Aquarium stand – features and varieties, the order of making it yourself, useful tips

The health of your fish as well as the overall appearance of your setup depend on the stand you choose for your aquarium. A well-built stand can improve the aquarium’s aesthetic appeal while supporting the weight of the tank and guaranteeing stability. Making an informed decision will be made easier if you are aware of the features and options available, whether you are setting up a large display aquarium or a small home tank.

We’ll examine the various kinds of aquarium stands in this guide, ranging from straightforward models to unique creations. We’ll also guide you through the process of constructing your own stand, offering helpful advice to make sure it fulfills your requirements. You can build a stand that is both fashionable and practical with the help of this helpful advice, regardless of whether you prefer to DIY projects or store-bought solutions.

What is an aquarium cabinet

A cabinet is a particular type of furniture, or more accurately, an aquarium stand. It blends in perfectly with the room’s interior design, offers dependable support for the water tank, and has both decorative and functional qualities.

The weight of the aquarium includes the weight of the tank and any additional equipment (such as a pump, filter, compressor, etc.) in addition to the volume (one kilogram of water weighs precisely one kilogram). Several hundred kilograms can be the weight on the supporting platform (aquariums with a capacity of 1200 liters and even more are available). Although large hobbyists have multiple aquariums with a capacity of 500 liters or more, tanks with a capacity of up to 200 liters are most commonly found in typical apartments.

Normal pieces of furniture cannot be used with such a weight. Laminated chipboard makes up the majority of them. The load on the lower portion of the tank will be redistributed when the lid bends due to the aquarium’s heavy weight. This makes it possible for there to be leaks, cracks, and in the worst situations, tank destruction. As a result, the aquarium cabinet needs to have particular functionality.

Be aware that purchasing a pre-made stand for an existing aquarium is nearly impossible, particularly if the aquarium has an unusual shape. These containers are typically included with the cabinets right away. But in many cases, you have to use your hands to take a stand due to various circumstances.

Requirements for an aquarium stand

An aquarium intended for installation needs to fulfill the subsequent specifications:

• the size of the upper platform should correspond to the size of the bottom of the tank;
• the back wall should not be made of fiberboard, as usual, but of the same chipboard or plywood as the rest of the cabinet;
• rigidity of the structure. The cabinet should not bend anywhere or stagger;
• strength. This applies to both the assembly (all connections must be as tight as possible) and the material itself. There should be vertical partitions inside (this is especially important for long stands designed to accommodate several aquariums);
• moisture resistance. When draining or filling the tank, water may get on the surface of the stand. This should not be a problem;
• there should be different compartments and drawers inside. The aquarium needs a lot of accessories. In addition, there are external filters and compressors, which are most conveniently placed in the stand;
• the height of the stand should not exceed 0.9 m. This indicator is determined empirically, based on the ease of servicing the aquarium and the stability and immobility of the structure;
• appearance. The stand should fit well into the interior of the room.

There are extra specifications for strengthening the stand for tanks larger than 100–150 liters. It needs to have a metal frame that provides reinforcement. Usually, it is gathered beforehand and utilized as a framework for the cabinet’s walls and lid. Use a rectangular pipe or an angle of steel to assemble the frame. Furthermore, the upper platform is frequently reinforced with two layers of plywood or chipboard. This is the best course of action because two layers of material can support substantially heavier loads without buckling or deforming.

Choice of material

The cabinet can be constructed from a variety of materials:

• Chipboard (optimally – laminated chipboard);
• plywood;
• MDF;
• metal.

Kindly take note! Plastic is another option, but only as a cladding and not as the primary material.

Laminated chipboard, also known as furniture laminate, is the most widely used and useful. This material has the advantages of a fully finished plane, a surface that resists moisture, and a complete set of fittings and edging materials. Almost any color is available; all it takes to build a cabinet is one laminated chipboard sheet.

One material that is very strong and resistant to all loads is plywood. It’s made up of multiple veneer layers that are pressure-glued together with fibers pointing in different directions. Plywood is an excellent choice for cabinet assembly. The plywood’s appearance prevents you from leaving things exactly as they are, and its moisture resistance is even too low. The finishing is the only issue. Although self-adhesive film works well, covering it with sheet plastic is the best option.

Modern materials like MDF are excellent; they are similar to the well-known fiberboard in that they are thicker and more densely made. MDF is too elastic, though, so you should only use it to construct a cabinet for a large aquarium if it has a strong supporting structure. Furthermore, the issue of finishing comes up; self-adhesive film or plastic cladding are both appropriate in this situation.

For dependability, a metal cabinet is the best choice. Since it is impossible to assemble such structures without the required tools and materials, the only possible issue could be a shortage of them. Utilizing prefabricated metal supports, you can put together a sturdy frame using various profile types. A common method used by many users is to construct a metal frame with an outer shell made of different materials. This option offers strength and rigidity, an eye-catching appearance, and practicality—it is a problem-solver.

Two factors influence the selection of the material:

• the size and configuration of the aquarium;
• your own preferences and capabilities.

Note that they usually choose a less complicated material to work with. It’s metal or plywood for some, laminated chipboard for others. In any case, you’ll need the appropriate equipment and expertise to work with it.

Natural wood is another popular material that is purposefully left out of this list. The main cause of this is how challenging it is to use at home. A solid wood cabinet requires a lot of tools to construct. You will require a fully furnished workshop for this. As a result, this choice needs to be thought through independently.

The safety of your fish as well as the overall appearance of your aquarium setup depend greatly on the aquarium stand you choose. This article examines the various kinds of aquarium stands that are available, ranging from ready-made solutions to do-it-yourself endeavors, and provides helpful guidance on creating your own stand. You’ll discover practical advice on material selection, stability, and matching your stand’s requirements to your aquarium’s requirements so that everything stays in working order and looks fantastic.

Assembly procedure of the cabinet

The process of designing a cabinet blends the user’s creativity with rigorous operational and technical specifications. Make sure the mechanical indicators work first, then pay attention to the aesthetic concepts to get the desired outcome. Let’s look at how to make a cabinet out of laminated chipboard, which is a material that makes the finished product blend in nicely with the room’s existing decor. We won’t construct a metal reinforcing frame because, assuming the aquarium holds less than 200 liters, the material can support its weight with ease.

Project

This is a crucial aspect of the task that a lot of users overlook. They think that building a cabinet without doing any preliminary calculations is quite feasible. Maybe this kind of work is fairly manageable for someone, but it’s very error-prone for those who don’t have much experience with it. The main issue is that all of the flaws won’t show up right away; rather, they will take some time to manifest themselves after operations begin. As a result, you cannot disregard the planning phase.

The user is required to perform the calculation and draw up a working drawing. This can be a regular sketch, drawn by hand – it is not about the form, but about the content. It is important to decide on the dimensions, make a list of all materials, fasteners and accessories (this list is called a specification). According to it, everything necessary will be purchased. Otherwise, something will definitely be missing, and in the midst of work you will have to stop and go to the store (and, perhaps, more than once). It is especially important to calculate the amount of edging, ties and other elements. They are available in a complete set and in different color options, which allows you to get a high-quality and durable product.

Tools and materials

Before building a cabinet, get ready:

• chipboard sheet;
• required amount of edging (the easiest way is to buy U-shaped edging for the upper and lower planes, as well as a regular flat one for ironing on the remaining parts);
• ties (confirmat or other options. There are many varieties, choose the most convenient option for yourself);
• furniture hinges;
• handles;
• supports;
• glue for edging;
• electric saw (jigsaw);
• electric drill with a set of drills;
• awl, screwdriver, Allen key No. 4, pliers and other metalworking tools.

Kindly take note! This is merely an inventory of the most essential. Additional accessories might be required while the cabinet is being manufactured.

Assembly procedure

There are multiple steps involved in the cabinet’s manufacturing process:

• according to the data of the assembly drawing, blanks are made for all surfaces of the cabinet – the upper and lower platforms, the back and side walls, the door, internal partitions and shelves;
• all parts are pasted over with edging;
• assembly of the cabinet begins with connecting the internal elements – vertical partitions with the back wall and shelves;
• The lateral walls are installed after connecting the internal elements;
• Install the upper platform. Then the cabinet is turned over and put the lower plane in the same way;
• immediately attach furniture supports;
• Install the cabinet in a normal position. They make nests under furniture loops on the doors (you need a force drill with a diameter of 35 mm);
• set the loops and hang the door. Regulate its position with the help of settings on loops.

Note: All that’s left to do is install the handles and drill holes in the back wall beneath the wires and hoses (these are not always necessary, but it’s better to do them right away because you can always replace the equipment later).

Selecting the ideal aquarium stand is essential for your fish’s safety as well as the overall design of your setup. You can choose the type that best meets your needs by being aware of the various varieties that are available as well as their distinctive features. Make sure the stand is solid and well-built whether you choose to build one yourself or purchase one already built.

You can tailor your DIY aquarium stand to match your tastes and available space, making it a worthwhile project. Using high-quality materials and adhering to a well-defined plan will enable you to build an aquarium stand that will enhance the appearance of your living space while providing stability.

Remember that routine inspections and appropriate upkeep will help guarantee your stand stays in good shape. By considering these elements, you can have a stylish and sturdy aquarium setup for many years to come.

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