Stand HELP ( DIY)

**BiGBlak** · 08-08-2010, 08:33 PM

I got this stand off this dude that said he used it for a 40 gallon and told me that the measurments where 36x18 i come to find out that the measurments are actually 36x17. I called around LFS's and one guy suggested to add plywood ? how would that be a solution? anyway can someone explain how that may work to add some inches for my tank ? or if i should just go with a 38 gallon tank which is 36x12 ...

**Northernguy** · 08-08-2010, 08:41 PM

Whats the problem?
If you want a larger surface then plywood is the way to go.
Got a pic of the stand?

**souly** · 08-08-2010, 08:43 PM

I think he's worried about the plywood being to flimsy for his tank :)

**Northernguy** · 08-08-2010, 08:47 PM

Buy a 1/2 sheet of 1/2" plywood and have it cut into 2 pcs a bit larger then the ft print of the tank.That way you will have two pieces you can glue and screw together and then fasten to the top of the stand.Centered of course!lol
That will be more then strong enough.
Sand the edges and paint it up or add some decorative trim.

**korith** · 08-08-2010, 09:04 PM

You could add a thick piece of trim around the top of the stand. But the problem is the weight of the tank will sit on the trim. Just have to make sure it is properly supported. I would probably just add a top like suggested. One of my tank stands is actually just a kitchen cabinet, the top of the stand is 2 2x6's, works well.

**BiGBlak** · 08-08-2010, 09:29 PM

Heres a few Pics of the stand as is . . . http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/y...4.jpg&newest=1
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/y...6.jpg&newest=1
http://s790.photobucket.com/albums/y...b.jpg&newest=1

**BiGBlak** · 08-08-2010, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Northernguy

Buy a 1/2 sheet of 1/2" plywood and have it cut into 2 pcs a bit larger then the ft print of the tank.That way you will have two pieces you can glue and screw together and then fasten to the top of the stand.Centered of course!lol
That will be more then strong enough.
Sand the edges and paint it up or add some decorative trim.

So plywood is strong enough to hold a tank ? and i need to say get it cut like 37x19 so it could fit comfortably ? i dont have tools at my house so would sitting it on the tank be enough to support it ? or would i have to glue it to the top somehow ? I have no experience in this so mind all the simple questions. and the tank falling is my worst worry...

**Rue** · 08-08-2010, 09:39 PM

It has a sturdy base. Putting a bigger top on it won't be an issue...see if you can find a home handy-man guy in your neighbourhood. Just sitting the wood on top is iffy...and if you want it to look at all nice, it would need to be refinished once the larger top is in place.

That part you can do yourself.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-08-2010, 09:43 PM

The lumber yard will cut it for you. You will pay for it but they may have some scraps in a pile somewhere. I just cut a piece and laid it on top of my stand because I needed a couple inches. I used 1" plywood tho. I painted the edges of the plywood black so it wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.

**Cliff** · 08-08-2010, 09:46 PM

That stand looks OK from the pics you posted. Looks like some 1" or thicker wood was used (hard for me to tell for sure by the pic) for the frame and 2X4s along the top.

I like Northernguy's suggestion to double up the plywood for the top. It would be best to get a cordless screw driver or drill to screw the plywood to the top of your stand. Use some glue as well and it will be a really strong top.

Do you know anyone whole owns a cordless screw driver or drill ?