As far as the lip and getting the tank in, it was designed from the start to have 1x3 boards as the top so It will not be as deep as shown. It should have been about 1/4" deep but wound up being about 1/2" deep. I can always taper the edge to give more room to get it in and there should be at least 1/4" between the edge of the tank and the side. I might go with a single solid board (or plywood/particle board) as the top so if its thicker the lip will be less. Fyi I know about plywood and water absorption (I'll have to seal it). Securing it to the wall sounds like a good idea. I did tear it part way apart (and man did I use a lot of 3 inch screws to hold it together). I tapered the end of one base boards and forced the leg over on the other side, screwed in a new position, so the worst leg is straight (basically adjusted for the twist). I also found a board that was pretty warped (not side to side but twisted). I think it is what caused it in the first place. I'm replacing it and strategically putting it back together to try and pull it straighter. I think it will wind up straighter than it was but not perfect.
I'll worry about the top and being level for the tank later (next day off maybe).
Thanks a lot to everyone for the input and advice.
I'll worry about the top and being level for the tank later (next day off maybe).
Thanks a lot to everyone for the input and advice.
