Sean's 8.5G Rimless Reef - 3/07/2013

Wire management coming late next week.

I used rubber/foam matting for shelf liner that I cut to size. This is just extra stuff I had laying around.

 

very sanitary.. great simple design..and it looks like maximum space for "stuff" .. way to go Sean.
btw..
Patient Bear...LOL funny stuff...very funny stuff.. : )

 

I worked with it in doors at work, but I don't know if that's the best option. See if a low VOC is available. The stuff drips alot if applied too heavily. Oh, wear gloves.

 

Having just spray painted my tank, I would NOT suggest using it. Even if you cover everything up, the mist WILL find its way into the tank. I spent 30 minutes wiping down the inside and outside of my tank walls with turpintine to get it off. Couldnt see it, but the rag came off with lots of black.

Poly COULD be done indoors, if you have good ventilation. Apply quickly to keep a "wet edge", as it dries very fast. And make sure you have a drip sheet underneath, the stuff sticks to everything. Remember, mulitple thin coats will look alot better than a few thick ones. Thick applications will run....

Good luck!

 

What type of wood did you use?

 

Hey, Biocube.

The sides, floor, door, and shelf are 1/2" birch plywood and are part of the actual stand, not just a skin. The struts are 1x2 dimensional pine (actual size is about 0.75" x 1.5") and are there for support (because the tank is not sitting on the plywood end grain, but rather between the sides). The walls are glued and screwed together (8 x 1 M4.2 x 25.4 wood screws and Tightbond III Ultimate Wood Glue), so it is all one piece. There is no board on top where the tank sits, just struts. The shelf is not glued in, but instead sits on the pine supports (which are glued/scewed to side wall). Paint should be able to cover up the small chips along the edge of the wood.

I fixed the hinge today so the door fits right. Now, if I could just find the magnetic catch to install it...

 

Thanks!

 

If someone does go this route, be sure to pre-drill the holes for screws so you don't split the pine. I also used a countersink bit so I could putty over the screw holes and they would be invisible with a coat of paint. You can see what I'm talking about in my last post.

 

You should add some iron on wood tape to cover up the rim of the wood. It will really put a nice touch on it. You could also apply some stain-able wood filler over the wood screws too.

 

agreed..nice inexpensive finishing touch...
I don't think you would regret it. : )