DIY 2 X 4 Cabinet Frame
This basic aquarium cabinet frame is constructed of 2" X 4" lumber, commonly used in double wall housing construction. Most lumber yards carry this material. This structure supports the tank and is the base of a tank cabinet. Once constructed, you can cover the frame with any material you wish, including trim. You can make it any height, width or depth you wish. You can also elect to install access doors to the front or sides of the cabinet. The vertical supports are 18" apart, as are the tank support members on the top of the frame.The bottom side frame pieces are laid flat and the corners are cut at 45 degrees and secured with either 16 penny nails or screws. Here is an enlarged view of the bottom frame rail assembly showing the 45 degree end cuts and attaching hardware. The top frame is the same, except that the base plate 2 X 4's are set on edge.
The side pieces and tank support pieces of the top of the frame are on their edges and also cut at 45 degrees and secured with 16 penny nails or screws. Here is an enlarged view of the interior tank support cross frame members and how they are arranged on the top of the vertical supports and attached to the side rails. If you wish to install doors in the front of the cabinet, you can eliminate the center vertical support member and double the front horizontal member .
It is recommended that a piece of 1/2" piece of plywood be installed on the top of the frame, with a 1/2" piece of sheet styrofoam on top of that. This will give solid support to the tank, distributing the weight evenly.
A plywood floor
can be installed in the tank, making cut outs for the vertical 2 X 4 supports
and installing the plywood on top of the frame base plates. It is recommended
that 2 X 4 cross base plates (laid flat) be installed between the base
side rail plates in the same manner as the top tank support cross members
if a cabinet floor is to be installed.
