Stand build

[Belly_up]

I'm currently building a stand for a 6ft 135 gal glass aquarium the top and legs are 2x6 and the bottom is 2x4. My plan is to use 3/4" oak plywood for the top and doors and skin the frame with 1/4". Will the 1/4" plywood lay flat on the frame with finishing nails and construction adhesive or will I have issues with warping later down the line? Here's a pic of what I got so far

 

[esoxlucius]

Good sturdy stand, slight overkill maybe but it's each to their own with stands. The top of my stand is similar to yours, though in 2x4's. All I did at the point you're at now is throw a piece of standard three quarter inch ply on top, no glue, and screw it. Then I put a sheet of styrofoam on top ready for the tank, that was 6 years ago and I haven't had any problems. Make sure you get a level on the top, not just front to back and side to side,but diagonally too.

If you aren't using styrofoam you need to countersink the screws/nails. You don't want the bottom of your tank anywhere near any screw/nail heads.

The only time you'll experience problems with warping is if you continually get the wood wet, maybe through clumsiness on your part during water changes, otherwise it should be fine if kept dry.

 

[Cich Mind]

Hello B Belly_up ,
I have built several tank stands in the past. It's fun to create your own functioning aquarium stand. Yours looks nice and sturdy. I wouldn't worry about it warping unless you get it wet all the time. The second stand I built was made completely from 2x6 wood. I way over built it and it weighs a ton. I used way more lumber than you. You can literally park a truck on it. I just hope I never have to move it at all lol. GL on your build.

 

[tlindsey]

Good sturdy stand, slight overkill maybe but it's each to their own with stands. The top of my stand is similar to yours, though in 2x4's. All I did at the point you're at now is throw a piece of standard three quarter inch ply on top, no glue, and screw it. Then I put a sheet of styrofoam on top ready for the tank, that was 6 years ago and I haven't had any problems. Make sure you get a level on the top, not just front to back and side to side,but diagonally too.

If you aren't using styrofoam you need to countersink the screws/nails. You don't want the bottom of your tank anywhere near any screw/nail heads.

The only time you'll experience problems with warping is if you continually get the wood wet, maybe through clumsiness on your part during water changes, otherwise it should be fine if kept dry.

Overkill I don't think so but this is my stand build. I stained it with a deck stain. I personally would beef the stand up a little more but that's my choice.

 

[Jexnell]

I'm currently building a stand for a 6ft 135 gal glass aquarium the top and legs are 2x6 and the bottom is 2x4. My plan is to use 3/4" oak plywood for the top and doors and skin the frame with 1/4". Will the 1/4" plywood lay flat on the frame with finishing nails and construction adhesive or will I have issues with warping later down the line? Here's a pic of what I got so far

View attachment 1459037

If I were you I would put vertical boards in between the upper and lower frame. As it is now only the screws will be holding all the weight.


See in this picture, the wood is supporting the top frame.

 

[Belly_up]

Thanks for all the tips guys. The stand is a work in progress and I have since added the second 2x6 to the legs and will add pics as I go. All the boards have a bit of curvature so I put the crown up I'm hoping it will be a non issue one I put the 3/4" plywood and styrofoam on

 

[Belly_up]

Finished up the legs and added a brace to the center of the back side of the stand. Def over built for a 135 gal. The top is as level as I could get it with the wood I have. There's a few spots light is visible below the level but the gap is less than a credit card thickness. Next is to add 3/4 plywood to the top

 

[tlindsey]

Finished up the legs and added a brace to the center of the back side of the stand. Def over built for a 135 gal. The top is as level as I could get it with the wood I have. There's a few spots light is visible below the level but the gap is less than a credit card thickness. Next is to add 3/4 plywood to the top

View attachment 1459220

Looking good .

 

[Belly_up]

Got the top and doors on. Finishing with plywood and trim is next

 

[Belly_up]

Exterior was skinned with 1/4" oak and I painted the interior with white exterior paint. I found some cheap cabinet doors and used concealed hinges. Finish is wood dye and poly . Turned out pretty good