Zilla's 90g Stand & Canopy Build

[RobZilla04]

I decided to share this build with the good folks here at RC. This build took nearly two months just working a few hours on the weekends. Hopefully someone will find this useful in the future.

Started with a stand frame made of 2x4s.

Once the stand was framed I tested it by filling with water. I only waited several hours, but also took a few pix and shared them here to get opinions on the strength.

Next we skinned the stand and cut out the access panels.

I copied another users canopy frame. His build can be found here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2606812&highlight=flipper

Next a cross brace was added. This would hold a new set of lights (Viparspectra LED).

Skinned the canopy next and cut out more access panels. Decided to add them on the side as well.

Made the doors from plywood and trimmed the edges for a finished look.

I did make the stand doors from the same thin plywood and ended up having to remake them due to bowing. Remade with 3/4" plywood and trimmed the same.

Added some trim and molding on the bottom and top of the stand as well as to the top of the canopy.

 

[RobZilla04]

Paint was next. Went with a flat nova white to match the rest of what my wife calls the "fish room".

Once the paint dried I used Amerock hinges to hide most of the hardware. Also used simple cheap window seal from Home Depot on the door edges for a softer close.

Added the last pieces of hardware, boat cleats for door handles. Lots of touch up paint because of the flat color and constant handling while aligning the doors. The final product.

Enjoy

 

[Hyde7278]

How much does the canopy weigh? Is there a concern that the tank is the only thing supporting the canopy weight?

 

[lukewithcats]

looks great man, all those access panels will come in handy I'm sure.

 

[RobZilla04]

How much does the canopy weigh? Is there a concern that the tank is the only thing supporting the canopy weight?

I didn't put it on a scale but it's extremely light. 1x2s make the frame and the plywood skin is thin. The lights inside add to the weight obviously but my concern level is "none".

I heavily researched before the build.

 

[RobZilla04]

looks great man, all those access panels will come in handy I'm sure.

Thanks. I highly suggest anyone who is doing something similar also make access doors on the sides of the canopy.

 

[Hyde7278]

I didn't put it on a scale but it's extremely light. 1x2s make the frame and the plywood skin is thin. The lights inside add to the weight obviously but my concern level is "none".

I heavily researched before the build.

Thanks for the reply. Really looks great.

 

[SaguaroSteve]

This turned out awesome, looks great!

 

[RobZilla04]

This turned out awesome, looks great!

Thank you!

 

[surferarnie]

Grest job, looks incredible.gota post som pics when you get her filled up!

 

[RobZilla04]

Grest job, looks incredible.gota post som pics when you get her filled up!

Guess I forgot to come back and do that. Been up for a few weeks now...

All blue after 6p and a lil cloudy cause I just fed fish & coral.

:fish2:

 

[RCERNA280]

any update on this tank build?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[tipman92]

how tall is your base? i like the taller build! Great job!

 

[lmm1967]

Is the canopy just resting on the top with no overhangs at all? Does it not have a tendency to move around?

 

[Johnsreefer]

Looks great

 

[RobZilla04]

any update on this tank build?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

Sorry Ive been off the forums for a while as my job transferred me.

Things are still solid as can be and I'm very happy with how it turned out :spin1:

 

[RobZilla04]

how tall is your base? i like the taller build! Great job!

It is taller than most. > 30" (34" if my memory serves me right). I didn't like how folks had to lean over to look into the tank for a close look.

Thanks!!!

 

[RobZilla04]

Is the canopy just resting on the top with no overhangs at all? Does it not have a tendency to move around?

The thin plywood skin hangs over the outside of the tank less than 1/4". This keeps it in place.

The canopy is light, until the lights get placed inside. I still recommend having a slight overhang just in case it gets bumped hard.

 

[RobZilla04]

Update:

11 months after upgrading from 55 to 90. I've done some re-aquascaping. Also sharing some pix of the stand and canopy opened up.

 

[reeftanknewbie]

great looking setup. thanks for sharing