How to Build a Cabinet for a Fish Tank

When you build a cabinet for a fish tank, you must take into consideration the amount of weight the furniture will withstand. It will be similar to a regular cabinet, but should support weights of 200 pounds or more. Obviously, the more gallons a tank holds the heavier it will be.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2x2s
• Plywood
• Wood glue
• Screws
• Circular or table saw
• Hinges
• Door handles
• Magnetic closures
• Brackets

1. Draw up plans that fit the dimensions of your aquarium. If you create detailed plans, you can be sure to buy the right supplies. Following the plan also ensures that you create enough support for the fish tank.

2. Use 2 x 2 wood for the frame and particleboard or plywood for the cover. This should give you enough support.

3. Cut the 2 x 2 beams to the proper length. Four long pieces should make the front and back of the top and bottom panels. These should be the same length as your tank. Six pieces should be cut to the height of your cabinet to use as legs. Six more pieces should be cut to the width of your tank. These will be the shortest of the bunch.

4. Cut the plywood in seven pieces: top, bottom, back, inside shelf and doors. You can also buy pre-made cabinet doors to hang instead of using plywood.

5. Cut lap joints into the 2 x 2 pieces with a circular or table saw. Do not shape the leg pieces. You can make other types of joints if you know how, but they may require special equipment.

6. Join the pieces to make the top and bottom frames. Be sure to place a board in the center for support. You will use two long pieces and three short pieces for each frame.

7. Use wood glue to secure the pieces of the frame together. Glue should only be applied at the lap joints. Use a clamp to hold the pieces together until the glue dries, usually about 24 hours.

8. Screw the legs to the top frame using wood or deck screws. Then screw on the bottom frame. Before you build anything else, you should check the stability of the frame.

9. Paint or varnish the frame before adding the plywood. This allows you to reach areas that will be covered by the boards. Also, paint the boards at this time. The top coat should be with waterproof finish.

10. Drill the particleboard with a countersink drill bit. It is important that the screws be flush with the wood as you will be placing the aquarium on top of them.

11. Attach the top pieces of plywood on top of the frame. Then attach a bottom shelf inside of the frame on top of the bottom frame. Then add inner shelves before attaching the sides. You should use brackets to strengthen the inner shelf.

12. Cut holes or slots in the back panel for cords. Then screw the plywood to the frame.

13. Install door hinges on the front of the cabinet and hang doors. You should use a level to make sure the doors close evenly.

14. Screw door handles of your choice onto the doors. Most doors handles do not need a hole drilled, but some do. Follow the directions for the handles you choose.

15. Add magnetic strips to the doors and inside shelf if your doors swing open freely. They add just enough magnetic force to keep the doors closed.

16. Place cabinet in desired spot and set up your fish tank on top of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, the width and length of the cabinet should be flush with your fish tank. Build the cabinet with only 1/2 inch or less over your tank's dimensions.