How to Build an Aquarium Coffee Table

An aquarium coffee table is a glass-topped coffee table with an aquarium placed in the center. This aquarium coffee table is less expensive than the manufactured models of the same design. An aquarium coffee table allows you to save space by combining the coffee table with the fish tank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 36-by-14 inch wire shelving unit
• Zip ties
• Power strip
• 8 1-inch chair end caps
• 20-gallon fish tank, fully equipped
• Rotary tool or small saw
• Black foam board to fit the base of the aquarium
• Mallet
• Glass or acrylic plastic tabletop

1. Assemble the bottom part of the shelving unit. The metal shelves come with poles and wire racks that slide onto the poles to make the shelves. Slide the bottom shelf into place and tighten the sides to hold the shelf in place.
2. Attach a power strip to the underside of the bottom shelf with zip ties. The power strip allows you to plug in your aquarium components.
3. Place the end caps onto the bottom of the poles of the shelving unit. These keep the table from scaring the floor.
4. Center the aquarium on the top shelf. Trace the shape of the aquarium's base onto the shelf. Cut the shape out of the shelf with a rotary drill or small saw. This makes a hole the aquarium fits through.
5. Place the aquarium in the center of the bottom shelf. Slide the top shelf over the aquarium and fit it under the lip of the aquarium.
6. Secure the end caps to the top of the poles.
7. Add the filter, thermometer and lights to the aquarium. If the aquarium is new, follow the instructions included with the filter, thermometer and lights to install them. If it is a used system, hang the filter and thermometer into the tank by hanging them on the side of the aquarium. The light needs to sit on top of the aquarium.
8. Plug the aquarium components into the power strip.
9. Fill the tank with water. Allow the water to heat up to normal temperature before adding the fish. If you are concerned with the appropriate water temperature, consult your local pet or fish store.
10. Place the foam board under the aquarium to protect your floor from any leakage. Cover the shelving unit and aquarium with the glass or acrylic glass tabletop. Enjoy your aquarium coffee table.

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