pnkrcklives Posted October 10, 2010 Share Posted October 10, 2010 I bought all my equip used. And over the last year have decided that I dont like the tanks stand(very strong but weathered and old), and having no hood was fine. Till I added halides. Now I have way to much light in the room. So how do I solve both of these problems without building a new stand/hood combo. Then breaking down the tank to transfer. Risking the live stock. Well here is the start to my solution... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 10, 2010 Author Share Posted October 10, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danik Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 How big is your tank? 500g cube? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 It looks like the plan is to put a face and sides on it that will include a hood. Or a shell to go around the current tank and stand. The left side looks like it will have some storage also. Did I figure it out right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 It is a standard 90. But I am building in three shelfs on the left side with doors. Two large doors on the top and bottom of the tank. The cover is roughly 6x6x3. It should make the tank look like its built into a false wall. While still being able to slide away from wall to access the whole tank/stand if needed. But should have plenty of access for normal maintenance through the doors. It really does make sense in my head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danik Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Ok makes sence, I though one picture was the top and the other bottom. Pretty clean looking, I like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 I need some skinning too. Tired of the 2x4 look lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 The pics are of it laying down then standing up. Kinda confusing without explanation. Once I get all my practice on this one. I will come build one for you Grassi. I need an excuse to come see your new set up anyway. I really wish I would have done it like daniks in the first place. His setup is amazing would love to see it in person some day. Next tank will be built in a wall for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 It is a standard 90. But I am building in three shelfs on the left side with doors. Two large doors on the top and bottom of the tank. ...... Looking at the picture I think I would go with 3 doors on the side. That way the top and bottom doors could be the same height as the ones above and below the tank. Or perhaps leave the center shelf open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 11, 2010 Author Share Posted October 11, 2010 Thats the way it will be it will have a total of seven doors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Thats the way it will be it will have a total of seven doors Ah, got it. The way I read it I thought it was going to have 2 large doors in front of the shelves. Keep us posted with the progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 15, 2010 Author Share Posted October 15, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 15, 2010 Author Share Posted October 15, 2010 Weird the one picture is sideways. Well you will just have to tilt your head lol. Here is the progress. The top is installed,vented, and fans installed. All the opening have been trimmed out. With one hundred feet of oak trim. The custom crown molding is built and installed on the top. Now just to install the divider, shelfs, and doors. I still have two doors to finish first. Then comes the fun sanding and prepping the whole stand to be stained. Then hopefully next weekend I will be able to do the final install. GOTTA GIVE THANKS TO MY DAD IF NOT FOR HIS MASTER WOOD WORKING SKILLS IT WOULD JUST BE A PILE OF STICKS OR A NICE BACKYARD BON FIRE!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jadams7 Posted October 15, 2010 Share Posted October 15, 2010 This looks sweet, great idea. Really curious to see what it looks like in front of the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 Here it is completed(sort of) If only I can get this stain to lay down even. I am afraid. I may have to paint it. Which I was trying to avoid. I was also hoping to move it in front of the tank tomorrow. But not till it looks a little better. Hope the third coat comes out not blotchy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dee77 Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 that is going to look awsome!!!!~! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 Are you using the stain/varnish combination stuff? I tried that stuff and it was terrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 I sure am. Thought it was going to be the new sliced bread. Turned out to be a nightmare. Should have just stuck with my oil based stain and then clear coating it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltfinsax Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 The blotchy look is from the wood that has more or less end grain showing in the cut angle of the wood. This shows up a lot more in softer woods. You might try using a wood conditioner or sealer and then try to stain the doors again to match the frame, if thats color your after. One trick you might try is use a fine sponge and wipe or blotch the light spots and leave the stain there and lacker over it. Nice looking cover btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 24, 2010 Author Share Posted October 24, 2010 That is pretty much what I am trying right now. The problem is I should have made the doors of the same material. As the frame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 By the time I was done I had figured out that the best way to apply it was just a little area at a time and then use papper towels to wipe all of the excess away before it had a chance to dry. I started stripping it down with acetone to redo with regular stain but I sold the tank and stand before I got around to doing it. (I did do a small area to see if it would work) The main problem with that particular stuff is that it doesn't cover evenly if you try to stain it like you would normally. I.E. You can't brush it on and let it soak in. Personally I'll never use that stuff again as it was a lot more work than doing it with a stain first and then varnish. (So much for the one step easy way out) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 Yep my one step easy solution turned into a nightmare. Oh well there is always next time. I gave in and just painted the stand with a custom mixed color(as close to the stain I picked as possible). It is going to look ok just no where as good as a well stained piece but should be adequate for what I am after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Nice looking cabinet-man I miss my word working tools and a place to work. Very nice job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Still need to do a couple little mods To get it closer to the wall then finish trim the opening But I am super please that it now keeps all the light into the tank and looks like it is supposed to be there soon I will figure out how to put up some real pictures not just cell pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnkrcklives Posted November 25, 2010 Author Share Posted November 25, 2010 The new skin looks great in my opinion. I also thought it would make working on things harder but it is just the same. I love my sitting room dont think I have left in two days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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