Cinder Block Stand Questions + Reinforcing Cabinet?

Hey guys!

I decided to build a cinder block tank stand. I saw this while researching cheap/DIY tank stands, and actually really like how it came out. I used 9 cinder blocks measuring 6 x 8 x 16, along with two 10 foot 2x10's cut in half and stained with an ebony color.

This stand was built with the intention of carrying my new 55 gallon, but after building it I think I will get another 3 cinder blocks to increase the height, and place my 10 gallon Betta tank beneath the 55 on the left side. On the right, I plan to put one of those cloth bins/drawers for equipment.

Really awesome, cheap (under $30) and convenient tank stand design for anyone who wants to give it a shot!

 

I'm sure it doesn't matter but I think the contrete is stronger when stood up on end [like in foundations]. Are you using the other underside for a filter or can you swueeze another 10 in there?

 

I'm sure it doesn't matter but I think the contrete is stronger when stood up on end [like in foundations]. Are you using the other underside for a filter or can you swueeze another 10 in there?

With the holes up and down? Actually if I do that I might not need to get more blocks as it will give me a few extra inches for that tank. Let me adjust those cinder blocks right now and take measurements, I'll let you know if another 10 would fit in a minute

 

Hope i'm not making more work for you. For a 55 gal it probably isn't necessary.

 

Hope i'm not making more work for you. For a 55 gal it probably isn't necessary.

Awesome news, now with the increased height and width of each compartment the underside will easily accommodate two ten gallons! The height of each compartment is now about 15.25 inches and the widths are 21.5 inches. Perfect for a snugly fitting 10 gallon, an under cabinet light and a small filter (depending on the system you're using).

Not more work at all. In fact, you just saved me three more cinder blocks!

 

Awesome news, now with the increased height and width of each compartment the underside will easily accommodate two ten gallons! The height of each compartment is now about 15.25 inches and the widths are 21.5 inches. Perfect for a snugly fitting 10 gallon, an under cabinet light and a small filter (depending on the system you're using).

Not more work at all. In fact, you just saved me three more cinder blocks!

I'm glad that worked for you, and jpm995 was right. The blocks are stronger that way.

 

I'm glad that worked for you, and jpm995 was right. The blocks are stronger that way.

Two birds with one stone. Now I know for when I inevitably put together more

 

It does look better higher like that.

 

It does look better higher like that.

Agreed. Not winning any design awards, but it doesn’t look terrible. Much better than I expected just looking for a cheap stand alternative

I like the look.
I've seen them painted too. Changes the look

I was considering painting the blocks white before putting the 55 up top. I think the contrast on the dark ebony wood stain would look nice. We’ll see I gotta look at it a little while longer

 

Looks great

 

A little update. Loving it

 

I am going to try a similar design. This was very helpful.

Is there enough room to get to the top of the 10 gallon tank for easy maintenance?

I am considering this for a 29 and a 20. They are currently side by side. Maybe I will even line up the 29, 20 and two 10s all next to each other.

I am wondering if it is better to make separate stands or one long stand. If I do one long stand, I wonder if three stacks of blocks is enough. the 29 and 20 are each 30 inches. Maybe a foot between them. 72 inches total.

If two separate stands, I am thinking that for 29 or 20 I do not need the middle support.

Also considering 2x4s along the floor so the cinder blocks are not sitting directly on the floor.

I like the dark stain you used. I think I will paint the blocks. Maybe black.

 

That’s the same stands I did for my 20 long and 29 but I went with 4 blocks on each side just give some room underneath for a canister and I painted my cinderblocks with a roller. I also have my 10 on a stack of 4 cinders with 3/4’ plywood like pedestal stand.

 

Very helpful. Thanks kallililly1973 .

My fish room floor is carpeted. I am considering putting 2 x 4s along the floor for the blocks to sit on.

I do not have a canister, but I am considering some shelving. Perhaps a shelf between each block. Probably not though. I like the way you have the 29 set up. I might space the blocks far enough apart so I could fit a 10 in there. Maybe for a QT tank. Or experimental tank. Or perhaps I will switch out the HOBs for a canister at some point. Lots of flexibility.

I like the single stack for the 10. Looks precarious, but I suspect it is actually very stable. I was thinking perhaps a three stack stand that would support two 10s side by side.

 

Sorg67 yes I like that I did one cinder then the plywood then the other three cinders as a shelf for both the 20 and 29...the 10 is only a bit wider all around compared to the cinders i think they were 8x8x16.. I just made the plywood overhang to have a little shelf around it also I put it on 2 granite tiles and when u think about it even being a 10 it still weighs around 100 pounds when full so I feel it’s very stable even with my 66# dog running around near it

 

I was wondering how stable the cinder block stands are? I've seen people create fishrooms with these kinds of stands and I would assume once it reaches a certain height it has the danger of toppling down?

 

I was wondering how stable the cinder block stands are? I've seen people create fishrooms with these kinds of stands and I would assume once it reaches a certain height it has the danger of toppling down?

But I think when they design them they are also using 2x8 or 2x10 boards which should make them much more stable than you would think. Just my assumption and even if it had 4-5 10-20 gallon tanks stacked on top of each other that’s some serious weight so I think it would take a car coming through the wall to take it down.

 

I think it would take a car coming through the wall to take it down.

I live in Florida. The way people drive here, a car coming through the wall is a distinct possibility.....

 

Hello,

So i want to save some space in my room and want to make this fish tank stand, I have previously tried making one by 2x4s but, wowie did I screw that up.
Anyways I made a really bad drawing of how I want it to look like and was wondering if this would be stable enough? Maybe in the future I would get another 5g and put it on the top as well but for now just a 5g and a 10g

 

Easily. I've done a 65g on cinderblocks so 10-20 is cake.

 

With 3/4 inch cross boards...no problem.

 

With 3/4 inch cross boards...no problem.

I was planning on getting 2x10x8 would that work too, or overkill?

 

Yes, just fine.

 

Yes, just fine.

Great! Is it possible I could make it a bit taller? One more block?

 

If you ever move to bigger tank, depth at 10" could be an issue.

 

If you ever move to bigger tank, depth at 10" could be an issue.

I was planning on putting 2 next to each other so 20 total or get 2x6 and put three so it would 18 depth

 

Gotcha...sounds good.

 

Gotcha...sounds good.

Could I still make it one block taller or would that get wobbly?

 

Not sure of your cinder block heights.
I went 3 high for a 55 with no problem

 

Not sure of your cinder block heights.
I went 3 high for a 55 with no problem

They are 8 in high, I only say this because I would like to have a bit more room for my 10g instead of 4 inches only

 

I think, based on my experience it would be ok...be sure you get it well levelled.

 

I think, based on my experience it would be ok...be sure you get it well levelled.

Will do, thank you so much!

 

Let me know how it goes.....GL.

 

Let me know how it goes.....GL.

Thanks, ill probably upload pics on here once I get the chance to do it!

 

We have 3 tanks on seperate cinderblock stands a 10 a 20 and a 29 and on top of the stands i just used 3/4 plywood. Super solid stands. The 10 is on one stack of 4 8x8x16 with an oversized cut piece of plywood ( i cut them all oversized just for a little extra storage. And the 20 and 29 are on 2 stacks of 4 high on each side with an extra piece of 3/4" on top of the 1st cinders for a shelf for the canister filters. If you want a couple pics as to how their done i'll send them. IMO best stands u can make for any size tank.

 

We have 3 tanks on seperate cinderblock stands a 10 a 20 and a 29 and on top of the stands i just used 3/4 plywood. Super solid stands. The 10 is on one stack of 4 8x8x16 with an oversized cut piece of plywood ( i cut them all oversized just for a little extra storage. And the 20 and 29 are on 2 stacks of 4 high on each side with an extra piece of 3/4" on top of the 1st cinders for a shelf for the canister filters. If you want a couple pics as to how their done i'll send them. IMO best stands u can make for any size tank.

I plan on making them 4 high for more storage space for my 10g at the bottom, looks like I don't actually need 2x4/6/10 for the tops but I will probably still get it. I would love to see how they look like!

 

I plan on making them 4 high for more storage space for my 10g at the bottom, looks like I don't actually need 2x4/6/10 for the tops but I will probably still get it. I would love to see how they look like!

I would personally stick with just a 4x8 sheet of plywood two by whatever size boards are a lot of times bowed and curved and everything else. The plywood is beyond more support than u need and that way you can cut to size the pieces as you go ( future projects/more tanks ) or just bring the measurements u want to the store and have them cut it for u. I'll add pics from my phone in just a minute! And if u want you can always cover the fronts and sides with a piece of fabric and a couple tacks so it covers the blocs or paint them and leave them exposed.

 

I would personally stick with just a 4x8 sheet of plywood two by whatever size boards are a lot of times bowed and curved and everything else. The plywood is beyond more support than u need and that way you can cut to size the pieces as you go ( future projects/more tanks ) or just bring the measurements u want to the store and have them cut it for u. I'll add pics from my phone in just a minute! And if u want you can always cover the fronts and sides with a piece of fabric and a couple tacks so it covers the blocs or paint them and leave them exposed.

Would a 2x10 work if I just put 2 planks? The plywood at my local hardware store sells them so big, I wouldn't know what to do with the excess pieces of wood personally.

 

Hello,

So i want to save some space in my room and want to make this fish tank stand, I have previously tried making one by 2x4s but, wowie did I screw that up.
Anyways I made a really bad drawing of how I want it to look like and was wondering if this would be stable enough? Maybe in the future I would get another 5g and put it on the top as well but for now just a 5g and a 10g
View attachment 718415

You are Picasso in disguise

 

Some hardwares will cut to your specs.