how to make a stand that holds two aquariums?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
neonmadness

neonmadness

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2006
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I'd like to build a stand that holds a 15 gallon or so and then a 5 gallon under it, like a bookshelf type thing. I'm having trouble thinking of a way to make a shelf for the bottom tank that is sturdy. does anyone have any ideas or designs? Any help is appreciated
 
Here is one of my builds might help

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A 5 gallon tank weighs less than 50 pounds, you don't need much support for it. Sit it on horizontal pieces of wood (2x4s would work, but smaller would be fine) and glue/screw them to the vertical supports. If it makes you feel better, put more vertical supports under the 5 gallon, but you don't need them.
 
Here's a pic of one of my old setups. I unfortunately can't seem to find more detailed pics of the build.

I initially built it to hold a 20L on top and a 20H on the bottom, but I ended up modifying the bottom part to hold tubs for my snakes. Similar idea to bud's, but instead of cutting a notch in a 2X4 I used doubled up 1X3s to make lap joints. I agree with bud's suggestion - even though a 5g doesn't weigh much it's probably a good idea to have your horizontal pieces supported by wood (not just screws) where they attach to the verticals.

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thanks guys, so im going to need to insert the horizontal supports into the vertical supports, correct? since the footprint of the 5 gallon will much smaller than the 15 could i put plywood over the horizontal supports to make a shelf?
 
This one holds two 10g and is made out of 1/2" plywood. Works great.

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You could always brace the sides and back with diagonal peices between the levels. When in doubt, throw in a triangle for good measure - you never know when you might find some nice rocks to put in your tank ;)
 
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