My poplar 55gal build in progress using basic tools

Hello, this is a work in progress but I just wanted to start a topic that I can keep updating. Everything here so far has been done indoor my living room with very basic tools (I have a tiny apartment with no outdoor space).

So far the only tools and supplies I've needed:
-Handsaw
-Clamps
-Sandpaper
-Drill
-Wood screws
-Both 1/2" and 3/4" poplar boards (I'll post exactly how much was needed when I'm done)
-One 1"x1"x4' dowel
-Two squares

I think the only other things I will need is silicone for the glass seal, glass cut at Lowe's, and wood glue.

First I built the base out of 3/4"x5.5"x6' boards. Held together with 1/2"x1.5" boards cut parallel to width. I cut the corners out (sloppily) for the dowels to fit.



Drilled the dowels on:


Then I made the side walls from 1/2"x5.5" boards and held together with 1/2"x1.5" boards. I left a half inch gap at the top for the screen to rest on.




Aaand here's where I made my first big mistake so far. I managed to mismeasure the back wall by almost an inch. It's where I've made my progress up to and I'm trying to figure out where to go from here. I likely will move the top boards down an inch to be level with the others (so the screen will sit flush) and just have the back wall little higher than the front. Since I don't have a table saw I can't just cut it short.

If I take this route it will give me the ability to mount my lights onto the excess ledge so maybe it's not the worse thing in the world.



Any suggestions to improve it would be great

Unfortunately I work 12 hour shifts for the next 5 days but I certainly intend to finish the build next week. After that I just need to stain and finish it. Looking forward to getting my little dude into a larger tank, he deserves it.

Progress. Flipped the back wall and moved the screen supports, doesn't look too bad. Everything is screwed down and square now. I'll just add an inch to the sides to level it out.

I'm sure he'll enjoy that nice big space. Don't forget to add ventilation for it.

CooperDragon":1u3d5kzt said:

I'm sure he'll enjoy that nice big space. Don't forget to add ventilation for it.

Click to expand...

I hope so! The top of it will be a big screen so I think that should be plenty of ventilation for him

Frawsti":2ovrrl3e said:

Aaand here's where I made my first big mistake so far. I managed to mismeasure the back wall by almost an inch.

Click to expand...

Good luck with your build :mrgreen:

-Brandon

claudiusx":2fh5qvm4 said:

Good luck with your build :mrgreen:

-Brandon

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Got the front of it built today and leveled out the top part of the frame.





Thinking I'm going use Danish oil to finish it, looks nice-

What will you be finishing the inside with?
Or were you planning to use the danish oil to finish the inside too?

-Brandon

claudiusx":fzjux2s5 said:

What will you be finishing the inside with?
Or were you planning to use the danish oil to finish the inside too?

-Brandon

Click to expand...

I'm gonna use the danish oil for the entire thing. It's the only type of stain/finish that I know won't make the beardie sick, I'm honestly not sure what else I could use. I'm happy with the look of it anyways so I don't really intend on researching other stains

Progress on it. Stained the wood, made some mounts for the lighting, and made the frames for the top screen (waiting for my screening to come in the mail)

Looking good.
Digging your tube mounts.

-Brandon

claudiusx":32udjhoz said:

Looking good.
Digging your tube mounts.

-Brandon

Click to expand...

Thanks! I used a carving knife and believe it or not I messed up three blocks out of five lol, I just couldn't get the angle right. I'm still worried that it's angled a little too high but we will see

Screens fit and installed.



Started growing my wheat grass for the habitat as well. Sooo close to being done, but the hardest part is ahead.

That's coming together nicely!

Finally finished.

Looks great!