My next aquarium stand project

[Randy Long]

Hi,
I am making another aquarium stand. Here is what the design looks like.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I like it! Very artistic!
-Jeff

[Chris Barton]

Hi Randy,

Interesting design. I personally prefer stands that are enclosed since they inevidibly become the repositories of the aquarium gear (nets, food, etc). What kind of wood do you plan to use?

[Byron Trantham]

Very unusual. I like the design but I would prefer an enclosed base to hide all the plumbing/air supply stuff. How big is the tank that is going to be used?

[Frank Fusco]

Very beautiful. But I would be afraid to use a wood aquarium stand. I remember you have used them for a long time. But I have never had an aquarium that didn't have moisture on the outside. Either from just capillary action, condensation, big fish splashing, maintenance or whatever, not to mention the dreaded occasional leaks.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

Judging by the picture, it appears to be about a 40 gallon tank. If so, there are plenty of quality 'hang-on-the-tank' filtration systems that don't require any cabinet space. Air pumps are mostly for appearance, but there are hang-on brackets available to support them if desired.

I think wood is a fine material for the stand, but not for a canopy due to high humidity. I have used wood on several tank stands from 20 to 150 gallon with no issues for many, many years. They may get some occassional wetting, but the finish should adequately protect the wood. If you have condesation on your tank, something is seriously wrong with your aquarium unless you're raising penguins in it!

cheers, Jeff

[Randy Long]

Hi,
Thanks for your comments.
Nearly everyone seems to like boxy aquarium cabnets to store and hide all that aquarium stuff but I just can't bring myself to make "The square and boxy".

I do plan on making a curved cover for the shelf that will hide the canister filter and a small drawer under the top.

I will be using Red Oak, stained Mahogany. I just bought it yesterday. Today I'll be cleaning it up. I still need to draw up the piece part plan, I'll be getting that done today as well.

I have not had any problems using wood as a material for aquarium stands. I use an oil stain and finish that does a good job protecting the wood.

I'll be posting pictures as this project progresses, with this 4 day weekend I should make good progress.

[glenn bradley]

That's a beauty. Don't take it wrong if I hide it from the LOML's daughter. She's after a wall unit to hold her five snake cages.

[Randy Long]

Hi,
Thursday: Cleaned up the raw lumber.
Friday: Rough cuts, glue-ups and some final cuts.
Saterday: Sanding and lower assembly.

Here is what it looks like now.


Today I will get the top cut to size, edge routed, sanded and attached. That should not take too long, so then I will start on the shelf.

[Randy Long]

[David Rose]

Frank,

Don't put that 5# bass in a 10 gallon aquarium! You will have less mess.

David

Very beautiful. But I would be afraid to use a wood aquarium stand. I remember you have used them for a long time. But I have never had an aquarium that didn't have moisture on the outside. Either from just capillary action, condensation, big fish splashing, maintenance or whatever, not to mention the dreaded occasional leaks.

[Randy Long]

Hi all,
It has been a long time since I posted anything, so here is an update on one of my aquarium stands.

Finished pictures.





The stand is solid as a rock. Before I put the aquarium on it I sat on the front edge without a problem (I weight 230 lbs).

I still plan on making a surved cover over the filter.