Plywood Aquarium on the Floor?

[Keightley]

I am thinking that I want to put a large aquarium on the floor. I want to building it out of plywood and make it 72"l x 24"w x 36"h. I am thinking the plywood would need to be about 3/4" inches thick. I think I can get away with 1/2" thick glass especially since the front frame will be 3/4" thick.

Can I do this? Should I put anything underneath the aquarium? Maybe some wood boards? Is the aquarium build too height?

Let me know what you all think. I found someone finally that will build this for me at a reasonable cost. I need to make the final decision on dimensions so I can buy the materials this weekend and have my new friend build this aquarium next weekend.

Cheers,
Keightley

 

[EighthNotch]

I am thinking that I want to put a large aquarium on the floor. I want to building it out of plywood and make it 72"l x 24"w x 36"h. I am thinking the plywood would need to be about 3/4" inches thick. I think I can get away with 1/2" thick glass especially since the front frame will be 3/4" thick.

Can I do this? Should I put anything underneath the aquarium? Maybe some wood boards? Is the aquarium build too height?

Let me know what you all think. I found someone finally that will build this for me at a reasonable cost. I need to make the final decision on dimensions so I can buy the materials this weekend and have my new friend build this aquarium next weekend.

Cheers,
Keightley

At 36" high the general consensus is you've crossed into the realm of needing dimensional lumber bracing to prevent it from bowing.

As for the floor idea, why do you want to build it directly on the floor? Draining the tank would suck if it was on the floor. Also if it's in your basement on a cold concrete floor during the winter, the heat would be pulled out of your aquarium, making your heaters cycle more and thus increase your monthly operating cost. Plywood is a good insulator but it's still food for thought.

I also would imagine staring down at the floor to enjoy your fish while you're sitting in a chair would be less than desirable.