My 29 Gallon build

[Billabong]

DW,
Looking good, what are you going to use to seal the wood from water penetration?

 

[dwolson2]

just the paint. just ordered from BRS, T5 bulb, stand off, endcaps, lock line, hose and adapters.
Talked with sister, and to make sure there isn't an issue with noise or binding, I am going to put a reguar hose from the sump to the pump.

 

[Billabong]

I didn't know you were using rattle can to paint it. It might be a lot cheaper to get a gallon of kilz and brush it on. It's going to take a lot of spray paint to seal the wood from moisture. Kils will offer a great sealant as well as a mold resistor.

Is the spray paint going to keep the water from seeping in and swelling the wood?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Billy,

I agree with you to a point, spray paint is not ideal and no it wont provide a good seal, however we're talking about a 29 gallon tank. As long as derrick is careful and keep spillage to a minimum, he's not going to have any problems. There's not going to be that much evap to cause a concern.

 

[dwolson2]

Billy,

I agree with you to a point, spray paint is not ideal and no it wont provide a good seal, however we're talking about a 29 gallon tank. As long as derrick is careful and keep spillage to a minimum, he's not going to have any problems. There's not going to be that much evap to cause a concern.

I also have some cans of clear coat that may help the sealing, as well as actual sealant too. I may just throw a quick glob on there.... I have a spray gun that I have yet to try... who knows. I really want to get the tanks set up...... Maybe I will just be careful.... patience is my worst enemy...

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

How many 2X4's did you end up using? Is the stand pretty heavy?

 

[dwolson2]

How many 2X4's did you end up using? Is the stand pretty heavy?

actually not that bad, I tipped it up with one hand while putting the tarp under it. Caught me a little off balance, and I thought I was going to drop it on my car caught it and after that it wasn't a problem. Its bulky but I don't think its too heavy. I think I used about 6-6' and 4-8'? not sure, and there are a lot of shorter scraps on the floor. and i had scraps on the shelf I used. so I really don't know. I definately could have used 1x2's on the top, but 2x4's worked, so I guess no real complaints.

 

[dwolson2]

thought I would show everyone the final color combination:
The darker wood(walnut) will be the trim on the doors.

Also, when I do the shell, its going to be the real stuff, no veneer or stain here!

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

yeah, it's sacrilegious to stain maple. That's going to be a great combination.

 

[dwolson2]

Last night I painted the back glass and touched up the stand a bit. Here are the not so great photos...:

And last night while it was drying:

 

[dwolson2]

the tank is dirty on the inside, thats why the green. What is good to use to clean it so I can prep for spray paint, but won't be harmful to the fish?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

use a razor blade and a water/white vinegar solution. Some people use the vinegar as a carbon source for nutrient export in their tanks so it's completely harmless and won't cause any problems.

Although, with what little you have there you can probably just use warm water ant a razor blade.

 

[dwolson2]

use a razor blade and a water/white vinegar solution. Some people use the vinegar as a carbon source for nutrient export in their tanks so it's completely harmless and won't cause any problems.

Although, with what little you have there you can probably just use warm water ant a razor blade.

Ok will do. I need to prep it for the overflow. Also I was thinking.... I might just tape off the edges of the overflow glass, paint it, remove the tape, assemble the 3 pieces, re tape, paint, remove tape, then insert into the tank, go back and touch up where needed. Then I could put a very thick layer of paint on there, and lay it flat so there won't be runs. I figure a little more of a headache, but the paint will last longer that way.

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Here's what I propose: before assembly, paint only one side of each piece of glass (the side that's going to be facing the inside), tape all the way around the glass so that only the one side gets paint. let it dry and then use the silicone to adhere the pieces together (at 90 degree angles) inside the tank, ensuring that you get good adhesion inside and outside of the C2C, paying careful attention to the outside as that has to look cosmetically pleasing to the eye.

 

[dwolson2]

Here's what I propose: before assembly, paint only one side of each piece of glass (the side that's going to be facing the inside), tape all the way around the glass so that only the one side gets paint. let it dry and then use the silicone to adhere the pieces together (at 90 degree angles) inside the tank, ensuring that you get good adhesion inside and outside of the C2C, paying careful attention to the outside as that has to look cosmetically pleasing to the eye.

sounds good, and what I think I planned...

 

[dwolson2]

no progress last night, picked up my sister in laws from the airport. Although I did pick up a part for my car last night!

 

[dwolson2]

Got a descent amount of process done last night. Drilled the bulkhead to merge the two sumps(I have another 2" bulkhead to add too once it comes in tonight or tomorrow) I also made a shelf for the sumps too:

Also, I made a shelf for an ATO. I haven't made/bought an ATO yet, its in the works, but not a high priority right now. Also, The shelf is high enough that I can slide out both sumps out from the front if needed(pictured)

Also, I even had enough time to paint it too! lol

And Lastly, when I ran to the airport, I got a part for my car on the way(thanks to shady crew on another site!)
The piece is installed now, but there was a huge hole in the bumper, the replaced piece is outlined in red:

 

[dwolson2]

Going at lunch to pick up vinegar, a GFCI outlet and some scrubbies. Got to get this thing cleaned up.... Its getting so close to being finished, I can almost taste it... That is till I start the shell. I really want to get this thing cycling!

 

[ange062]

Awesome looking project. Can't wait to see the water/rock when you get done with the stand.

 

[Scott B]

I must have misunderstood you, did you say you are painting the inside and the outside of the glass. If so, why the inside??