125gal full setup, needs to go. this weekend only.

[dogofwar]

Thanks Shane - how about the labor part itself (minus curing time)?

I proposed doing a DIY class and building some of these as part of a summer DIY workshop + picnic-type event (club buys the materials and food).

It was shot down because folks thought that it would be too much work for a day and that not many people would be interested.

Matt

[Tony]

Great looking background, Shane.

[Cartel]

Originally Posted by dogofwar

Thanks Shane - how about the labor part itself (minus curing time)?

I proposed doing a DIY class and building some of these as part of a summer DIY workshop + picnic-type event (club buys the materials and food).

It was shot down because folks thought that it would be too much work for a day and that not many people would be interested.

Matt

I would do this. Im going to start cleaning my tank this weekend now that its empty and this would be a prime time to do something like this.

[Shane]

I proposed doing a DIY class and building some of these as part of a summer DIY workshop + picnic-type event (club buys the materials and food).

While I really like the idea of a meeting where we make something, I have to agree that it would be a bit much.

Construction is a minimum of two full days and three is much better. The base primer has to cure for several hours (best overnight) before adding the epoxy. Then the epoxy has to set up for several hours (again better overnight) before adding the sealant coat, which itself needs to dry overnight.

We could make "throw away" backgrounds where we do not let the layers dry, but material cost for even a medium-sized background is around $40.

I love the idea but have to agree it is not practicle.
-Shane

[turfboss]

I agree Shane does not seem like a doable project for a meeting - however - some step by step pics and dicsussion on the DIY forum (as we can see a lot of right here in these sets of photos) is really helpful -

I am just bringing up my two 150 gal tanks - have the bases done but had done nothing yet for lighting - I really like the open air look to your lights on the frame behind the tank - what lights did you use there??

George

[Shane]

George,
Those are available at Home Depot for $40 each and come with a built in dimmer switch and ready to plug in. I really like them and am using them on several tanks. The only drawback is that, especially if turned up high, they can get hot as they use 50 watt MR 16 halogen bulbs. I would recommend four inches or more clearence between the lights and the top of the tank, but I do not know any other way to get a 150 watt light fixture for $40 with a built in dimmer and ready to plug in.
Another option is to replace the halogen bulbs in them with LEDs. LED MR 16 bulbs run just over $20 each. I may eventually hybrid them with two halogens and one LED per fixture.
http://www.wholesaleled.com/collecti...FYio4AodGGIHgg
-Shane