novahobbies
Well-Known Member
I got tired of always wondering where my jumpy flasher wrasse was (he's wound up on the couch once, and in the overflow twice now) and I'd love to keep a diamond goby without it going tile surfing, so yesterday I decided it was time to get off my kiester and build a canopy for the tank. This is the result of about 10-ish hours of work. Be kind. It's my first canopy attempt.
First, an overall shot. I test fit this thing about 10 times between yesterday and today, but this is the final fitting before I finish it.
Here it is with the front up. The inside is primered in killz, but the final sealant coat is not on.
Here is the view from the back. The lights sit on rails on either side, with a safety supporting rail in the middle.
I built a lightweight back frame and stapled fiberglass screening to the frame. This just rests on a couple wood rails and holds in place from its own weight. I decided to do this so I could keep the jumping fish from getting out the back, but it's open and vented to allow air flow. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do this, so what do y'all think?
Finally: ouch. This is what comes of lack of concentration at the end of the project. I was near the end, confidence was high, patience was perhaps a little low, and I didn't check thoroughly enough to make sure the cutting path of the miter saw was clear of any extra lumber.
I didn't look hard enough.
I had a piece jump back and bite me. Click the link if you want to see the result (it's not all that bad, but I have no idea who here has issues with blood). Mainly I was upset with myself for the stupid workplace mistake more than the actual wound. Oh well. When I used to work on cars with my dad we would say that no job was finished until it had been anointed with fresh blood. Like an offering to the project gremlins or something. We'd actually get worried if we finished a job and we both had our hides intact!
So, what does everyone think so far? I still have two fans that need installed, and we're going to stain it and add a few pieces of brass or wrought iron flat filigree to the three blank panels on the front. Tonight's job is finishing the inside with sealer. Hope you like!
First, an overall shot. I test fit this thing about 10 times between yesterday and today, but this is the final fitting before I finish it.
Here it is with the front up. The inside is primered in killz, but the final sealant coat is not on.
Here is the view from the back. The lights sit on rails on either side, with a safety supporting rail in the middle.
I built a lightweight back frame and stapled fiberglass screening to the frame. This just rests on a couple wood rails and holds in place from its own weight. I decided to do this so I could keep the jumping fish from getting out the back, but it's open and vented to allow air flow. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do this, so what do y'all think?
Finally: ouch. This is what comes of lack of concentration at the end of the project. I was near the end, confidence was high, patience was perhaps a little low, and I didn't check thoroughly enough to make sure the cutting path of the miter saw was clear of any extra lumber.
I didn't look hard enough.
I had a piece jump back and bite me. Click the link if you want to see the result (it's not all that bad, but I have no idea who here has issues with blood). Mainly I was upset with myself for the stupid workplace mistake more than the actual wound. Oh well. When I used to work on cars with my dad we would say that no job was finished until it had been anointed with fresh blood. Like an offering to the project gremlins or something. We'd actually get worried if we finished a job and we both had our hides intact!
So, what does everyone think so far? I still have two fans that need installed, and we're going to stain it and add a few pieces of brass or wrought iron flat filigree to the three blank panels on the front. Tonight's job is finishing the inside with sealer. Hope you like!
