Building a Small Aquarium Stand Out of 2x2s?

Hi FishLore,

I have some spare 2x2s on hand and I may be looking to build a stand for a 10 gallon in the near future. When building aquarium stands, I normally go for something thicker like 2x4s or 2x3s, but I'd like to use the existing wood I have, if possible. Would a stand constructed of 2x2 lumber be strong enough to hold a 10 gallon aquarium? Thank you for any advice.

 

If using the same concepts as a 2x4 stand for lets say, a 4' tank or so, I don't see why 2x2's can't be used.

I use a cheap Ikea bookshelf with all the bearing weight on the dowels / set screws, and then with 2 1x4's on edge glued and nailed to the end panels, no direct load is being transferred to the ground via lumber with a 10 gallon sitting on top for several years, no issues.

Build it, sit on it and bounce up and down a few times, that will tell you if it's strong enough or not

 

2X2’s will definitely be strong enough to hold a 10 gallon if built correctly.

 

2X2’s will definitely be strong enough to hold a 10 gallon if built correctly.

I will agree that it will be strong enough, and I also agree with that qualifier. The weight of the tank won't crush the 2 x 2's, but the stand may collapse if it isn't constructed properly. Of course that would be true if 4 x 4's were used instead of 2 x 2's.

 

The legs of many chairs are smaller than 2" x 2" and they will support the weight of a large adult, far more than the weight of a 10 gallon aquarium (a little over 100#). As long as the joints are made properly and it is braced so it won't sway laterally, you will be fine.