DIY Stand strength

[often dignified]

My grandma gave me an old entertainment center; particle board, but it has a nice fake oak finish. I don't have the room for it, so I wanted to chop it up and make a stand for my 10 gallon. I'm going to have the tank sit down in it, with a raised edge all the way around to keep it more secure. The particle board is an inch thick for the sides, and the top looks to be about 3/4.

I'm going to leave the front open, put a shelf in the middle, and have my mom make some curtains to cover up my fishy paraphernalia.:D

I'm concerned with the height of it. Would 36" be a good height, considering it's only going to be about 22 inches wide and 12 inches deep? I don't want it to be wobbly. I plan on getting a piece of 1/4 inch plywood for the back, and I'm going to use glue and screws to keep it all together.

[Silurian]

Well let's see....80# perched up 36" off the gound...on a base only 12" deep....

that = tipover waiting to happen

:rolleyes:

[ianjoe]

Yes, maybe change the height, unless it will be anchored to the wall. I don't see many tank stands taller than 30". Other than that I don't see a problem. 1" thick is sufficient, and the shelf and backing will add support. Make sure it has a back on it otherwise it may wobble side to side. As long as the bottom is level you won't have a problem front to back.
HTH
ian

[SayersWeb]

It should be fine.... As long as the stand itself is steady and level, and it is set in a level and firm place. Bookcases are often only 12" wide and they hold a lot of weight and can be at least 36" tall.

[often dignified]

Thanks for the replies... I thought nobody cared

Yea, I think I'm going to shorten it a bit to around 30". Anchoring it to the wall isn't a possibility... well it is, but I don't want to have to pay for any repair bill at the end of my lease. I could spackle the holes and paint, but I want to avoid that.