Topper for a 55g?

[NCgirl19]

Would a 20g work as a topper for a 55g? Or is it too heavy?

I've seen several posts mentioning "toppers" to add height to tanks but I haven't seen many pics or "how-to's" on how it works exactly. I picked up my 55g this morning (so happy with it ) and it only came with the tank, a light fixture (that may or may not work,) and a stand so I'll have to order a glass lid online. To make room for the new tank I have to get rid of a dresser and the 20g fish tank sitting on it - I had planned to clean it and sell it but I was wondering if it would work as a topper? I'm hoping to put anywhere from 10-12in of sub - if not more.

Also is it recommended to have a UTH that covers the entirety of the back above the sub? Or is it okay to have a portion uncovered?

Thanks in advance!

[Vic Future]

Would a 20g work as a topper for a 55g? Or is it too heavy?

I've seen several posts mentioning "toppers" to add height to tanks but I haven't seen many pics or "how-to's" on how it works exactly. I picked up my 55g this morning (so happy with it ) and it only came with the tank, a light fixture (that may or may not work,) and a stand so I'll have to order a glass lid online. To make room for the new tank I have to get rid of a dresser and the 20g fish tank sitting on it - I had planned to clean it and sell it but I was wondering if it would work as a topper? I'm hoping to put anywhere from 10-12in of sub - if not more.

Also is it recommended to have a UTH that covers the entirety of the back above the sub? Or is it okay to have a portion uncovered?

Thanks in advance!

Hi - not sure about the topper but its best to get a heater that runs the length of the tank. Most of my problems were trying to get temps up, not down. Good luck

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[soilentgringa]

I have a 20 gallon that will be the topper for my 55 when I get the tank moved to it's "permanent" spot in my home.

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[NCgirl19]

I think I saw a thread where you mentioned that soilentgringa. Does the 20g just sit on one side instead of a glass top? How do you secure it?

[NCgirl19]

Would a 20g work as a topper for a 55g? Or is it too heavy?

I've seen several posts mentioning "toppers" to add height to tanks but I haven't seen many pics or "how-to's" on how it works exactly. I picked up my 55g this morning (so happy with it ) and it only came with the tank, a light fixture (that may or may not work,) and a stand so I'll have to order a glass lid online. To make room for the new tank I have to get rid of a dresser and the 20g fish tank sitting on it - I had planned to clean it and sell it but I was wondering if it would work as a topper? I'm hoping to put anywhere from 10-12in of sub - if not more.

Also is it recommended to have a UTH that covers the entirety of the back above the sub? Or is it okay to have a portion uncovered?

Thanks in advance!

Hi - not sure about the topper but its best to get a heater that runs the length of the tank. Most of my problems were trying to get temps up, not down. Good luck

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thank you!

[soilentgringa]

I think I saw a thread where you mentioned that soilentgringa. Does the 20g just sit on one side instead of a glass top? How do you secure it?

I am hoping to start tank renovations at the first of the month.

Planning to look like this. Brb.

Ok back...my nerve damage makes it hard for me to draw now but hopefully this is an idea.

I am going to use heavy black velcro to secure the topper to the bottom tank.

This makes it more "cat proof" but easier to dissasemble if necessary.




Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

[Vic Future]

I think I saw a thread where you mentioned that soilentgringa. Does the 20g just sit on one side instead of a glass top? How do you secure it?

I am hoping to start tank renovations at the first of the month.

Planning to look like this. Brb.

Ok back...my nerve damage makes it hard for me to draw now but hopefully this is an idea.

I am going to use heavy black velcro to secure the topper to the bottom tank.

This makes it more "cat proof" but easier to dissasemble if necessary.




Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

I hate to sound like a noob but does the topper tank have a floor? Are you removing the floor of the 20g? Very curious

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[NCgirl19]

That's exactly what I was picturing! I was just worried that the 20g would be too heavy - but I guess since its just going to rest on top of the 55g it should be fine. The Velcro is a good idea - my cat tends to steer clear but the new addition might be tempting lol.

[NCgirl19]

I think I saw a thread where you mentioned that soilentgringa. Does the 20g just sit on one side instead of a glass top? How do you secure it?

I am hoping to start tank renovations at the first of the month.

Planning to look like this. Brb.

Ok back...my nerve damage makes it hard for me to draw now but hopefully this is an idea.

I am going to use heavy black velcro to secure the topper to the bottom tank.

This makes it more "cat proof" but easier to dissasemble if necessary.




Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

I hate to sound like a noob but does the topper tank have a floor? Are you removing the floor of the 20g? Very curious

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I think you place it upside down - at least that's what I imagine. I thought the same thing when I first read about them. Seems like an interesting concept and since I'll have the empty 20g its worth a shot[WINKING FACE]

[Vic Future]

Omg!!! Of course. Derp! Yes. Thank you.

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[soilentgringa]

Topper does not have a floor. I will not be smashing the bottom out, but many choose to remove the glass and place a lid ln top of the tank.

I don't want to but may end up doing it, depending on how I mount the UVB.

Walmart has under cabinet fixtures that are perfect for the UVB 10 tube lights, and they are adhesive.

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[Hermie225]

Topper does not have a floor. I will not be smashing the bottom out, but many choose to remove the glass and place a lid ln top of the tank.

I don't want to but may end up doing it, depending on how I mount the UVB.

Walmart has under cabinet fixtures that are perfect for the UVB 10 tube lights, and they are adhesive.

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

I was thinking about using my 20g as a topper also and wanted to maybe mount the UVB up in it, but then I was thinking what do I do with the electrical cord... having it go up thru the tank is probably not a great (or safe) idea right? Curious to hear ideas on this.

[NCgirl19]

Wanted to post a quick update!

I finally got almost everything needed and moved the 55g into place - only to start having problems with a few electrical outlets around the house so everything is on hold til that gets fixed - supposedly sometime in the next 2 weeks.

This is all I have so far - please let me know if you have any suggestions!

-big bag of EE (prob will need another)
-2 bags of play sand
-2 cork rounds (one LG and one Med)
-a cork flat
-nets
-big cholla branch
-hamster wheel (Would it be better to use coco fiber or the plastic mesh to give them something to grip?)
-all the bits and pieces for the water pools (tupperware, rocks, air stones, air lines, and the pump
-shower caddies
-coconut with ladder + an extra ladder
-plants
-UTH (On my current tank I have the UTH secured with duck tape but I thought I read on here about another option? Something you can get at Lowes or Home depot?)

I don't have an exact plan but I think I want the non-topper side to hold the food and water dishes and be somewhat open so I can keep an eye on everything...maybe have the topper side be somewhat jungle-like? One of the cork rounds...the coconut hut & ladder(s)...the shower caddies for shells and moss....plants? I don't know...I can picture it in my head but we'll see! I get excited everytime I think about it. Might start adding the sub in while waiting for the electricity to get fixed.

[NCgirl19]

I think I saw a thread where you mentioned that soilentgringa. Does the 20g just sit on one side instead of a glass top? How do you secure it?

I am hoping to start tank renovations at the first of the month.

Planning to look like this. Brb.

Ok back...my nerve damage makes it hard for me to draw now but hopefully this is an idea.

I am going to use heavy black velcro to secure the topper to the bottom tank.

This makes it more "cat proof" but easier to dissasemble if necessary.




Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

I just noticed in your diagram you have the UTH attached to the topper - I purchased a 48in x 6in to run the length off the 55g above the substrate - is that okay?

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[Hermias_mom]

Wanted to post a quick update!

-UTH (On my current tank I have the UTH secured with duck tape but I thought I read on here about another option? Something you can get at Lowes or Home depot?)

That might have been me. I would recommend HVAC tape. (Pronounced H-vac, as in vac(uum)). It's heavy aluminum silver foil tape used to tape up the joints on the ducts of a heating/air conditioning system, so it's designed to withstand the temperatures the crabs need for relatively long term use. The hardware store will know what you're talking about.

That being said, it's probably overkill. I've used it in other applications, and I like the stuff.