My 55 gallon...soon to be bigger!

[Ashleigh]

This is what my tank looked like when I bought the setup off Craiglist. Pretty ugly, I know! Pic was taken by previous owner in January 2012:


Salvaged some driftwood in upstate NY. Changed background, lighting, etc.


Made the move from NY to SC...March 2013:


I have a plan...I want to get a tank the same exact size and put them side by side. I will then build a basic stand for the new tank exactly the same size as the other stand. Then I will construct a "facade" with cabinet doors that slips around both stands and makes it look like one large stand. I will make a matching canopy that will sit on top of both tanks. I am hoping this will make the illusion of one large tank. I will do the same substrate, background, etc. in both tanks. This also allows me to do a semi-aggresive tank in addition to the gentler community tank I already have! Super excited!!

[Fuze]

Interesting idea. I'm wondering if the illusion could be better if you put a "connection" piece where the tanks meet to make them mesh better. Preferably something that matches the rims on both tanks.

I think doing that will make it more believable than seeing the bare edges of both tanks *almost* touching.

[Ashleigh]

Interesting idea. I'm wondering if the illusion could be better if you put a "connection" piece where the tanks meet to make them mesh better. Preferably something that matches the rims on both tanks.

I think doing that will make it more believable than seeing the bare edges of both tanks *almost* touching.

Yes, I was thinking that too. Something to hide that itty bitty gap between tanks. Just haven't figured it out yet. I am toying with a few ideas in my head, but nothing has stuck so far.

I am still looking for the perfect (priced) tank. I think this is the basic stand I will make for it:

I found it online in one of the forums somewhere.....

It seems sturdy enough but not too complicated.

Wish it could all just happen overnight, but I think what I enjoy the most is the suspense of it all!

[Aquaticus]

That stand seems overbuilt and complicated to me. Weird overly built legs from 3 pieces of 2x4. Check out this thread: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=83541 . I found some great ideas there!

[Ashleigh]

That stand seems overbuilt and complicated to me. Weird overly built legs from 3 pieces of 2x4.

The inner 2x4s are used just for anchors for the screws. I suppose they are really not necessary but make it easier to connect everything all together. There are some beautiful stands in that thread....I look through it all the time! I am still searching for inspiration for the cover I will make for the stands.

I think I may use all 2x4s, no 2x6s, and eliminate the 3 piece legs.

Actually......I have a pile of 4x4s because we keep them on hand to repair horse fencing. I will probably use those! They may be overkill, but that's one less thing I will have to pay for!

[Aquaticus]

Notched out 4x4 legs work perfectly. If you have some on hand, then that is even better!

[Ashleigh]

Originally Posted by Aquaticus

Notched out 4x4 legs work perfectly. If you have some on hand, then that is even better!

What do you mean "notched out?" I just figured I would do a basic cube...

[Ashleigh]

I just found this...

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...et-long/page12

Although I won't be combining tanks because I like the idea have having separate communities this is truly inspirational. Now, I'm wondering if I want to just make one basic stand for both tanks...maybe a little shorter. This would make it easier for my boys (2 and 4yo) to enjoy it as well. Still would use 4x4s and reinforce where the two tanks join in the middle.

Thoughts?

[Aquaticus]

Basically make two frames out of 2x4s, and notch the top and bottom of the 4x4 to slide into the frame, so you'd have a flush surface to attach your plywood skin to. Easy to do with a circular saw. Although, now that I think of it, I didn't do that with the stands I just built. I'll send you a pic when I get home tonight...

[Aquaticus]

That pic is awesome. Love that idea for tanks with the same height. Unfortunately, mine are all different (75,65,38,30).

[Ashleigh]

I really like the look and feel of this stand.





My only change would be to make the skin a bit more rustic...

I plan to use barn wood as the skin. And I kinda like the idea of having a smaller tank on the bottom which could be used for multiple things....breeder tank?!? I would also want to make a canopy to match.

I like his simple design as well...

[Ashleigh]

So, I've got the design for my stand done. The hubby and I will start building it this weekend! It will hold both tanks and there will be room for a smaller tank on the bottom. There will be 3 small drawers and 2 cabinet doors, one will a shelf inside. The frame will be constructed out of 4x4s and the skin will be made from old pallets! I am putting enough room in the cabinet to fit sumps or canister filters whenever I get brave enough to make the jump from hob. The basic design is modeled from the tank I posted above.

Super excited!!