HOW TO: Build an Aquarium Stand/Canopy PART 1

[randy12368]

You said you were going to use foam. Would that be good to use under a glass tank? That leads to another question, why is the bottom of glass tanks up inside the tank and not on the bottom as in the acrylic tanks that you build?

[baek1988s]

Thank you! Exactly what I needed. I'm planning on using this design to build a stand for my 40 gallon breeder tank. Now, I need to get either a miter saw or circular saw. But I see that as an investment for the future. Thanks again :)

[espirates2]

For cutting wood on the miter saw, you said cut outside your line mark, how do you know exactly where to position it, so that it will be just outside it ? Do you bring the blade down to see how it rests on the mark ? I can never figure that out, so each wood ends up with a different length.

[uarujoey]

@espirates2 Thats exactly how!

[jarheadltd]

@uarujoey Where is part 2 dude! Come on!

[uarujoey]

@jarheadltd It will be out sometime today.

[Mexiyeah]

Hey where do you get your saw from?

[uarujoey]

@Mexiyeah Canadian Tire. Cheap saw, not the best... but it does exactly what i need it to do.

[rod110184]

@uarujoey Please put up the part two PLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEAAAA­ASSSSSSEEEEEE

[uarujoey]

@rod110184 It will be out tomorrow!

[markxxspark]

please please please joey.. I am building a stand for my son and i would really really appreciate YOU SHOWING HOW TO PUT THE SKIN ON THE STAND AND MAYBE 2 DOORS .. SO i CAN DO IT PROPERLY.YOUR FIRST VIDEO ROCKED AND WAS VERY EASY TO FOLLOW. i AM HOPING TO USE A BLACK LAMINATE MATERIAL AND HAVE 1 SHELF INSIDE . i AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE DOING THESE VIDEOS AS WE ARE POOR AND YOU WILL SAVE ME 400 DOLLARS. LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR NEXT VIDEO.. THANKS AGAIN MARK SORRY ABOUT ALL CAPS

[joekolko43]

Great video you helped me build a new stand for my tank. Something that people that should look out for is that for the support 2x4's you should get them cut a quarter inch smaller cause I wasn't able to fit mine in. Luckily I am only dealing with a 55g so I put them diagonally and it's been workin pretty well. Thanks Joey I love your channel!

[opium476]

Joey, just wanted to thank you for the great videos. You have given me the confidence to build my own aquarium and stand, so just wanted to thank you and let you know I am eagerly awaiting part 2.

[jarheadltd]

I agree, we need part 2!!

[knightoftartarus]

Also can you please do a set up video on making a semi-aquatic turtle tank from scratch?

[knightoftartarus]

How important is it to drill pilot holes prior to putting in screws?

[pilot3446]

When ya gonna upload part 2?

[mustangmike420]

hey i posted pics of the finished product on ur facebook thanx again!!

[uarujoey]

@mustangmike420 No problem. I checked the stand out, it looks great!

[oMrNigel]

Hey Joey, my name is Nigel, and I have begun the process of designing a stand and tank for my room. I am going to make a plywood tank that is about 90 gallons. I am making a video for it now and I'd like your aproval. Can i send you a message to a video so you can tell me if i have the right motive? Thanks pal, (also made this channel just for you because my other channel is for video games) Hope to get a reply :D - Nigel

[uarujoey]

@oMrNigel Sure Nigel, let me know when its up and i'll have a look.

[jarheadltd]

Part 2??

[uarujoey]

@jarheadltd I will have it out soon.

[flipdog0123456789]

This is a bit off topic but i build a canopy and want to know if i need to paint the inside so the wood wont mold? The tank wont be having any type of lid just the canopy. If so which paint do i use.Thanks. Nice Vid.

[uarujoey]

@flipdog0123456789 I will cover this in the next video.

[chillirun]

I'm a huge fan of your channel and with your help I was able to build a nice acrylic tank with a stand for my fish, so a big THANK YOU! And also, any plans on a diy corner tank in the future?

[uarujoey]

@chillirun Im very happy to know you used my videos to help build your self something! I dont have any plans for a corner tank right now, but may consider one in the future.

[chillirun]

@uarujoey Thank you. I'll keep a look out

[romeo9229]

Yea..! You are going to make it... Lol...

[uarujoey]

@romeo9229 Glad you finished watching the whole video. 

[romeo9229]

Hey you should make a video of HOW TO MAKE A CANOPY...! (AKA FISH TANK HOOD) LOL... please do so... I have subscribed but am wanting someone to show how to make 1...

[djbigangus]

i just built my stand using your tutorial.i have a couple questions about the wrap and doors. like any specific material? do you glue it on or use finishing nails then fill them in?

also do you do anything special with the doors?

thanks for the great channel man. man stand cost me about $50 so far including screws bits and wood. not bad i hope i only need one sheet for a wrap so that will only be another 20 or 30.

much love

[hotlips4000isback2]

When are you posting the second part of the video?

[ObseenAcshuns]

up to how many gallon tanks can this hold 75?

[mustangmike420]

hey joe than alot for this video it helped alot i have this all planed out to build on thursday great video keep up the good work do you have facebook?

[uarujoey]

@mustangmike420 No problem. I have a link to my facebook page on my channel.

[bighope1]

First off thanks!! I hope you are gonna tackle a hood or lighting in the future. For anyone working at You Tube any commercial is a small price to pay for the knowledge this guy dispenses. What is you new channel gonna focus on.

[uarujoey]

@bighope1 Thank you. I'll cover light and filtration with the canopy. Things to plan for, etc..

The new channel will cover everything in this hobby other than DIY. So basically covering everything from beginner topics, to expert topics. A new video or 2 every week. I will pour everything i know on this hobby into that channel.

[jdubbsmithjr]

Hello Sir can u please send me the measurements I need to build a stand for a 200 gallon tank (72" long 30 1/2" tall 17 1/2" wide) and how many I need and what lengths also. I can pay via PayPal if necessary thanks J 4699410246

[uarujoey]

@jdubbsmithjr This video should help you with the planning you need. things to look for, and how to do it. The blueprints you need are in this video. Simply add an extra support in the middle like i mentioned in the video.

[planktonchipz]

Great video.

[uarujoey]

@planktonchipz Thank you.

[jarheadltd]

Cheers bud, inspirational video. Am going to attempt this looks real simple but so cost effective. Keep up the good work and great videos!

[jkdjedi]

Posted on trophs for ya, thanks again for the video, gonna try/do this Saturday!

[uarujoey]

@jkdjedi Seen that. Glad you enjoyed the video enough to share it! Good luck with your build. Hope the video helped enough to get you threw the build.

[jarheadltd]

When is part 2 coming?

[uarujoey]

@jarheadltd A week or so. 

[wonchos]

joey another awesome movie, congratz !

[uarujoey]

@wonchos Thank you.

[MrToony1]

Great step by step vid man. Building mine today. Ill post a vid later after im done. Keep up the good work.

[uarujoey]

@MrToony1 Thank you, and good luck! Let me know when the video is up.

[TurnerD90]

Hey, after seeing this I know I way over did my aquarium stand, I am making one for a ten gallon that over all cost was 120$ but I purchased high end ply in order to stain to make a nice finish. I'll upload a video once I'm done making it. Look forward to seeing more from you

[uarujoey]

@TurnerD90 You should have just went with "good one side" plywood, then sanded it. It will look the same once done, and you save a ton of money.

[TheArlberg1]

You sure explain it so well and perhaps should start a flatpack system to take home business or just do it in your spare time for people not so confident than you. You have safety in mind and know about the weight of water/ I like it and will be watching more of it! You are good, no you are very,very good.

[uarujoey]

@TheArlberg1 Thank you very much!

[F1shguy]

did you drill holes before putting the screws in? also, the cross supports near the top you added just before the plywood, does anything hold that up? or are just the screws supporting that?

[uarujoey]

@F1shguy I added a bit of hardware to the support that run directly under the tank. I didnt drill holes before i screwed them in. Im only using #6 screws. I dont find its needed for 2x4's and that size screw.

[fahrenheitfan1]

hey i have two questions, first is hoe can you determine how much the stand can hold, and second is i want to build a stand for my 55 gallon 4 ft long tank, it has rims around the bottom, i want my stand to be 3ft long, it is the same design as yours but the support columns are 6 inches closer on both sides, the will be a 4ft board on top, what do you think, will it work, like this TT and the tank goes on top please rely, l love your videos

[uarujoey]

@fahrenheitfan1 A 2x4 standing vertically, can support 800 pounds on its own. If you have a huge lip on your stands top, then use 3/4"-1" plywood for the top.

[hotlips4000isback2]

FANTASTIC video! :)

I have a 4ft long glass tank that holds 29 gallons and i want to make my own custom stand as the one it's currently on is a cheap shop bought flat pack, that looks like it;'s bowing in the middle cause there isn't much support!

I think i feel confident enough to try this design now that i know where the supports need to be!

Thank You SO much, this video helped allot! :-)

[uarujoey]

@hotlips4000isback2 Your welcome! Good look with your build!

[hotlips4000isback2]

@uarujoey

That's OK, it's helped out :) (I may post my build as a reply to this video)

A few questions;

Is the timber you used called "CLS" that's what it's looks like(that's what we call it here in the UK)

For my 4ft tank, how many middle supports would you recommend?

Will you do a video(if not already) about cycling a new tank?

Thank You! :)

[uarujoey]

@hotlips4000isback2 On a 4 foot tank, center supports are not needed. As for cycling an aquarium, my new channel will soon cover topics like that.

[hotlips4000isback2]

@uarujoey

OK then, look forward to the new channel and the next part of this video :-)

[gtdaddy3]

Just what I was needing. Your vids are the best! Thanks for all you do.

[uarujoey]

@gtdaddy3 Thank you very much, and you welcome!

[MrDoberman101]

question:. Do you pre drill your holes before screwing the wood together? and how long were the 9 strips of 2x4 that you purchased?

thanks.

[uarujoey]

@MrDoberman101 The 2x4's were 8 feet long each. Pre-drilling the holes is never a bad idea, but i find its not really needed with 2x4's.

[getdrunkandrock]

@uarujoey oh i was about to ask about the exterior look. but i can wait for the next vid ha

[MrDoberman101]

two days ago I was looking to build my own stand, and was searching on youtube for diy for aquarium stand. not one was informative enough to follow or was a really bad design, all in all, not one of the videos were helpful. I said to myself, i wish joey would have done a diy aquarium stand video, cause all your videos are so informative,and awesome, very simple to follow. Today my wish was answered. lol... should have asked for lottery numbers. Cant wait for part 2 of the build.

[uarujoey]

@MrDoberman101 Perfect timing! I agree, you should have wished for lottery numbers instead!

[dgod724]

great video, just fyi, a pocket hole tool would really speed up and give you very strong attachment points.

[uarujoey]

@dgod724 Good advice

[2010Luap]

great job. your videos never fail! can not wait to see the hood build, been waiting for a good one to pop up, got a feeling yours will be it! keep up the good work.

[uarujoey]

@2010Luap I hope i dont let you down.

[krnkwsdm]

Nice video man, I was really hesitant to building my own stand for only a 40 gallon breeder but that makes me think it's some much easier than I first made it seem.

[uarujoey]

@krnkwsdm It is pretty simple. Give it a shot!

[eyesuckle]

Excellent work, Joey. I built my own stand about four months ago, but I wish I had seen this video first. Your design is just as strong as mine, and much simpler to build. Kudos! The one addition I would have made to your video is to stress making the stand tall enough to accommodate whatever model of canister filter you plan to buy, if you go that way.

I ended up having to buy two smaller rather than one large canister filter because I planned poorly, and they're still a tight fit! Oops.

[uarujoey]

@eyesuckle Considering filtration was mentioned in the first part of the video. I also learned the hard way... i thought i had enough room for a stand once... and didnt. Its a simple fix though, just had to replace the uprights of the whole stand.

[bolly12345]

Superb video Joey!

[uarujoey]

@bolly12345 Thank you Marc!

[iPODtouchUSER1995]

Hey, I actually built myself a stand for my 112l aquarium because I couldnt find one that was 80cm high. Nice work!

[uarujoey]

@iPODtouchUSER1995 Perfect reason to build your own!

[hellooohummingbird]

nice work man. you tell in very easy way........

but everyone dont have tools like electric saw at home..............

and also give some video on fully planted tank and on marine aquarium..............

[uarujoey]

@hellooohummingbird Not everyone has tools, your right. Which is exactly why i had mentioned having the store cut them for you, or simply picking up or borrowing a cheap saw. Even if you by the saw, and all materials, it would still be cheaper than buying a stand. Thanks for watching!

[handsup115]

love these videos..why would ppl dislike this jeezz

[uarujoey]

@handsup115 Thanks... dislikes are bound to happen. I dont mind.

[fansons]

@uarujoey I think those people might "dislike" your opening talking. To be honest, its a bit long...(and I did fast forward it >_<;) But, I love the DIY part! I saw pictures on the internet for those kind of stand, but have never seen a video with step by step instruction, two thumbs up!

[uarujoey]

@fansons The first part of the video i talk about why one might build their own stand, and how to plan one out. Things to look for and measure before starting. These were very important to know before even starting. It took a total of 3 minutes 30 seconds, and was probably the most important part of the video. If you look at the comment before yours, its a prime example as to why the first part of this video was important(didnt consider filtration size). Glad you enjoyed the rest though.

[Mclayne]

very nice tutorial, I appreciate your help :)



[uarujoey]

@Mclayne Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and have a look.

[Hasans01]

Joey. Thanks for informative video. The stand looks strong which is extremely necessary when it come to heavy weights like 200+ gallons. One thing which is a frequent challenge when you a saltwater set and that is overflowing. I have a 5 feet tank on a wooden stand and wood has started to get rotten/soft due to water exposure. Please add some tips on this subject matter and something about sump under the stand. Thanks

[uarujoey]

@Hasans01 You are very right. I'll cover that in the next video on this stand.

[fansons]

This is very very useful, thanks for showing.

[uarujoey]

@fansons No problem. Thanks for watching.

[darkassassin1987]

Hey Joey. Can you list items and sizes for the plywood Aquarium. I'm planning a 72x24x25 . Thickness of glass. Plywood and you said you had a bad experience with the liquid rubber site? ?

[uarujoey]

@darkassassin1987 3/4" plywood.. 1/2" glass... liquid rubber. The site in the video i made on that tank, is not a good choice. My site has more info on it. I also have more links to other places to get liquid rubber on it.

[phoenixjodirae]

Your the best thanks for the video...

[uarujoey]

@phoenixjodirae no problem!

[Z4Zander]

I beg and borrow the steel frameworkthat comes around quad bikes from local motorcycle shops.I think is called square tubing.A bit of acurat hacksawing and welding makes a strong,lightweight stand.A coat of primer and paint and shelves made from ply from salvaged paking cases finishes it off.These are for a fish room so they are not enclosed.Biggest one so far supports my 800 litre Uaru tank.

[uarujoey]

@Z4Zander Good idea.

[auto437]

haha, today i had a debate with my father at the homedepot for a 30 gallon tank stand, and we cudnt agree for thirty minutes, so i wounded up only buying plexiglass and glass for my 20 gallon sump.

[uarujoey]

@auto437 Well, i hope this video helps. Show your dad this video, and maybe it will help. Maybe it will give him some ideas. Good luck on your sump!

[Philster5927]

Another fantastic video Joey!

[uarujoey]

@Philster5927 Thanks!

[moneymarkj]

Great video Joey! Buying a stand is so boring!

[uarujoey]

@moneymarkj Thanks, and i agree!

[KillfeedOMG]

i have 200 dollars to spend and im looking into a 45 or so gallon tank do you think i need more money to start off or am i ok.?

[uarujoey]

@KillfeedOMG Your best bet is to look on craigs lists for a second hand tank. See if you can find a cheap 50gal or less, for about $50 for the bare tank. Then $20 for the stand... a DIY filter, and save the rest for fish!

[KillfeedOMG]

@uarujoey thanks btw your vids are awsome

[uarujoey]

@KillfeedOMG Thank you

[hockeycrazy165]

NICE!!! Kinda funny I just made a tank with the same design!

[uarujoey]

@hockeycrazy165 Its a very popular design. Very strong, very simple, very cheap!

[Akbal25]

Great tutorial!

[uarujoey]

@Akbal25 Thank you!

[nickjm37fordel1]

Thanks Joey, another great video, it's great to see the building of a stand, they are a fortune in the stores. Looking forward to part 2.

Nick...........

[uarujoey]

@nickjm37fordel1 Thanks Nick. Hope it helps if you ever need to build one. 

[caiocrz]

Just what I needed to know. Thanks for the amazing video and the explanations. I'm still waiting for the "all fish tanks tour"! :D Keep it up buddy

[uarujoey]

@caiocrz Glad you enjoyed it... I wont be able to do a tour any time soon... I'm actually moving. I just bought a house, so i'll do something when i get settled in.

[caiocrz]

@uarujoey Congrats on the new house! Hopepefully you will have more space for fishtanks lol..maybe even a pond? xD All the best man!

[uarujoey]

@caiocrz LOTS more space for tanks.... and a garage for a mega tank! ... lots of room for a pond as well. lol

[asiandude666]

awsome!

[uarujoey]

@asiandude666 Thanks buddy!

[BESTBBQDUDE]

Thanks Joey,

I just want to share a little trade tip with you, place the first cut on the line then move the saw until the end of the 2X4 touches the door frame. the saw will not slip on the carpet and the door frame won't move so you have a stop to ensure all cuts are equal. No marking the next cut. Then move the saw for the next cut. on jobs with lots of cuts I've actualy screwed the saw to the floor.

[uarujoey]

@BESTBBQDUDE I love that idea! Thanks for sharing.

[bikeboss11]

Another blessings Joey thumbs up and keep em comin

[uarujoey]

@bikeboss11 Thanks, and will do!

[wotldthe2006]

I thought about building one for my 30 gallon tank since its on a metal stand that I dont feel that is safe for it since it likes to move when you clean it or anything and it been a old stand from the 90s I fear the welds are going to give

[uarujoey]

@wotldthe2006 If you dont feel safe with that stand, then replace it. Reassurance is priceless.

[JAYBMWM3]

NICE JOB



[uarujoey]

@JAYBMWM3 Thanks Jay!

[MegaPhoenix07]

Ahhh, yet another great video. I'm glad to see that I build my stands the same way you do.

[uarujoey]

@MegaPhoenix07 Thanks Robert. This design is easily one of the strongest and most popular designs to use. I love it. Very easy to do.

[MegaPhoenix07]

@uarujoey I couldn't agree more if I wanted to.

[uarujoey]

@MegaPhoenix07 :)

[jkdjedi]

Awesome! :-)

[uarujoey]

@jkdjedi :)

[117Najae]

Hey Joey just want to say thank you all the way from Barbados. Keep it up.

[uarujoey]

@117Najae No problem! Thanks for having a look.

[34SkiLLz14Luck]

Joey, i just want to thank you for my DIY - PVC Overflow, Moving bed Filter, Stand, Dresser sump, and MUCH more! You rock dude! Just finished my DIY PVC Overflow / spraybar / dresser sump, works amazingly. I just need to figure out how to silence the intake tube!

[uarujoey]

@34SkiLLz14Luck HAHA.. glad i could help with so much. I love to hear feedback on people doing their own builds, so thanks for letting me know!

[34SkiLLz14Luck]

@uarujoey I am going to put a video together of my DIY PVC Overflow and sump that you'r videos helped with. I followed your plans almost to the "T" and both have turned out great. just patiently awaiting the pump :) ill put the video on one of your videos as a reply. You rock dude.

[uarujoey]

@34SkiLLz14Luck I look forward to seeing the video. Post it as a reply to the PVC overflow.. A commentary over the video is always appreciated.

[pimpjuice739]

Joey you are a life saver, was going to build a new stand for my new tank :D

[uarujoey]

@pimpjuice739 Perfect timing then!

[aquaristicstore]

@uarujoey Hi from germany! Very nice video. Where can I see part2 of this videos?

[uarujoey]

@aquaristicstore Im not completely sure when the next one will be out, as i havent started it yet. Which is not like me. I usually complete a project before i start posting the videos, but i knew a few of you guys were getting anxious, so i posted this video for now.