2.5 Gallon DIY Canopy and Stand Project

I would be interested in buying one.
Looks like a little router work went into it. I think I would be capable of building, minus the router work and that really adds a nice touch to it. Might be a good way for someone to make a little extra cash.
Wonder how the light are added? Cant tell in the pictures.
 
IDK what I'm doing. But maybe this will get you going in the right direction?
Just random sites found in yahoo search.

For the stand/base. Use this stuff...
http://www.crownmoldingshop.com/Mer...n=CTGY&Store_Code=MOLDING&Category_Code=CROWN
with a piece of plywood cut to fit inside.

then some 1x4's for the canopy.
with some simple trim. Should be close by the other stuff in the store.

I'm guessing something like this for the canopy...
25gcanopy03.jpg
 
You might want to figure out the size of everything. Then take a tape measure with you. Wood isn't the size it says it is.

I'm not sure of the exacts, but...
stuff like.
1x4 is only something like 3/4"x 3 1/2".

I've found plumbing is almost as bad as trying to figure out wood.
I suppose it makes it easier for someone in the respective trades. But it can be a nightmare for us PT/DIYers.

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I thought I'd better mention that part. So you didn't something like. 4" would be a perfect hieght. Go buy some 1x4's. Come home work on it for a week, just to set it on the tank a scratch your head for a couple of days, until you figured out the 1x4 you bought, wasn't 1" x 4".
 
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I don't think crown molding would work for this particular project. It's too big, and has to attach to two surfaces, 90 degrees from each other (ie. wall and ceiling). However, there are all kinds of hardwood molding profiles available, just go to Lowes or Home Depot and check them out. I will caution you, this may end up costing more than you think, even for a 2.5 gallon. Hardwood products are very expensive these days, as are varnishes and stains. If it were me, for a first time project at least, I'd use pine and paint grade molding. It'll be a lot less expensive, look almost as good, and is a lot easier to work with. Just my 2 cents.
 
I don't think crown molding would work for this particular project. It's too big, and has to attach to two surfaces, 90 degrees from each other (ie. wall and ceiling).

As I've already stated, IDK what I'm doing.
I do try to make up for it with imagination. ;)
But do tell me if I'm still thinking wrong. I don't want anyone wasting time and money. Because "I" thunk.

But wouldn't making a box(4 sides) with the crown molding, make it think its against a ceiling and wall? Well, kinda sorta. But it would all be against itself.

And if we're going with cheapness, with THE LOOK.
How about having the tank sitting on a layer or two of plywood. While the molding is just sat down around the tank and not contributing to any load?
The 3rd pic looks something like this, to me.


 
a bit of a dig up... but I saw this and thought of this thread....


PICDONWON.jpg

Its a bit different from the look you had going...its a bit more "modern" looking. I think its neat could be easier to build as well...

http://ottawa.en.craigslist.ca/hsh/1227625540.html

^^^ thats where I found it

PICDONWON.jpg
 
Good design. Just remember to get your main pieces of wood and the molding in the same type of wood. If not, since they take stain differently, it could look odd.
 
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