How do you build cabinet doors and panels on a metal fish tank stand?
by Author on Monday, May 24th, 2010 | 2 Comments
I have a 100 gallon tank and a metal stand that came with it......and I don't want the wire and pipe work to be seen as well i want to keep my hospital tank below (10 gallon) how would I go about this? Also if I could build a canopy to match any suggestions would help.
Are you looking to make something out of metal or wood?
I would be inclined to say that if you are going to take the time to build a cabinet to attach to the stand, you might consider just building a stand from scratch if you have the woodworking skill to do so. A basic frame out of 2x4s would be easy to build, and then just put some fancy, decorative wood on the outside to make it look nice.
I would be very careful about the existing stand. I would not modify or change it at all but just put something around it.
Some quick ideas I have seen would include a simple length of fabric to go around the stand. It is lightweight, should be very cheap and very easy to install (you could just use some velcro to attach it around the stand). It will cover everything underneath and still allow easy access. You could go with a basic color, such as black, to blend in, or if you have a pattern in the room already, maybe find something to accent your existing decor.
Depending on the construction of the stand, you might be able to build a "shell" (or at least three sides) around the stand. You may be able to do this fairly easily. As long as it is not structural in any way, you wouldn’t need much material and should still be able to build it to tight tolerances so it doesn’t make the stand look significantly larger than the tank.
Anything out of wood could easily be copied in building a canopy as well. Take a trip to your local store to study the canopies they make. The are very simple, but you’ll want to pay attention to the tolerances so the canopy does not render the lights or lids inoperable…
—I have friends that have devised a ‘skirt’ to cover the metal stands of their tanks ,,, velcro tape around the stand ittself,, a cloth curtain with the opposing piece of velcro sewn onto it,,, i think hot glue could be used if you have no access to sewing skills,,,looks good ,, easy access underneath, color is dependant on your decor
—as far as building a canopy,,,go to your local fish store and get a good look at the ones they sell,,,it would’nt be hard to rip off some ideas and fabricate your own