65 Gallon Tank Renovation

[SmokeBellew]

I picked up a used 65g system and have begun the process of DIY renovations...starting with the stand. Progress is slow as I want this to be enjoyable. (Although I did spend 30 hours over 3 days hand sanding...lol)

Used System: 1) Bare wood on inside of stand and canopy 2) Mold in canopy 3) Exterior was originally stained and then spray painted black

Before and after pics

 

[SmokeBellew]

During Pics

 

[SmokeBellew]

Almost finished pics



View attachment 303596

 

[SmokeBellew]

Exterior:

Used Minwax wood preconditioner
Stained using Minwax "Special Walnut Stain."
3 coats Minwax Polycrylic finish

Interior:
2 coats primer
2 coats white appliance paint
2 coats Minwax polycrylic finish

I had to re-sand the main stand after the 2nd coat of polycrylic dried. I did not stir the finish often enough and the 2nd coat dried flat and milky. So that coat was sanded off and reapplied.

 

[intyme]

I wish I did the inside of my stand. Also think about sealing the insides with silicone, just in case of a water leak it stays in your stand and not your floor

 

[SmokeBellew]

I wish I did the inside of my stand. Also think about sealing the insides with silicone, just in case of a water leak it stays in your stand and not your floor

Yeah...I have been trying to decide on the best way to contain water leaks. the construction of this stand does not provide a easy solution.

I have considered finishing a sheet of plywood to just fit the footprint of the stand and then place my stand on top of the finished plywood and then silicone around the perimeter. That would give me about 3 inches in depth the entire footprint of the stand.

I definitely have to come up with something as this will be on a carpet floor and on the second level.

Thanks for the advice. :wave:

 

[SmokeBellew]

I wish I did the inside of my stand.

After picking this unit up 2nd hand and seeing the mold/mildew damage I knew it had to have something.

I guess if you have adequate air flow/ventilation you might not have any issues...but even with the inside painted I will still need good airflow or I guess I would end up with same result.