creating a raised tub for fish and furry pets

[Burgermuncher]

I've finished the raised tub for the laundry room, it's been a long time coming. My goal was to create a tub that's easy to work with while standing, no more straining my back. I can wash my 30-gallon tanks indoors where it's warm, clean off glass covers without them hanging over the kitchen sink, and give my dog a good rinse without having to bend down.

The laundry room doors are only 28" wide, so I had to build the frame in the garage, take it apart, and reassemble it in the laundry room. The tub itself is 30" wide, so it was a bit of a challenge.

It may not look like much, but this tub has been a game-changer for me, especially with my arthritis. Washing tasks for my fish and dog are so much easier now. I built it strong, you could even use it as a bath if you needed to.

Right now, it's just a normal faucet and drain system, but I'm planning to add a large capacity trap to catch gravel and sand when I'm cleaning my tanks indoors. I'm also going to install a thermostatic water mixer, so I can just set the temperature and fill the tub without having to worry about it.

After removing the old utility tub, I had to seal the back wall due to water damage. I didn't bother fixing the drywall, as it'll be covered and I'm not exactly a drywall expert.

The frame is made of 5/8 aspen plywood, and I elevated it 1.5" off the floor with painted treated blocks, just to be safe. The tub and faucet are in place, but I still need to add some silicone along the tub edge. I'm debating whether to put a finish on the tub edge, but that's not a priority right now. My dog's been keeping a close eye on the construction, I think he's a bit skeptical.

[infold]

That setup of yours is quite the handy thing to have around. I especially appreciate the consideration you put into making it a comfortable height, that's something that's often overlooked but makes all the difference when you're using it frequently. Your installation looks nice and tidy too, by the way.