For example, if your aquarium measures 10 inches (25 cm) by 20 inches (51 cm), then the sides of your stand should be 10. 5 inches (27 cm) and 20. 5 inches (52 cm). Remember that your aquarium will also be holding several gallons of water which will add on weight. Make sure your stand will be sturdy enough to support the filled tank. [2] X Expert Source Aaron BernardFish & Aquarium Specialist Expert Interview. 17 July 2020.
For example, for an aquarium stand that you want to be 3 feet (0. 91 m) tall, 3 feet (0. 91 m) long, and 1. 5 feet (0. 46 m) wide, you’ll need to cut 2 2x4s to be 36. 5 inches (93 cm), 4 2x4s to be 18. 5 inches (47 cm), and 8 2x4s to be 36 inches (91 cm).
Make sure the 4 smaller 2x4s (which will serve as cross braces for the frame) are set at equal distances apart from each other. You may also want to use wood adhesive to ensure that the 2x4s are securely attached to each other.
Install these vertical posts so that their long sides run parallel to the cross braces on your frame.
You may also opt to use finishing nails to complete the installation. Allow the wood glue to dry for at least 2 hours before moving forward. If you have the extra time, though, you may want to wait 24 hours just to make sure it’s completely bonded.
You don’t need to attach sheeting to the back of the stand unless it will be visible or you plan to store a lot of items in the stand that might fall out of the exposed back.
If the visible nail heads are unsightly, you can shove them deeper into the wood with a countersink punch, then fill the holes with wood putty.
Avoid using a coarse or medium grit sandpaper to sand your stand, as these may actually do some damage to your wood.
You should apply at least 1 coat of paint to your stand (if you intend to paint it), but there’s no harm in applying 2 coats overall.
Store-bought doors have probably already been stained and painted, so you only have to worry about this if you’re making the doors yourself.
