DIY 75g cube stand

Myka · #1 03-31-2008, 01:06 AM

I threw together the framework of the stand for my 75g cube today. It took me about 1 1/2 hours. I decided to make the stand 36" tall because I want extra room under it to put a couple 15g tanks for Bangaii grow outs. Since the tank is 28x28x22" I figure it would look good on a tall stand anyway giving it a bit of a pillar effect. The way I'm going to finish the tank with the decorative trim will add to this effect, but I can't spill the beans. You'll have to check back to see! I'll probably work on it again next weekend.

Materials:

8 - 2x4 8' $12
1 lb 2 1/2" Brown exterior deck screws $4.50
Wood glue $4

Total $20.50

Here's how it looks. My dog wanted in on the picture taking, so I got her to pose in the stand.

You can see the 5g water jugs to scale the size.

KrazyKuch · #2 03-31-2008, 02:06 AM

I would strongly suggest that you put some plywood and foam onto the top of that stand!!!

Myka · #3 03-31-2008, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrazyKuch

I would strongly suggest that you put some plywood and foam onto the top of that stand!!!

It's not done!! I just put the tank on there for pic purposes, but thanks for lookin out.

Marlin65 · #4 03-31-2008, 02:32 AM

Looks good are you going sumpless on this tank as well?

Myka · #5 03-31-2008, 04:19 AM

No, I'm going to drill it. I couldn't find any diamond hole saws on Saturday, so I may have to order online. I also haven't decided on my plumbing. I'm thinking I'd like to do an overflow on this tank instead of just the strainer on the bulkhead like previous tanks, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet since the tank is glass, and I don't like the look of the eggcrate overflows.

mseepman · #6 03-31-2008, 05:22 AM

Okay...this stand is already putting me to shame since we got our tanks at the same time and I haven't officially started building the stand yet. I do have questions though. What is holding the cross members up?

kwirky · #7 03-31-2008, 05:46 AM

nice job on it. my cube's tank's 18" tall and I went with a 36" stand as well.

Would you maybe consider wood sheeting on the sides and back to keep the stand square? I always worry when looking at DIY wood stands that haven't been squared up with wood sheeting. TIMBERRRRRRR!. It's from building cabinets all the time with my dad when I was younger.

Myka · #8 03-31-2008, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

Okay...this stand is already putting me to shame since we got our tanks at the same time and I haven't officially started building the stand yet. I do have questions though. What is holding the cross members up?

The cross members are just glued and screwed. They are only there to help keep the bottom from bowing down too much. I'll be putting 3/4" plywood on the top too, so they don't need to be as strong as the support on the sides. I would feel comfortable if they weren't even there. I'm going to put a couple 3" nails through the members as well since nails have much greater shear strength than screws.

Quote:

nice job on it. my cube's tank's 18" tall and I went with a 36" stand as well.

Would you maybe consider wood sheeting on the sides and back to keep the stand square? I always worry when looking at DIY wood stands that haven't been squared up with wood sheeting. TIMBERRRRRRR!. It's from building cabinets all the time with my dad when I was younger.

Once the plywood and foam is on the top the tank will actually sit about 37" or so. I think it looks good at that height. It's a nice height to view a shallow tank.

I worry the same thing all the time too. The sides will be sheeted with plywood. That's as much as I'm going to say...it's supposed to be a surprise!

mseepman · #9 03-31-2008, 03:40 PM

It's looking good...I'm eagerly awaiting the special woodwork on the outside. Do you have much experience as a finishing carpenter?

Myka · #10 04-01-2008, 12:28 AM

Yes I do, but I lack shop tools, and I get real lazy when it comes to working after work!!!

So it won't be a show of my skills or anything. I would have really liked to make the stand out of solid white maple and black walnut to match my end tables, but I don't have the shop tools available to work with solid wood. I think I will still be able to put together a good looking stand though.