DIY Stand

[FSM]

I am probably going to buy a 75 gallon tank off craigslist, which has everything but the stand. How much would it cost to build one, and how difficult is it? What tools, etc. I have basically zero experience with something like this, but I could get help from others.

Also, what about a simple canopy? That seems very easy to build. Approximately what would that cost?

 

[andres]

If you wanted to go AS cheap as possible and have an ugly "skeleton" stand, I would say you could build it for $35 or less. If you are going this route you will only need a drill and some type of saw. (Most saws are going to work, you just need REALLY basic cuts.)

If you want a nicer looking stand, I would add $20-30 for plywood / paneling, $20 for lumber to make doors, $20 for stain / polyurethane. The more features you add, the more tools you need. I would say at this stage you would want atleast a miter saw for angled cuts (doors trim, top / bottom of stand trim) and a brad nailer / stapler.

You may need $10-20 for glue / screws if you don't have any aswell.

I might even say add $10 for anything unexpected like extra hardware (ie knbs, hinges, ect)


Canopies you can just use pieces of glass or buy glass tops. I don't like huge canopies though.

 

[FSM]

I would definitely want doors, and the sides covered as well. I will probably buy one off craigslist though.

 

[wckdkl0wn]

I built a stand for my 125 gallon tank for $70. But I messed up and put 3/4 cabinet grade on the top when I could of just used any plywood on top because the tank covers it.