Aquarium stand wood panels

[jmichaelh7]

I got quotes for my metal stand and prices seemed steep. I decided to tackle the job myself.

Tools used for this project:

1) 1/2-in x 2-ft x 4-ft Birch Sanded Plywood

2) 19 pieces

5.25-in x 8-ft Painted White MDF Shiplap Wall Plank (Coverage Area: 3.5-sq ft

3) 7 bottles of Liquid Nails Off-white Interior Construction Adhesive (10-fl oz)

4) 1 Craftsman 20 Volt Craftsman Circular Saw

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5) Irwin Quickgrip 4 Pack One handed bar clamp

6) 58” Bora Saw Guide Clamp

7) 20’ Measuring Tape

8) Construction pencil

9) 4.5 inch Speed square

10) 1 gallon Thompson Water Sealant

11) 18 70lb Earth Magnets

12) 1/4” Wood Screws



Going this route saved approximately $500. I can now buy more coral.

 

[jmichaelh7]

This part was tricky I had to measure the panel to correct length. Then measuring the distance from the blade to the side of the saw so I can then measuring that distance on the shiplap to the saw guide so I know where my cut would be.

Before clamping down with hand clamps it was double checked with a square to ensure the angles on the shiplap and saw guide were true.

I’d say triple checked …

 

[jmichaelh7]

Going through 19 pieces took 2 days

 

[jmichaelh7]

I laid the shiplap down on the plywood to estimate how things were looking.

You can see here the edges were not coming out straight because the table saw I was using I had to cut twice to fit them on the stand.

I ended up switching the saw guide and circular saw and replaced those pieces

 

[jmichaelh7]

Panels were dry and ready for sealant.

Drying process took one day in the 95 degree California heat on the side walk. Typically liquid nails inside your house will take a little longer

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[jmichaelh7]

I measured precise lengths and center points. Then drilled the holes , and sealed the wood with 1 coat for now.

I then drilled the magnets in.

I do want to add it is important to lay the panels on something soft. Here I used furniture blankets

 

[jmichaelh7]

I went with 4 panels on each side of aquarium

1 24” panel on the front as you can see in the picture the panel is significantly bigger. Note I have a peninsula.

This is the sealant drying process

Please excuse the messy backyard , 25% clean as I wait for pool construction to be done for my daughters

 

[jmichaelh7]

Using one magnet on each panel allows boards that weigh 10lb minimum , to shift causing gaps.

I am going to install another magnet to each board . I would recommend two on each panel anyone who DIY