Adding a level to a tank

[bman123]

I got a 20gal tall tank instead of a 20long, i feel like a dummy lol. I want to increase the floor space so I think adding a levelto the tank would be great, especially if I end up getting him a female later it will make for more room.

If any of you have done this or know someone who has please chime in and help out. I am wrecking my brain thinking of how to do this. I don't know what materials to use or how to go about doing it.

I was thinking of getting a thin sheet of plexi glass and cutting it to the same depth of the tank.I don't know how to do it tho. Like how to support the upper level and keep it easy to clean.

I thought some kind of braces would work but I don't know how to go about it. Like make the braces flat on top so the upper level would sit on top and could be removed for cleaning. Then I need some kind of steps to lead to the upper level. I would like for majority of it to be removeable so it cleans easy.

Please chime in if you have any ideas. I know this will be more time consuming and costly then just buying a bigger tank but it would look super cool and not take up anymore space on my stand that the tank sits on.

 

[Khrysty]

a lot of people just create a table sort of thing--usually out of wood...with wooden legs to support it. They cut a hole in the middle and lean a ramp up to the second floor. It can't be too steep and you'd probably have to router out "grips" every inch or two to make sure they can climb up with no problem. All in all the project won't take you an hour and the geckos will love it.

 

[stephane110]

Im in the process of making one right now for my leo. I used three 6x6 inch tiles and aquarium silicone for my local pet store.
I used 1 as the platform then the other two on the sides as legs. The silicone is still drying but it seems stable so far. Im still trying to think of something for steps. Im thinking a stick or something siliconed on to the platform for stabilty. Let me know if you think of another idea for steps

 

[bman123]

Yeah I was thinking of tile. I angling to tile my leos cage today so it all gonna be tile if I still do it. Just cut the 6x6 tiles in half and use them for steps.

 

[stephane110]

I dont have a tile cutter ;l

 

[bman123]

They can cut it at home depot. The first 5 cuts are free then after that is 50cents each cut. So really you could go in and buy like 2 pieces for cheap and have them cut them 5 times for free. That's what I would do.

 

[bman123]

I just tiled my tank and I'm waiting to see how good this tile holds temp and if it's gonna warm up or not. I'm not gonna add a level I'm just gonna buy a bigger tank and put tile in it if this works out for me.

Hopefully all goes well this year for me financially and I can get more leos. I'd love to get a 40gal long tank and get like 3 more geckos.

 

[acpart]

The "legs" of these are ceramic, but you can cut a dowel for legs and use PVC feet. The tiles are 12"x12" and there is a zoo-med mini (1-5 gallon) heater sandwiched between them. The lay box is on the floor near the "upstairs" and the geckos go from there up to the second level. Nothing is glued so it can be disassembled for cleaning.

Aliza