@@Just_Lurking8 if your floor isn’t level you’ll have to shim under the blocks so that their top is level. Depending on how off-level the floor is, it may or may not be worth it. Is the floor wood or concrete?
@@Just_Lurking8 You can buy a plastic table cover for the wood to minimize possible water damage if any leaks or spills occur. I would use a thick plastic sheet at least 3 millimeters thick.
As young adults in the late 1970's, venturing out on our own and low on money, my friends and I used empty telephone cable spools as coffee tables and concrete blocks with wood boards as stereo (radio receiver, vinyl record turn table, audio cassette tape player) stands. I had my 10 gallon aquarium on a simple stand of concrete blocks with wood boards. I'll now put together a stand of painted concrete blocks with wood boards for my 55 gallon with a yoga mat on the floor under the first blocks. It's good to see this inexpensive and sturdy option being shown to the masses. Thanks, Pierre, for making this presentation with photos of different styles! 💙🐟💙🐠💙
Erika, those were the good old days! Things were repurposed and reused much more. I’m glad you enjoyed the video… Thank you for your comment and happy fishkeeping! 😊😊😊
Just came across this video after spending months searching for furniture and diy solutions that were stable or stylish enough for my rimless tank. This is so so helpful, and even the unpainted concrete looks great!
This is very helpful to us nee fish keepers who want to start off with 29 gallon. Since we’re not spending upwards of $500 in just shipping for a sturdy one we can actually spend on better rhings like filters, live plants, heaters, and proper lighting systems which would have otherwise been out of reach
@@ffxfgxsfxxxg2419 thank you! Yes that was my intention. I will make one of these in a smaller size from start to finish. Happy fishkeeping my friend! 😊
Thank you! I have been waiting to get started on my first tank but I could not find a stand solution I could trust and that wouldn’t cost me more to than I think most commercial stands are worth. Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!
Hey there! I’ve been searching so much online and just need a tiny bit of hope here. We bought a 200 gallon aquarium and are excited for it. Saw some cinder block ideas and pirchased 15. Planning on stacking 3 under each corner and 3 under the center and run two thick pieces of plywood along the top of the blocks. Will this be enough to hold the weight of a full 200 gallon? Thanks!
I had this same idea when I bought my first larger size aquarium that was going to be too heavy for my existing furniture. After seeing the prices for a manufactured stand, I knew there had to be a better way. Walking through Home Depot one day I saw how cheap the concrete blocks were and it hit me. I didn't paint my blocks though and I used a solid piece of wood to make a frame top for the blocks although mine had supports along the bottom to prevent it from being able to slide around (not likely under the weight of the aquarium I know but it was my first and it seemed more secure at the time). I then used a thick plastic table cover to hide the frame under the tank. This is so much more sturdier than a wood frame and did you say cheap? Easily built for pennies compared to a wooden stand and it will last so much longer with none of the maintenance issues. I like your paint idea but I really hate painting so I doubt I'll ever do it but yours does look nicer. 👍
You are exactly right! It’s a really easy and cheap solution. Plus it’s modular in a way if you need to move things or change up the configuration or height!
I’d say measure the size of your blocks and set them up so that the seams overlap with each layer. So for example if your blocks are 16” then put 2 on the bottom then half block, full block, half block on the second layer etc.
That's awesome! Has me plotting and planning on my aquarium stand build. Have a couple of very large tanks with no stands. Never in the world would I have thought of using cinder blocks! But I guess they hold up houses right?
Wish you had also shown how you built the 'frame' too. It's always safer to have the corners of the tank resting directly over the blocks even if upon the frame, than upon the frame that rests upon the blocks.
Hello! The frame is just a low box made of 2x4s with ribs for rigidity topped with OSB. The deflection from the tank edge being on the beam that close to the block will be minimal! This is the same principle behind a stacked stand made purely of wood. 😁
If you don’t need the space below you can do 3 individual stacks of blocks with one in each side and 1 in the middle. Measure your aquarium front to back to find out how many blocks or half blocks you need per stack. Usually a stack 3 blocks high is good enough. Good luck!
@@TheFishBeast I just brought a 75 gallon tank for an Oscar fish! But there was no way I could afford a stand for it. So I’m so happy I found this! Thank you!!
Should there be a board for the cinder blocks to sit on at the bottom to help distribute the weight and what type of plywood should I use? I'm setting up 170-gallon tank in my house.
Yes it would be better to have one for that reason and also foam for leveling. The thickness of the plywood doesn’t matter as much because your load will be borne by the tank frame and bottom.
@@TheFishBeast sweet I’m gonna go to Home Depot this weekend and get the blocks and a thick 1/2 inch or 3/4 plywood way cheaper than and stronger than a buy at store stand
@@cichlids253 bro I’m excited! Have them cut the plywood with like a 1/2 inch lip all around the bottom measurement of the tank. If it’s 6 feet wide I’d get an extra set of blocks in the center just for extra support! Enjoy!
🙄........ now I'm wondering if my three-quarter inch plywood is strong enough for the 55 gallon...... many people have told me all the weight is at the ends anyway And not too worry about it but now I'm getting paranoid. I think maybe I'll put some blocks in the middle and quit worrying about it
All the weight is at the ends! The plywood will help give the tank a smooth surface to sit on but otherwise they are their own support beams up to a certain width.
@@TheFishBeast sweet, so I'll just leave it as is then. Thanks! The piece I used for a Shelf has a very slight bow in it so I would have to replace that as well, otherwise the pressure would be in the middle of the tank . thanks for saving me the trouble
Ok. I just got my first big tank last night. 65 gallons. 36 inches long. I'm hoping to use two live edge wood slabs or boards for the shelves. Two shelves. How many cinder blocks will I need? Nine? Twelve? And this is a great video!
Measure the short side of the tank, if it’s more than the length of one block then use a half block to extend. As long as both sides are supported you’ll be ok. Number of total block depends on how high off the floor you want the tank. Congrats on the new tank!
@@TheFishBeast I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION! lol. Do I need to sand and polyurethane the wood? I would rather not, because it would lose that organic, rustic look. But if it isn't safe to leave it natural, I will.
@@Micarmn you can store stuff on either side of the center stack. Your other option is to use 2x6 for your frame so you won’t need the center stack anymore!
Hey there! I’ve been searching so much online and just need a tiny bit of hope here. We bought a 200 gallon aquarium and are excited for it. Saw some cinder block ideas and pirchased 15. Planning on stacking 3 under each corner and 3 under the center and run two thick pieces of plywood along the top of the blocks. Will this be enough to hold the weight of a full 200 gallon? Thanks!
Absolutely. The blocks will hold all the weight easily! If it’s not too difficult, I recommend taking the extra step of mounting the plywood onto a 2x4 frame which would then rest on the blocks. This will give an additional layer of strength and rigidity! Enjoy your big tank and awesome stand!
@@TheFishBeast Thanks for the response! This helped reassure me greatly. As you know, a 200 gallon aquarium is HEAVY so I just want to make sure that what I put together will hold almost a ton of weight. Is there anyway I could send a photo of what I put together? I built a wooden frame around the 5 columns and have a couple of pieces of wood along the top as well. Some spots are slightly uneven but I don’t think it’ll be enough to cause a disaster.
For 75g u think it will be save to stack like 5 or 6 of those cinder block will the cinder block move if the tank was bump? Or say a earthquake shakes?
Once the stand is filled it will be nearly impossible to tip it over unintentionally. If you run into it full force it will probably collapse... same if a strong quake hits.
@@TheFishBeast unfortunately, that is incorrect. Earthquakes can most certainly crash a tank, no matter what it is on. Ask me how I know 😁 Best thing to do if living in earthquake country is to anchor it to the wall….even then it’s not 100%, but an extra precaution.
@@thisistheway5770 you’re right, anchoring to a stud is best. But I also said a strong quake or even running into the stacked blocks will cause failure.
@@beardady1150 yes, you might need to use 2x6 for the frame/box but it will definitely hold (unless any structural or materials experts on here think otherwise). That’s the cool thing about this design is that it’s almost infinitely expandable.
Yes! If you look closely, the stand I used for the double stacked 75s is made of concrete blocks. You will need 2x4s or a frame like I made on top of each stack. You will have to space the blocks with the inner sides wider than the tank and cut your wood accordingly. The wood gets sandwiched between stacks. Hope that helps!
I'm looking at stand options for my 150 as well. I'd be careful with how much extra weight this adds with a tank that big, im already a little nervous about my tank falling through the floor. Of course this doesn't matter if the tank is In a basement or right on the foundation of the home
Yes if you are using this setup in the house make sure you are setting it up as close to a load bearing wall and perpendicular to your floor joists. If directly on concrete slab you’re good!
Question would using landscape adhesive help secure the cement in place ? I know the weight makes it secure but I’m overly precautious and saw you can use landscape adhesive to bind together cinderblocks I have dogs and am paranoid they could somehow knock it down and that’s 75g of water I don’t want in my house 😂🤣
It is now 50% off all tanks. BEWARE look at the seams, they hold back the seconds(not so pretty ones) then when they have enough they send them out for the sale.🐟🐠🐡🍥🤑🤑🤑
LOL the music runs on for a little while after the video is over. Sorry about that! I am trimming the end off to fix it but it might take a while.
Hi, I have a concrete floor that’s not so level , do you think it’s going to work? Also what if water goes,on the wood and under the aquarium? TIA
@@Just_Lurking8 if your floor isn’t level you’ll have to shim under the blocks so that their top is level. Depending on how off-level the floor is, it may or may not be worth it. Is the floor wood or concrete?
@@Just_Lurking8 You can buy a plastic table cover for the wood to minimize possible water damage if any leaks or spills occur. I would use a thick plastic sheet at least 3 millimeters thick.
As young adults in the late 1970's, venturing out on our own and low on money, my friends and I used empty telephone cable spools as coffee tables and concrete blocks with wood boards as stereo (radio receiver, vinyl record turn table, audio cassette tape player) stands. I had my 10 gallon aquarium on a simple stand of concrete blocks with wood boards. I'll now put together a stand of painted concrete blocks with wood boards for my 55 gallon with a yoga mat on the floor under the first blocks.
It's good to see this inexpensive and sturdy option being shown to the masses.
Thanks, Pierre, for making this presentation with photos of different styles!
💙🐟💙🐠💙
Erika, those were the good old days! Things were repurposed and reused much more. I’m glad you enjoyed the video… Thank you for your comment and happy fishkeeping! 😊😊😊
Just came across this video after spending months searching for furniture and diy solutions that were stable or stylish enough for my rimless tank. This is so so helpful, and even the unpainted concrete looks great!
Hey Juni thank you so much for your kind words! Good luck with your build and I’m happy to help! Happy fishkeeping 😁
This is very helpful to us nee fish keepers who want to start off with 29 gallon. Since we’re not spending upwards of $500 in just shipping for a sturdy one we can actually spend on better rhings like filters, live plants, heaters, and proper lighting systems which would have otherwise been out of reach
@@ffxfgxsfxxxg2419 thank you! Yes that was my intention. I will make one of these in a smaller size from start to finish. Happy fishkeeping my friend! 😊
Thank you! I have been waiting to get started on my first tank but I could not find a stand solution I could trust and that wouldn’t cost me more to than I think most commercial stands are worth. Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!
Yes you can absolutely do this yourself and it’s as strong as it is cheap! You’re welcome!
Thank you this is an amazing idea I will be doing this for my 55 gallon
You're welcome! Enjoy the savings :)
My first 125g I also used blocks with a curtain around them, worked out great. Good video.
Hey there! I’ve been searching so much online and just need a tiny bit of hope here. We bought a 200 gallon aquarium and are excited for it. Saw some cinder block ideas and pirchased 15. Planning on stacking 3 under each corner and 3 under the center and run two thick pieces of plywood along the top of the blocks. Will this be enough to hold the weight of a full 200 gallon? Thanks!
Nicest cinder block stand design I've seen!
Thank you so much, I appreciate that!
I had this same idea when I bought my first larger size aquarium that was going to be too heavy for my existing furniture. After seeing the prices for a manufactured stand, I knew there had to be a better way. Walking through Home Depot one day I saw how cheap the concrete blocks were and it hit me. I didn't paint my blocks though and I used a solid piece of wood to make a frame top for the blocks although mine had supports along the bottom to prevent it from being able to slide around (not likely under the weight of the aquarium I know but it was my first and it seemed more secure at the time). I then used a thick plastic table cover to hide the frame under the tank. This is so much more sturdier than a wood frame and did you say cheap? Easily built for pennies compared to a wooden stand and it will last so much longer with none of the maintenance issues. I like your paint idea but I really hate painting so I doubt I'll ever do it but yours does look nicer. 👍
You are exactly right! It’s a really easy and cheap solution. Plus it’s modular in a way if you need to move things or change up the configuration or height!
What's the best setup this way for a 48x24 inch footprint? Meaning the way to position the blocks?
I’d say measure the size of your blocks and set them up so that the seams overlap with each layer. So for example if your blocks are 16” then put 2 on the bottom then half block, full block, half block on the second layer etc.
Love that ! I will make it like that! It's really pretty ! I have too much idea to paint over.
Thank you! Have fun with it!
This is a fantastic idea! Thank you very much for sharing! I would never thought of using concrete block!
Thank you!
That's awesome! Has me plotting and planning on my aquarium stand build. Have a couple of very large tanks with no stands. Never in the world would I have thought of using cinder blocks! But I guess they hold up houses right?
You are absolutely right! They are extremely strong and cheap to boot. There are ways to make them look "indoor ready" too
Wish you had also shown how you built the 'frame' too.
It's always safer to have the corners of the tank resting directly over the blocks even if upon the frame, than upon the frame that rests upon the blocks.
Hello! The frame is just a low box made of 2x4s with ribs for rigidity topped with OSB. The deflection from the tank edge being on the beam that close to the block will be minimal! This is the same principle behind a stacked stand made purely of wood. 😁
Great idea, I am going to do this on an existing strong side table to raise the tank that extra 8"
I was wondering bout one for 75g as the blocks are couple inches shy. I see there are half blocks. problem solved. thank you.
You’re welcome!
Brilliant idea love it thank you for sharing that with us 👍👌💯❤️
You’re welcome Pink World!
Try white paint. It gives things a real clean modern look.
That’s a great idea actually!
yes and you can paint your wood to accent your walls. It's been fun to use fish stand in decorating.
I like it, but what if there's an earthquake? Lol
@@brianmizway9324 where do you live?
Thanks I’ll definitely try this 👍🏽😉
You’re welcome!
Thanks fam for the info,now I gotta dip out to home depot
You’re welcome my dude! Happy stand building!
Can I use any kind of wood on top of the blocks?
Yes as long as it’s flat and the entire bottom frame is supported
I have a 125g what do I need to build concrete stand. Meaning how many blocks for 6ft long aquarium
If you don’t need the space below you can do 3 individual stacks of blocks with one in each side and 1 in the middle. Measure your aquarium front to back to find out how many blocks or half blocks you need per stack. Usually a stack 3 blocks high is good enough. Good luck!
Great video thx for sharing
You're welcome! Thank you
Do you think that this will hold up with a 180 gallon tank I have been struggling to find a stand to fit the tank thanks
Absolutely! You save more money the bigger you go. If the tank is more than 4 feet wide I’d recommend going with a 2x6 frame.
This just saved me so much money!!
Awesome!!
@@TheFishBeast I just brought a 75 gallon tank for an Oscar fish! But there was no way I could afford a stand for it. So I’m so happy I found this! Thank you!!
@@Caitlinelizabeth29 you’re very welcome! And kudos for picking a good rsize tank for an Oscar.
So you don’t have to use any glue/adhesive to put the wood and blocks together?
Nope! Just gravity and friction.
If I wanted to make a tall shelf with this design, what stops me from kicking one of the bottom cinder blocks and collapsing the whole stand?
The static weight of whatever it’s carrying should be heavy enough to prevent toppling. Another option is to arrange the blocks sideways!
Instead of wooden frame can we keep marble frame on the blocks
Yes that would work. Make sure the marble is thick enough to support the tank edges
Thank you for the information!~
You’re welcome!
Should there be a board for the cinder blocks to sit on at the bottom to help distribute the weight and what type of plywood should I use? I'm setting up 170-gallon tank in my house.
Yes it would be better to have one for that reason and also foam for leveling. The thickness of the plywood doesn’t matter as much because your load will be borne by the tank frame and bottom.
What do you suggest for a 55 gallon? It's 48 inch
Should be ok! Use blocks with the long edges parallel to the tank’s long edges.
Thank you for the share!😃
Does it make any difference to have an additional row of concret blocks in the middle?
For a framed aquarium and if you have a platform, no need. If it’s an acrylic tank, it’s probably a good idea to have support in the middle.
@@TheFishBeast Thank you once again! Your videos are super helpful!😀
Would this work for 180 gallon acrylic
Yes! Make sure you build a platform or at least use thick plywood to top the blocks. Acrylic tanks need support on the entire bottom surface.
@@TheFishBeast sweet I’m gonna go to Home Depot this weekend and get the blocks and a thick 1/2 inch or 3/4 plywood way cheaper than and stronger than a buy at store stand
@@cichlids253 bro I’m excited! Have them cut the plywood with like a 1/2 inch lip all around the bottom measurement of the tank. If it’s 6 feet wide I’d get an extra set of blocks in the center just for extra support! Enjoy!
@@TheFishBeast yes it’s a standard 6x2x2 I’m excited too but it’s gonna take a month at least for them to build it and ship it
🙄........ now I'm wondering if my three-quarter inch plywood is strong enough for the 55 gallon...... many people have told me all the weight is at the ends anyway And not too worry about it but now I'm getting paranoid. I think maybe I'll put some blocks in the middle and quit worrying about it
All the weight is at the ends! The plywood will help give the tank a smooth surface to sit on but otherwise they are their own support beams up to a certain width.
@@TheFishBeast sweet, so I'll just leave it as is then. Thanks! The piece I used for a Shelf has a very slight bow in it so I would have to replace that as well, otherwise the pressure would be in the middle of the tank . thanks for saving me the trouble
@@TheFishBeast subscribed
@@poohead8022 thanks boss
Ok. I just got my first big tank last night. 65 gallons. 36 inches long. I'm hoping to use two live edge wood slabs or boards for the shelves. Two shelves. How many cinder blocks will I need? Nine? Twelve? And this is a great video!
Measure the short side of the tank, if it’s more than the length of one block then use a half block to extend. As long as both sides are supported you’ll be ok. Number of total block depends on how high off the floor you want the tank. Congrats on the new tank!
@@TheFishBeast Oh that is SOOO SMART. Hahhaha. Ok. I think I've got this. I think it will look so cool. Thank you!
You got this! Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. 😁
@@TheFishBeast I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION! lol. Do I need to sand and polyurethane the wood? I would rather not, because it would lose that organic, rustic look. But if it isn't safe to leave it natural, I will.
@@LeilaSoleil no need! Keep it as raw as you want… as long as the wood doesn’t get completely drenched too often it should be ok 😁
Nice video! I’m planning on using cinder block for a 6 footer. how many rows would u recommend
Thanks man! If you don’t plan on having anything underneath, use 3 rows. One row on either side and one in the middle.
@@TheFishBeast is there a setup that will allow for storage underneath?
@@Micarmn you can store stuff on either side of the center stack. Your other option is to use 2x6 for your frame so you won’t need the center stack anymore!
@@TheFishBeast for an 8 footer?
@@Micarmn I thought you said it was 6 feet? You’ll need a center support for an 8-footer
Hey there! I’ve been searching so much online and just need a tiny bit of hope here. We bought a 200 gallon aquarium and are excited for it. Saw some cinder block ideas and pirchased 15. Planning on stacking 3 under each corner and 3 under the center and run two thick pieces of plywood along the top of the blocks. Will this be enough to hold the weight of a full 200 gallon? Thanks!
Absolutely. The blocks will hold all the weight easily! If it’s not too difficult, I recommend taking the extra step of mounting the plywood onto a 2x4 frame which would then rest on the blocks. This will give an additional layer of strength and rigidity! Enjoy your big tank and awesome stand!
@@TheFishBeast Thanks for the response! This helped reassure me greatly. As you know, a 200 gallon aquarium is HEAVY so I just want to make sure that what I put together will hold almost a ton of weight. Is there anyway I could send a photo of what I put together? I built a wooden frame around the 5 columns and have a couple of pieces of wood along the top as well. Some spots are slightly uneven but I don’t think it’ll be enough to cause a disaster.
@@BrokenDonkey I think you can post it on UA-cam, just tag me.
How do you keep the concrete blocks attached together?
As soon as you place tank with substrate, decor and water, the weight will make it sturdy.
For 75g u think it will be save to stack like 5 or 6 of those cinder block will the cinder block move if the tank was bump? Or say a earthquake shakes?
Once the stand is filled it will be nearly impossible to tip it over unintentionally. If you run into it full force it will probably collapse... same if a strong quake hits.
@@TheFishBeast thanks I'm looking to get a 75g and was looking to do this cinder block stand.
@@TheFishBeast unfortunately, that is incorrect. Earthquakes can most certainly crash a tank, no matter what it is on. Ask me how I know 😁 Best thing to do if living in earthquake country is to anchor it to the wall….even then it’s not 100%, but an extra precaution.
@@thisistheway5770 you’re right, anchoring to a stud is best. But I also said a strong quake or even running into the stacked blocks will cause failure.
Hi, can i use this stand build for two 6 feet aquarium?
Yes! You can expand it to any length! I would put a column of blocks every 4-6 feet or so depending on the size of lumber you use for the frame!
@@TheFishBeast what i meant is to use this stand as a double stand 6 feet on the top and 6 feet on the bottom, is it gonna be sturdy enough?
@@beardady1150 yes, you might need to use 2x6 for the frame/box but it will definitely hold (unless any structural or materials experts on here think otherwise).
That’s the cool thing about this design is that it’s almost infinitely expandable.
@@TheFishBeast Thanks bro and keep up the good work👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@beardady1150 you’re welcome! And thanks for the kind words.
with it 2 high can you fit a 5 gallon bucket under it?
Yes, just barely!
Any to set up for 5 gallons plastic aquarium
Depends on the tank dimensions and what size blocks you have available to you
I got 2 20gal long tanks that I want to double stack to consolidate space do you think I can do a double block stand
Yes! If you look closely, the stand I used for the double stacked 75s is made of concrete blocks. You will need 2x4s or a frame like I made on top of each stack. You will have to space the blocks with the inner sides wider than the tank and cut your wood accordingly. The wood gets sandwiched between stacks. Hope that helps!
Do you have suggestions on how to do this for a 150-gallon tank?
Just check what the footprint/dimensions are and I can help you.
I'm looking at stand options for my 150 as well. I'd be careful with how much extra weight this adds with a tank that big, im already a little nervous about my tank falling through the floor. Of course this doesn't matter if the tank is In a basement or right on the foundation of the home
Yes if you are using this setup in the house make sure you are setting it up as close to a load bearing wall and perpendicular to your floor joists. If directly on concrete slab you’re good!
For a 75 would need 2 sets of block right?
Yes 2 sets per level, per side
Im thinking if it'll endure earthquakes ?
It’ll probably depend on the intensity and the duration of the quake…
Question would using landscape adhesive help secure the cement in place ? I know the weight makes it secure but I’m overly precautious and saw you can use landscape adhesive to bind together cinderblocks I have dogs and am paranoid they could somehow knock it down and that’s 75g of water I don’t want in my house 😂🤣
You could do that but once the tank is filled it would really take a lot of force to knock it down.
It is now 50% off all tanks. BEWARE look at the seams, they hold back the seconds(not so pretty ones) then when they have enough they send them out for the sale.🐟🐠🐡🍥🤑🤑🤑
Yes I guess they wised up LOL. Thanks for the tip bro