Help me build!

Progress - I used a special tool (my right foot) to remove the railing and was pretty successful keeping it in one piece.
So from the corner of the wall to the endge of the "upper floor" is 4", then that small trim piece to the right is 3/4". Right below this drop off is a piece of wood, possibly a 2x6, so im thinking a 4x4 can fit right on this ledge?

 

You can also use 2x6's laying on end for the length of tank. Look at how Jason Mckenzie done his stand for his 370g.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/jasons-370g-tank-37242.html

 

Anyone know if I need to acclimate ceder to the environment? Is cedar ok to use? if I am going to be on 2 different surfaces 1 hard (linoleum) 1 soft (carpet and pad) how do I be sure I am level, guessing over time the carpet and padding will be completely smushed?

 

Did some more work on it tonight, DIRECTLY below that drop is a solid brick wall - so if I DO use the 4" on the top, that is supported byt solid concrete. I cut some 14.5" 2x10s to go perpendicular in the floor joists - I will put those in to add additional support for the "right" side of the tank (looking at it from the post, or overflow side).

 

Good plan, rhwimmers.

 

the step is 7 5/8" as best I can tell...pushing the tape measure down hard into the carpet...

 

Here is the measurements of the end of the tank. PM me your e-mail and I'll send it there also.

 

You could always build a knee wall to bring the 2 floors level, then follow whichever stand design you like to set on top of the newly leveled floor.

 

^Actually, that's probably the easiest way to go.^

If you move and want to take the giant tank with you...you won't need to build a new stand.

 

Great idea, love it! So maybe just use 2x6 or whatever it is right behind the facing board...Do I just push it down as hard as I can (against the carpet) and then attach it to the existing 2x6 to see if I can get it as level as possible despite the carpet+pad?
That wood piece that is showing (stained board)...should I remove it so I can attach directly to the 2x6 or attach into that wood facing board? I will have to make one cut as it runs the length of the room, so I could cut it at the post and then remove that section (again for when moving I can put it back together to some degree without too much damage..