Proof

[Psycho graphic]

I've been working on an upgrade for 18 months now. It's not a big upgrade, just from a 30 to a 40Br. I have made enough posts mentioning it that I'm sure some of you are saying "yeah right" Well all that is stopping me now is finishing the Canopy and Stand. With help from my father (he built the framework for the stand) I might actually have it up by the new year. If I don't it's not a big deal to me, but the closer it gets, the more "Amped" I get. The plan for the Stand and Canopy is to make it look like a monument. I Custom Paint cars as part of my job and have modified a spraygun that will shoot a splatter pattern and have fake Granite down to a science. I can even Airbrush it to look cracked and weathered from the rain.

Anyway, here is proof that it's close to a reality.

 

[Awibrandy]

Can't wait to see it finished! I believe it is going to be a really nice piece of art.. Hurry, now you got me wanting to see it finished.

 

[nanoreefer22]

Looks nice but is that some kind of composite board on the top? That might pose a problem with water absorbtion and warping later on .

 

[Psycho graphic]

It indeed is MDF and I seal the Crap out of it. I have built 3 canopies out of it with no problems yet, I have one that is still bare and after a year it shows no signs of deterioration. The one that I sealed is about 2yrs old and has survived water being spilled on it many many times. This one will get sealed with Polyester Resin (the stuff you use for fiberglassing).

 

[nanoreefer22]

Coool Can't wait to see the finished product!

 

[Tim]

Hurry up and finish already:kidding:.......

 

[Psycho graphic]

A couple of pics with the Granite effect.

 

[NYreefNoob]

nice work, but doing the granite effect does it still stay smooth or have a texture to it ? is it kinda like doing a marble ?

 

[Psycho graphic]

It lays much flatter than you would think, 3 coats of clear, sand and buff and it's smooth as glass.

If you are talking about a Marblizer, no it's not that smooth, but as I said it lays pretty flat.

 

[masterswimmer]

Dave, you've got almost 3,500 members here drooling. Come on now, the time has come to reveal the goods. I know it's going to look like it belongs in the Museum of Modern Art. Let the pix begin.

swimmer

 

[NYreefNoob]

did you spray it as a splatter ? low pressure on the gun with a larger head ? lol believe me i know how to hide paint thickness, i mainly use to do ghost graphic's never really got any good with the airbrush on doing pic's, just pattern's

 

[Psycho graphic]

The doors are cut and the edges rounded. I'm glad I had my fathers help on this one, he helped me rabbit the edges of them so they sit in the openings. I would have just made them flush, I think this is a much nicer look. I did'nt want it to look like two doors, I wanted it to look like one raised panel and I feel this has been accomplished. With a little luck, tomorrow I hope to nail and glue the "skin" onto the frame of the stand.

 

[masterswimmer]

Nice job and nice pic update. Keep them coming.

swimmer

 

[KathyC]

Looking good Dave!
The concept of the canopy with the side 'pocket' looks suspiciously familiar :scratchch

 

[Psycho graphic]

Looking good Dave!
The concept of the canopy with the side 'pocket' looks suspiciously familiar :scratchch

Now I wonder how you could of possibly got the idea for yours?:scratch:

 

[Psycho graphic]

I got the skin nailed and glued on today.

Another thing I did was make it so the tank could sit to the left or to the right.
Tank on the right.

Tank on the left.

 

[Psycho graphic]

The framework is covered, and tonight I started hanging canopy doors. Tomorrow I will try to get the stand doors done. Then I have the front T5 light and halide mounts to install and it will be sand, prep and paint.

Now the hardest part, desinging a paintjob for myself. Seeing as the base will be fake granite, i could airbrush carvings of fish and some cool inverts. Or I could turn it into a headstone with the expaination of my death as an overdose from an addiction to reefing. @What to do?

Well I guess it won't be done by the new year.:sad2:

I started this 18 months ago, so a little longer won't kill me!

 

[masterswimmer]

Dave, beautiful workmanship.
IMO I wouldn't do anything so outlandish that it will detract from the beauty of what you're going to keep inside it. I like the granite faux finish, but don't do any pix of fish, coral, inverts, etc. Save that for the livestock inside.

JM $.02

Looking good my friend, and have a wonderful new year.

Russ

PS - No comment on the headstone. May you have a long, healthy and prosperous life.

 

[pnoyreefer]

Dave nice work !.. Its coming along pretty good and glad that you live close to me as I can learn so much from you... Keep us updated

 

[Psycho graphic]

I'm not so sure about craftsmanship Russ! I will need to do a lot of sanding and finishing before I paint this thing. As for ther "carved" airbrush images, I was thinking small images along the top of the stand, done in a way it would look like trim.

Steve, when are we starting your project?