First of all...I have almost zero tools. So I spent many hours trying to make a very nice tank that would show everything. Got so wrapped up in the build, I didn't even take pics. This was mostly built in my dining room where my 65 gal tank was up and running.
I spent at least 500 hours reading everything here :eek2:
The goal was to downsize the tank but ramp up the quality...but still on a budget.
\
Step one was the Petco breeder tank along with their metal stand that was on sale. But..I wanted to raise the stand and create a shelf so I bought two. My friend cut the top off the second frame and welded it to the first frame(about 8" taller.) That would place the rim of the tank at armpit level for me.
But the real reason for the height adjustment was to use Finished IKEA table tops for the sides. They were 48" x 24". I wanted them to be removable with velcro. Plus, I could replace them with different colors or if they were just damaged. Since they were 24" wide, I would move the stand 6" from the wall giving me room for the bean overflow and a space big enough for me to get back there when needed.
The white inside areas were the only real wood cuts required. One panel for the bottom shelf and one to set the tank on. they were painted with a quality bright white semigloss exterior paint. The sides were almost perfect size panels again from IKEA's scratch and dent area. A dollar each maybe and covered perfectly with a vinyl like finish. Pure luck on one hand but I spent many hours looking for anything I could use over a month or so period. I happen to find a glass table top that fit perfectly for the top shelf. So here is the first photo just tom get started. More details later.
I spent at least 500 hours reading everything here :eek2:
The goal was to downsize the tank but ramp up the quality...but still on a budget.
\
Step one was the Petco breeder tank along with their metal stand that was on sale. But..I wanted to raise the stand and create a shelf so I bought two. My friend cut the top off the second frame and welded it to the first frame(about 8" taller.) That would place the rim of the tank at armpit level for me.
But the real reason for the height adjustment was to use Finished IKEA table tops for the sides. They were 48" x 24". I wanted them to be removable with velcro. Plus, I could replace them with different colors or if they were just damaged. Since they were 24" wide, I would move the stand 6" from the wall giving me room for the bean overflow and a space big enough for me to get back there when needed.
The white inside areas were the only real wood cuts required. One panel for the bottom shelf and one to set the tank on. they were painted with a quality bright white semigloss exterior paint. The sides were almost perfect size panels again from IKEA's scratch and dent area. A dollar each maybe and covered perfectly with a vinyl like finish. Pure luck on one hand but I spent many hours looking for anything I could use over a month or so period. I happen to find a glass table top that fit perfectly for the top shelf. So here is the first photo just tom get started. More details later.
