How to Build a Wood Top Aquarium

Aquariums house not only fish but plants and invertebrates as well. Freshwater plants and marine invertebrate animals--such as coral and sea anemones--are dependent on light, as they produce nutrients through photosynthesis. Therefore, aquariums require light of the appropriate spectrum and intensity. These lights are typically placed within an aquarium top. Having a top on the aquarium also prevents fish from jumping out of the aquarium and dust and dirt from entering. Although aquarium dealers stock a variety of aquarium tops, you can build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • One top panel of 1/2-inch-thick plywood, 24 inches long by 10 inches wide
  • One front panel of 1/2-inch-thick plywood, 24 inches long by 8 inches high
  • Two side panels of 1/2-inch-thick plywood, 10 inches long by 8 inches high
  • One square rod, 16 inches long, 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch
  • Two square rods, 6 inches long, 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch
  • Two paint brushes
  • Wood glue
  • Nail gun and nails
  • Small tin wood stain
  • Work bench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the top plywood panel on a flat work surface.

    • 2

      Apply a 1/2-inch-wide band of wood glue along the top surface edge of the 24-inch-long side closest to you.

    • 3

      Stand the front plywood panel vertically onto the band of glue. Keep the edges flush to ensure the panel is square. Support the panel for a few minutes, then allow the glue to set for about an hour. Turn the structure over and nail these two panels together. Ensure that the nails are positioned exactly along the glue band.

    • 4

      Place the structure onto its top panel. Apply a 1/2-inch-wide band of wood glue along the side surface edges of the bottom and left side of the side piece. Place this panel against the side surfaces of the left side of the structure.

    • 5

      Allow the glue to set for about an hour, then nail the side panel to the rest of the structure. Ensure that the nails are placed exactly along the band of glue.

    • 6

      Apply a 1/2-inch wide band of wood glue along the side surface edges of the bottom and right side of the side piece. Place this panel against the side surfaces of the right side of the structure.

    • 7

      Allow the glue to set for about an hour, then nail this side panel to the rest of the structure. Ensure that the nails are placed exactly along the band of glue.

    • 8

      Rest the canopy on its front panel. Lay the 16-inch square rod in a horizontal position along the inside length of the front panel. Center the rod about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the panel. Nail the rod onto the front panel.

    • 9

      Stand the canopy in a vertical position, with the right side panel flush with the work surface. Place a 6-inch square rod along the inside length of the right side panel. Center the rod about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the panel. Nail the rod onto the front panel.

    • 10

      Stand the canopy in a vertical position, with the left side panel flush with the work surface. Place a 6 inch square rod along the inside length of the left side panel. Center the rod about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the panel. Nail the rod onto the front panel.

    • 11

      Stain the wooden top.