5.5 gallon canopy

[Hotrod32487]

This was/still is a fun project. It was a little odd since the light was about two inches longer than the tank itself but that made it all the more interesting. Thought id post some pics and maybe some of you can help me figure out how to go about painting it and preparing it for the saltwater if thats needed. Here are the pics though

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280038.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280042.jpg
Heres the pops helping out...
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280043.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280045.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280046.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PB280048.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PC100038.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PC100041.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PC100043.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/PC100046.jpg

So far, functionally it has worked okay. I left about a 1/4 inch for the wood to expand and it did lol I might end up sanding a little bit off cause the top and base rub a little bit now. I still have to add the trim to the corners but im putting that off cause it didnt seem like it was going to be that fun <_<

[Hotrod32487]

Also, here is what i drew up in my abundance of free time

This was an idea i stole from someone. Cant remember if it was on maast or RC
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/Canopy2.jpg

As you can tell, i wasnt joking about the free time... (no making fun of the extra artwork :P )
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/CanopyFront.jpg

This is actually what the back looks like. I left room in the middle to put the filter or maybe a little skimmer down the road. Theres also a piece of poplar hanging down along the side and front of the lid so the light wouldnt shine out in your eyes if you look from the side. Didnt think about having to do this when i drew the plans...
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k156/Hotrod32487/CanopyBack.jpg

Next is painting or staining it and a stand/base so it doesnt look so funny

[LoneStar]

Looks good. I'd fill in the nail holes and stain it. My last stand/canopy was painted and although it looked good at the beginning....I wish I had done a better job by prepping it better and staining it.

[Hotrod32487]

yeah thats what i plan on doing. I just dont know what needs to be done. Ive done work on cars but never really with wood so do i need to sand it or scuff it or what? Roller or paintbrush?


....I wish I had done a better job by prepping it better and staining it.
What would you have done different if you could do it over again?

[LoneStar]

yeah thats what i plan on doing. I just dont know what needs to be done. Ive done work on cars but never really with wood so do i need to sand it or scuff it or what? Roller or paintbrush?


....I wish I had done a better job by prepping it better and staining it.
What would you have done different if you could do it over again?

Well I built mine strong but rushed into setting it up. So I just painted it.


If you want to stain it, sand it down really good. Get some medium to fine grit sandpaper and a sponge. Since your project is fairly small, I would just hand sand it. Wet the sponge lightly and run it over the wood. Don't get it too wet! This is going to bring up the grain on the wood. After 15 min or so (or dry) sand it down smooth. I would do this twice depending on the type of wood.

After its sanded you can use a rag or a sponge brush. Old t-shirts work great :) Just don't throw down too much stain. Hope that helps ;)

[LoneStar]

Oh and I forgot to mention, you can get a punch and drive the nail heads below surface. Then get some wax filler to cover them up. I'd fill it before sanding...

[Hotrod32487]

Lonestar, I appreciate the advice and hopefully this weekend I can do that and get the trim on. Ill put more pictures up after i do...also gotta look up a punch. Woulndt be surprised if theres one in the garage

[safeuerwehr]

hey keith looks great, so did you sideline the 55g project and opt for this smaller tank?

[Hotrod32487]

lol no...although this one is much easier. Im going to set that one up sometime over christmas break (hopefully). Just waiting for all the deals to come on here...like sand, lr, mjs and now im considering a sump. I had a 10 g freshwater and got rid of it so i stuck a 5.5 gallon in its place. Gonna have it fully automated with no fish so all i have to do is watch the corals grow. This weeks is finals week so next week i plan on finishing this tank and figuring out what im gonna do with the 55