Ill keep this updated as i go but here is the start of it
1. Set your self a budget how much you are going to spend on the tank. I would say around $150 for a fully stocked and running 55 Gal Thats going on you get a few things for free. Here is a basic list of thing you need for the tank
A. Plywood
B. Glass
C. Liquid Flash II (water proofer)
D. Water proof paint.
E. Screws
F. Wood glue
G. Silicone
H. Jig Saw
I. Router
J. Drill
K. A few nails
L. Hammer
M. Gravel/Sand
N. Rocks/plants or both
O. Filter substrate (filter wool, fish sponge, bio balls ect)
P. Power head or pump
thats all i can think of at the moment ill add more if i remeber
2. Work out the size of the tank you want, this will all determine on $ you have and space to put it.
3. Get you timber i recommend 17mm ply wood as it is good enough space to fit screws in with out spliting the wood (you will see later)
4. Cut the Timber to the size of your tank you will need a base, back front and two sides, this is my base.
5. Decide wether you want to view from the front only ( this is the cheaper option) but on this tank you will be able to from the sides also.
6. For the viewing sides measure at least 5cm in all the way round so it gives you somewhere to attach the glass to (you will see later) it should look like a picture frame.
7. Drill a hole in the timber big enough to get the jig saw blade in it and cut out the frame. Keep all off cuts as you can use them later (save $$$$)
Should look like this after
8. Router around the edge you just cut to give a nice finish looking like this
9. Around the base measure in half the thickness of the timber and then every 2 cm put a mark this is so the screw goes right in the middle when screwing the base to the sides. You need screws no more than 4 cm apart i put them at 2 cm for more support. looking like this
10. Pre drill the holes and counter sink them so when the screw goes in it doesn't split like this
11. Once you have done this all the way around the base get you sides and tap in a few nails to hold it together so you can pre drill in to the side all so. This is so you cant get the holes lined up perfectly.
note that on of the side doen't have a window all the way across, this is becuase im building a filter on the in side and need timber to screw it in that will be on of the last jobs so you will have to wait until the end to see this great idea.
anyhow this is were i have got up to i have to paint the wifes buffee and hutch before i do some more about 1 week or 2 and there will be another update
1. Set your self a budget how much you are going to spend on the tank. I would say around $150 for a fully stocked and running 55 Gal Thats going on you get a few things for free. Here is a basic list of thing you need for the tank
A. Plywood
B. Glass
C. Liquid Flash II (water proofer)
D. Water proof paint.
E. Screws
F. Wood glue
G. Silicone
H. Jig Saw
I. Router
J. Drill
K. A few nails
L. Hammer
M. Gravel/Sand
N. Rocks/plants or both
O. Filter substrate (filter wool, fish sponge, bio balls ect)
P. Power head or pump
thats all i can think of at the moment ill add more if i remeber
2. Work out the size of the tank you want, this will all determine on $ you have and space to put it.
3. Get you timber i recommend 17mm ply wood as it is good enough space to fit screws in with out spliting the wood (you will see later)
4. Cut the Timber to the size of your tank you will need a base, back front and two sides, this is my base.
5. Decide wether you want to view from the front only ( this is the cheaper option) but on this tank you will be able to from the sides also.
6. For the viewing sides measure at least 5cm in all the way round so it gives you somewhere to attach the glass to (you will see later) it should look like a picture frame.
7. Drill a hole in the timber big enough to get the jig saw blade in it and cut out the frame. Keep all off cuts as you can use them later (save $$$$)
Should look like this after
8. Router around the edge you just cut to give a nice finish looking like this
9. Around the base measure in half the thickness of the timber and then every 2 cm put a mark this is so the screw goes right in the middle when screwing the base to the sides. You need screws no more than 4 cm apart i put them at 2 cm for more support. looking like this
10. Pre drill the holes and counter sink them so when the screw goes in it doesn't split like this
11. Once you have done this all the way around the base get you sides and tap in a few nails to hold it together so you can pre drill in to the side all so. This is so you cant get the holes lined up perfectly.
note that on of the side doen't have a window all the way across, this is becuase im building a filter on the in side and need timber to screw it in that will be on of the last jobs so you will have to wait until the end to see this great idea.
anyhow this is were i have got up to i have to paint the wifes buffee and hutch before i do some more about 1 week or 2 and there will be another update
