4" i wanted my tanks at my 👁 level.. my tanks have been sitting beautifully for 12-15 yrs.

[@scotp6362]

How do you maintain/service your tanks on the double stands. Do you do it all from the sides? I really like the way they look and would consider that design, but wondered about reaching up and over 18-24” and then trying to get into the bottom of the one in back.

[@Riffwaters]

It's possible with a step ladder, but it is indeed kind of difficult to reach everything. I find it's worth the extra work, for me personally.

[@aquahobby1982]

Very impressive ..... i'll follow this in my future build. Question : If I want to rest a 225 G tank on concrete bricks ( available at home depot at $2 per piece ) and then place a ply & styrofoam, will that work ? How many pillers of concrete beick do I need to put? I am nit planning to put my tank high. I'll not b more than 2 slabs of concrete bricks. What do u think?

[@Riffwaters]

Thanks! And I wouldn't recommend using concrete blocks. People do that, yes, and so have I. But I find it to be too unstable, especially for such a large tank.

[@michaelhaines3451]

I've never built an aquarium stand with 2 x 4s, but I have built scores of tables for industrial use (for vinyl cutting, woodworking, and heavy assembly). The concept is very similar. Looking forward to the next installment!

[@elementsoflife000]

How do you clean your acrylic aquarium without scratching it?

[@Riffwaters]

On the inside I use Mr. Clean Magic Erasers (Original, no additives). On the outside just a damp microfiber cloth.

[@elementsoflife000]

@Riffwaters " how to clean an acrylic aquarium" would make a good youtube video👍

[@keithgraczyk-uu8kn]

I see other diy tank builders make a complete rim around the bottom like it is on the top, but you do not. Why is that your preferences to just put braces in between the legs?

[@Riffwaters]

Hi. If you build a perimeter around the bottom, which would be in contact with the floor, it creates a lot more issues than you'd expect. Mainly that you can't ensure the load is settling in a point you want it to, and it's very arduous to ensure full support all around. Also, leveling gets harder.