I decided to make a stand for my new 30 Gallon tall (24" x 12" footprint). Some requirements:
Low enough so my 2 year old daughter can watch the fish.
Inexpensive
Stained wood (I've always liked the look of maple, never really liked oak)
False front for easy access to the canister filter and other storage.
I came up with a quick plan and a list of materials (costs are approx as I threw out the receipts):
5 2x4 studs @ 1.56 each = $7.80 (this is for a 24" x 12" footprint)
Box of 2.5" screws = $9.00
2' x 4' x 1/4" maple plywood for sides = $10.00
1/2" maple plywood for top and front = $40.00
Maple moulding/trim = $10.00
Stain = $5.00
Tools needed:
Mitre Saw
Drill
Air compressor/brad nailer
Wood glue
Square
Level
Sandpaper
Here's a drawing of the final stand plan. Corners of stands are actually a combo of 3 2x4 pieces. Longest span without direct support from underneath is 14.75 inches.
First, you'll need to cut out the 2x4's:
Bottom: (2) 21.75" & (2) 13"
Top: (2) 13" & (2) 24.75" cut at 45 degree angles
Corners: (8) 19" & (4) 22.5"
Assemble according to plan. Bottom 2x4's are placed on their sides. Two of the corner 2x4's are placed directly on top of the bottom rails while one rests on the floor on the inside of the corner. Be sure to screw all 3 corner pieces to the top, bottom and othe rcorner pieces. This will make the stand very rigid.
Cut out the 1/4" maple plywood into 2 - 24" x 13" pieces and attach with wood glue and brad nails to the sides of the stand.
Cut out a 25.25" x 13.625" sheet from the 1/2" plywood for the top (you'll need it to hang over the top slightly for the false front). Attach with wood glue and brad nails.
Cut out a 25.25" x 23.75" sheet for the false front. Add moulding around the top of stand. Add moulding around bottom of stand but do not attach the bottom side mouldings to the bottom front mouldings (this will allow the false front to come out). Add trim to the sides of the false front and to the back vertical portion of the stand.
Sand any imperfections and stain desired colour. Add aquarium.