DIY Aquarium Stands
Those who like to make their own things wherever possible will find making DIY aquarium stands to be a good entry point into homemade saltwater aquarium supplies and materials. Following just a few simple guidelines will help you create a masterpiece for your living masterpiece to sit upon.
If you've never made anything yourself for a saltwater aquarium set-up, designing and building DIY aquarium stands is a very common place to start. While you have far more tolerance when constructing a stand than the tank itself, there can be no failures – it may be holding up a quarter ton of water and tank for the next 20 years. You need to make sure your creation is up to the task in the design phase.
Why Build Your Own?
Most people find themselves building an aquarium stand when they are unable to find one they like, want to save a few dollars, or need something to fit into an unusually sized space.
Some folks just like making things out of sustainable materials, or simply enjoy the challenge. Either way, you will have the opportunity to make exactly what you want, rather than spending a bunch of money on something that will work, but just doesn't thrill you.
A Little Help from Your Friends
As such, it can be very helpful to find some plans online or in a magazine. Usually they will tell you how much weight they're rated for. Consider the type of material you'll be using. If it's wood, pay attention to what type of wood used, especially if it differs from the established plans. If you're going to substitute another substance for wood, be sure it has superior strength in all areas. For instance, some metals can twist and bend where timber might stay strong.
One Imperative Function
Many people go to great lengths to create DIY aquarium stands that really reflect their personal tastes – and why not? As long as you're making it, it should look exactly as you want it to. Many base their designs on existing cabinetry designs they've liked. As long as the stand serves its primary function, it is a success.
Since a stand has but one function aside from aesthetics, there's really only structural integrity to consider, but it's pretty darn important since saltwater usually weighs 10 pounds per gallon - that's ¼ ton for a 50 gallon tank. Don't take any sort of shortcuts when putting DIY aquarium stands together. In fact, anything you can do to increase the reliability, such as using high quality hardware or using hardwoods when the design calls for pine or fir, would be wise.
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