Custom Stand or Hood in Chicago area

thegrog

Active Member
Originally Posted by rolling_g
Still interested ...would like to see how you want to build it .
OK, my free-hand artistic drawing ability is not the greatest without engineering CAD/CAM programming (don't have that on my home computer). But this should give you an idea. I literally have dozens of rough sketches figuring out designs and potential pitfalls.
As you can see from the below sketch, the entire front will flip open for full access to the tank. The hinges will be on the top-outside of the tank so no corrosion can hamper them. I am debating putting a small handle on the outside-front, but will wait until it is together to decide on that.
Each side will have a vent fan.
The frame drawing is a simple box frame with vertical risers and horizontal runners that sit on the top of your tank. There will be fine-sanded paneling that is attached to the frame from the outside and reinforced with construction adhesive (water, salt and heat resistant). The paneling will also go jsut below the base of the frame to help lock the entire thing onto your tank.
The top will have several support beams to attach any lighting you will want to fit into there.
As mentioned previously, if you want to hang anything from the edges, figure out where you want them and I can form a break in the base (with a vertical support on each side) where you want those at. Also, the very back will be open for the bottom inch or so for added airflow (not shown on diagrams).
The front curve will be custom-cut wood arches that will have several vertical risers on it. Then the lightweight hardboard will be attached. This part will take a day in itself as the board has to be dampened, fit, tacked on and then heat dried (other processes too that I won't bore you with details on). Done a lot of reasearch on this part the last few days and I am excited about doing it!!

For finishing touches, there will be corner mouldings on all top edges and on the corners and bottom there will be end trim.
Questions???
 

rolling_g

Member
looks good so far ....
I think at the rear of the tank where it is 90 deg. we can leave it open for the power cords ..lights and power heads . Do you think when the front is open the hood will stay or will it tip over ?
I was also thinking about a hood for my 75 gal. tank . it has PC lights and is 48 1/2 x 18 1/2 how about a package deal . the stand also has 2 doors and is black in color
 

thegrog

Active Member
Originally Posted by rolling_g
looks good so far ....
I think at the rear of the tank where it is 90 deg. we can leave it open for the power cords ..lights and power heads . Do you think when the front is open the hood will stay or will it tip over ?
I was also thinking about a hood for my 75 gal. tank . it has PC lights and is 48 1/2 x 18 1/2 how about a package deal . the stand also has 2 doors and is black in color
With the back, I was planning on that.
The front will actually open 180 degrees and sit on top of the rest of the tank. If necessary, I can install a lock brace of some sort if it is prone to closing on it's own (which I doubt). The rest of the canopy will stay put at it will outweigh the opening part if that is what you mean.
As for the other tank (looks nice BTW), yea we could work out some sort of package deal. When I come over to measure the corner tank, I can get a good look at the trim and come up with something to match it. A simple 48" with PC lights will be a breeze after the curved corner tank!!! I may even be able to install the PC light fixture into the hood itself somehow. :thinking: How tall of a hood were you thinking of?
 

thegrog

Active Member
Originally Posted by rolling_g
I have a Red Sea Skimmer on the tank so I need about 10" or so just to get the top off of it .
Can do!!!!
Could even have it so the back lid/top flips open to get to the skimmer if you want!!
So, when were you wanting the canopies done by? I could get started on construction as early as Thrusday morning.....assuming I can get out of my house with the 80 foot snow drift in my driveway!!!!!
:scared:
If you are around tomorrow, I could come by for measurement of the corner tank and take a look at the other one for a good idea of the design patterns. I want to trace the actual tank arch so I know that I will be dead on with the canopy fit. We could also discuss final plans, delivery/pickup, ect.
I would want a small deposit ($50-$75) in advance first with the balance due on delivery. Nothing against you, but I got burned once and just don't want to risk it again. Plus I do have to shell out a bit out of pocket for all the materials.
If tomorrow works for you, Email me at thejediray@aol.com with address and/or phone number and we will set up a meeting.
Look foward to meeting you!!
 
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