200 Gal DIY Project W/D Sump&Canopy

[Triton]

Maybe I should have titled this thread, 200g: will take a long time.
Last September, I got the wood for the canopy, cut it into the proper lengths and then stained it in one day. I had the wood drying in the shed outside. When the stain was done drying, I decided it wasn't the right shade and looked for a darker stain. A week later, I found the right stain, but the weather started getting worse. Nine months later, the weather is now more bearable and I finished staining it, dried it and nailed it all together. Two days work over nine months

Well, here's my completed canopy...

 

[Triton]

I re-organized the tank due to trying out some new plants in the tank. I'm trying out an idea to protect the plants from the goldfishes constant digging. Anubias, Java fern have survived. Java moss and anacharis ended up being lunch. Hoping the amazon sword and vals will be able to survive. Luckily, the driftwood has had no effect on my water clarity.

This should conclude my DIY sump/canopy for now. Thanks to all for the input.

 

[shrumr0690]

That is amazing, what you did to that tree stump. How long did it take?

 

[Triton]

When I first started sanding the wood with my dremel, it was a lot of work. I was using sandpaper, which wasn't working too well with the wet wood. I let it dry out for a month, then I used a steel carving bit. This speeded up things really good. The driftwood had a lot of surface area, cracks and nooks. Probably spent 12 hours total sanding it down over those two months. Could have done it in half the time if I started with the steel carving bit.

Thankfully, it came out pretty good in the end. I put it in the bathtub for a hot soaking and no visible tanins when I put it in the tank.

 

[katschamne]

The tank looks great. I really like the canopy. You matched the stand perfectly. I have to say I think adding a canopy really completes the look and makes it look like a piece of furniture.

 

[dleomd]

nice job!

 

[Triton]

Thanks, not to bad for my first time. Definitely a learning experience and worth all the money I saved!

 

[D-WALT]

oh man that tank is super nice! i really like the DIY sump!
ill be watching for updates