Christian Patti

I just had a few questions. First off what should I do for dimensions I want to have about 55 gallons of water. My plan was for about 200(or less) build a stand and canopy then buy a tank for 100 dollars on craigslist with the filters and heaters and stuff. I want to know what common dimensions for a 55 gallon tank are so the tank I buy on craigslist will fit. Also should the top of the stand be solid to support the bottom of the tank( i have never seen this before) or is it fine the usual way.

thanks all

dgor0526

Check out this website. I just built mine using these directions the only thing I did different was I add 3/4" plywood on top for a flat surface for the fish tank. The 55 Gal is the same just 6 inchs narrower. I hope this helps.
http://arbreptiles.com/cages/75g_stand/index.shtml

Chief_waterchanger

That looks like a good link. Even with the differing dimensions you could easily fashion something similar by seeing the steps and the finished product with step by step pictures. Very good link, Dgor.

When we build stands, we do basically the same. (We just do it with the circular saw, screw gun, and measuring tape as our only tools. )

Slug

I have a solid bottom stand on my 55gal. I love it. Feels much safer to me this way. If you can i'd recommend it. Even if that means slapping some 1/2-3/4" plywood on top at the end. That link is using 4x4s....thats a hefty stand. I used 2x4 and thought it was bulky enough!

Heres one i built. This is before skinning, trim, and the top. The top is 3/4" plywood. Just wanted to give you an idea of the skeleton.

Christian Patti

thanks everyone