Jumping In! My tank diary begins.

[lastlight]

Yes for me the reward already has been immense. I've never had a space to mess around in and now having a basement allows me to do just that. This stand will surely cost more than a retail one but in the end I made it, I know it's strong, and i can make it exactly as I want it (with my limited skillset). Plus, like you said, It's a chance to learn. I'm on a computer all day and it's nice to do some hands-on work like this.

I expect to save on the canopy as I bought a retrofit 250 W MH fixture but I wouldn't be surprised if I spend as much or more than a comparable retail unit by the time I'm done putting fans in etc.

Brett

[GMGQ]

Good to hear, Brett! You know what's weird for me, I actually bought a ready-made DIY hood that had 2 x MH moguls, spider reflectors, fans, grills, and 2 x 250W Icecap ballasts, shipped from a guy in the states, and it was significantly ($100?) cheaper than buying those parts locally, even after shipping and duties.

I just took the parts out and put them into my own DIY hood.

Having done these projects, I cant wait to get my own fixer-upper house and renovate it myself, just like those home improvement shows! haha

Originally Posted by lastlight

Yes for me the reward already has been immense. I've never had a space to mess around in and now having a basement allows me to do just that. This stand will surely cost more than a retail one but in the end I made it, I know it's strong, and i can make it exactly as I want it (with my limited skillset). Plus, like you said, It's a chance to learn. I'm on a computer all day and it's nice to do some hands-on work like this.

I expect to save on the canopy as I bought a retrofit 250 W MH fixture but I wouldn't be surprised if I spend as much or more than a comparable retail unit by the time I'm done putting fans in etc.

Brett

[christyf5]

Hehe, I love your writing. Pretty funny stuff

Great looking stand. Reminds me of my own, built by my dad (he has the better tools and needed a "retirement project"). I call it the Tank for the tank.

[lastlight]

Way past my bedtime AGAIN.

But I made some minor progress with the stand:

http://www.reef.thelastlight.net/#feb_6_2006

Brett

[TheReefGeek]

Looking good. A circular saw with an edge guide would be easier and more accurate than a jigsaw for those types of cuts in the future. They are about $99 for a laser guided one at sears or cantire.

[lastlight]

Yeah you're probably right about the accuracy. I was worried about wrecking the laminated maple edges with the circular saw as my blade isn't all that new. Maybe I'll pick up a new blade for it test it on a scrap piece.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Brett

[muck]

I used a router with a flush-cut bit on my stand.