target
08-18-2009, 12:57 PM
After a successful weekend convincing my wife that setting up another tank in our place is a good idea, I have begun planning to stack 2 - 46 gallon bow-front tanks. This requires a new stand to be constructed, something I am looking forward to as I have not done any woodworking in quite a while.
I showed my wife 2 options, both pictured below. Option 1 had the stand open between the tanks, option 2 closed in. We chose option 2. It has a more seamless look and will look more like a piece of furniture.
Before I begin to construct the stand I had a few questions.
1) One of the tanks will be my existing, non-discus community tank, the other becoming a BB discus tank. I am trying to decide which one should go on the top - discus or non-discus?
2) I have planned this out using 2x4's. Would this be strong enough to hold up this amount of water? I am confident it would be, but wouldn't mind hearing it from some others here as well.
3) What would be the best way to secure this to the wall to prevent any chance of it toppling over? I am thinking 4" lag bolts into a stud. But what would be the best way to attach to the stand?
4) Would I have to treat the wood on the inside between the tanks with a water sealer? I am planning to have a glass top on the lower tank, but don't want moisture to become a problem.
5) Does anyone who lives in the greater Vancouver area have a 36" fluorescent light they want to part with, for a reasonable cost? Or, is there somewhere I can buy one for not too much money?
6) I will be building 2 sponge filters for the discus tank and will need some jehmco sponges. Does anyone have some they want to sell, or is anyone interested in going in on an order with me?
This is all I have thought of so far. I am sure there will be more as I go along. Hoping to get out this weekend and maybe begin to collect the pieces I will need for construction. Thanks for any responses. April, as soon as I get this built I will be making my way down to see you. Can't wait!
I showed my wife 2 options, both pictured below. Option 1 had the stand open between the tanks, option 2 closed in. We chose option 2. It has a more seamless look and will look more like a piece of furniture.
Before I begin to construct the stand I had a few questions.
1) One of the tanks will be my existing, non-discus community tank, the other becoming a BB discus tank. I am trying to decide which one should go on the top - discus or non-discus?
2) I have planned this out using 2x4's. Would this be strong enough to hold up this amount of water? I am confident it would be, but wouldn't mind hearing it from some others here as well.
3) What would be the best way to secure this to the wall to prevent any chance of it toppling over? I am thinking 4" lag bolts into a stud. But what would be the best way to attach to the stand?
4) Would I have to treat the wood on the inside between the tanks with a water sealer? I am planning to have a glass top on the lower tank, but don't want moisture to become a problem.
5) Does anyone who lives in the greater Vancouver area have a 36" fluorescent light they want to part with, for a reasonable cost? Or, is there somewhere I can buy one for not too much money?
6) I will be building 2 sponge filters for the discus tank and will need some jehmco sponges. Does anyone have some they want to sell, or is anyone interested in going in on an order with me?
This is all I have thought of so far. I am sure there will be more as I go along. Hoping to get out this weekend and maybe begin to collect the pieces I will need for construction. Thanks for any responses. April, as soon as I get this built I will be making my way down to see you. Can't wait!