45 Gallon Reef - first FTS shot with scape and a FISH!!

[phi delt reefer]

Thanksgiving was productive - ate a ton and worked on the stand some more. Painted and caulked the frame with some outdoor paint. Also made some adjustments and added a couple more finishing panels. I have three more panels to cut (right sump door is cut but we are going to mount with a piano hinge - which i still have to buy :angry



the left side is made of two panels, i still have to sand that filler - i am already $300 into this build so i cant keep buying full sheets of plywood for each side, lol. Plus you wont be able to see that side head on due the layout of my living room - AND its going to be stained satin black - maybe 5-6 coats. I like my black


door open - my goofy three year old saying CHEEEEEEESEEEEEEE to give a size perspective



had to fully notch the 2x4 to get this euro hinge to sit right. Used a 2x2 to re-brace it. The top portion of the stand will only hold electronics and test kits so its not a big deal. Plus the entire box has two 1/2" panels (left and back) holding things square. Theres also a 1/4" panel up top.


hood panel closed


hood panel open


heres the "holding" mechanism i used - ten bucks at HD as opposed to $30 for a mini shock



and pose...