Building an aquarium stand

[keonetfish]

I plan on building a stand for my 75 very soon, but I am very cheap, so I am trying to find the cheapest way to go, but I still want it to last/work.

The posts/legs will be 30" tall. The design will be basically a rectangular prism, no boards, and 6 posts/legs. I was originally thinking about going with 2x4s, but I'm not sure they will hold it, so now I'm considering 4x4s, but 4x4s cost twice as much.

Some help would be appreciated.

 

[frnchjeep]

4x4's twist and warp too easily. You are much better off with 2 2x4's screwed together.

 

[lix.ma14]

cool.

 

[Pharaoh]

I'm not sure what you are trying to describe when saying rectangular prism, but below is a fool proof design for building a stand from 2x4s. 2x4s will be more than enough to hold a 75G tank. No need to waste your money on the 4x4s.

 

[keonetfish]

Thanks for your help everyone.

 

[Dr_Shakalu]

I just want to let you know not to use particle board. It's cheaper but if it gets wet, you are going to have probems. The only stands I've seen that use particle board are ones that have a plastic type sheet over them so water doesn't reach the wood directly, The Doctor

 

[keonetfish]

I just want to let you know not to use particle board. It's cheaper but if it gets wet, you are going to have probems. The only stands I've seen that use particle board are ones that have a plastic type sheet over them so water doesn't reach the wood directly, The Doctor

I'm not using any boards, just a frame to get the job done. I don't care how it looks, but if I did you use boards, I would use mdf(medium density fiber). Go check it out at home depot and you will know why I would use it.

 

[CLDarnell]

I'm not using any boards, just a frame to get the job done. I don't care how it looks, but if I did you use boards, I would use mdf(medium density fiber). Go check it out at home depot and you will know why I would use it.

Sorry, I shuddered a little bit

Pine 2 X 4s are going to be the least expensive way to build your stand. any type of plywood would have to be be cut and glued together to make thicker pieces. Even 3/4" plywood isn't going to make very good legs.

"Fiber board" will bubble, warp, twist, disolve, disentigrate or whatever else you can imagine if it gets wet.

It's been awhile since I bought lumber, but I am guessing you can get a decent, straight 8' long 2 X 4 for under $8. You will need 5 or 6 pieces. Hardware won't be much..so maybe around $50 for a simple stand.

Cheap is one thing...but spending $30 and not having anything to show for it is a lot more expensive than building it right!

 

[joecoulson]

MDF would be a virtual sponge to water. Not the best to use, if you were to use boards, plywood would be best. You could try to find a pair of 24" x 18" vanity cabinets and screw them together and add bracing if they were flimsy, but then again, we are back to particle board. I built mine from high quality furniture grade plywood. We are in GA and have a cabinet shop in gwinnett (DCD), but it's higher end and would cost you some $$ Atypical is in Winder and can build you something...

 

[keonetfish]

Sorry, I shuddered a little bit

Pine 2 X 4s are going to be the least expensive way to build your stand. any type of plywood would have to be be cut and glued together to make thicker pieces. Even 3/4" plywood isn't going to make very good legs.

"Fiber board" will bubble, warp, twist, disolve, disentigrate or whatever else you can imagine if it gets wet.

It's been awhile since I bought lumber, but I am guessing you can get a decent, straight 8' long 2 X 4 for under $8. You will need 5 or 6 pieces. Hardware won't be much..so maybe around $50 for a simple stand.

Cheap is one thing...but spending $30 and not having anything to show for it is a lot more expensive than building it right!

Yea. I'm just gonna make a good 2x4 stand.