TOTW 2-15-10 Canopy build with MDF

[MyNameIsJoe]

I am going to attempt to build a simple design Canopy for my 55 gallon using MDF (medium-density fibreboard). Has anybody worked with MDF before? and, any advice? Details will be added to this thread as the project progresses. I'll prolly start 2 morrow. But, any advice from those who have worked with MDF previously?

Tanks,

.Joe.

[gregony]

Make sure you paint the edges, otherwise it might "shed" little pieces into your tank. You're in a pretty dry climate, so it shouldn't disintegrate on you. That stuff's so heavy I just can't deal with it. A quarter sheet of 1/2 plywood would probably do the trick, and would set you back less than 20 bucks.

[scubadude]

I think this would be ok but I personally wouldnt do it unless you fiberglass or epoxy it afterwards, because the saltcreep and moisture levels will just trash it otherwise.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Nice input. Thanks. I bought a 1/2" sheet of MDF for around $20 at Home Depot. I like this material b/c it doesnt have a grain and will provide for a smooth surface (even though it produces a messy powder when cut). However, I did consider plywood. I am going to look into a good sealant to use because the issue scuba brought up was a concern in the back of my mind. Now it's a concern in the front of my mind...
I will definitely be posting more so maybe others can learn from my mistakes, or hopefully just learn from my project without mistakes....

[MyNameIsJoe]

Here are some pics that I have so far.

These are the majority of the materials I am using for the 55 gal canopy build.
1/2" MDF, wood glue, wood screws, triangle, pencil and so on...

[MyNameIsJoe]

Side panels up close.
Used a 50+ tooth saw blade on the circular saw to get a clean cut. Measured twice cut once..

[MyNameIsJoe]

Side panels go on. I know you guys like my advanced workbench.
Used a countersink drill bit to drill guide holes before driving in the screws to minimize the wood splitting.

Ended up using more than 3 screws on each side for added stability. Also, glue was applied to wood before screws were put in.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Vertical and horizontal braces go in on each side. To make the braces I used epoxy to glue 2 pieces of MDF. If I were to redo this, I would use a solid piece of wood. Approximately 1" x 8" x 1". They were glued and screwed in. I did a sloppy job but I'm sure the braces will serve their purpose just fine. All screw holes and crevices were sealed using epoxy based wood putty.

That's it for now. Headed outa town for a few days. When I get back I'll cut pieces for the rear panel board and lid. Then i'll start the priming and sanding and painting........

'till then......

[MyNameIsJoe]

Here is the canopy and trim primed. At first I used rust-oleum primer, but it didn't seem to put a good coat on the MDF. Went to HD and picked up some KILZ primer which worked perfectly.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Close to the final product, canopy with lid and trim and first coat of black. Not sure whats up with the little ghost orbs, must be from the clear coat i just sprayed on the inside of the canopy.

[MyNameIsJoe]

Here is a shot with the lid open, I used four simple hinges to hold it on. Also a close-up of the trim and a shot of the open back. At first I was going to put trim on the top and bottom, but I think just having trim on top alone may look better. Also, not sure if I'm gonna put some vertical braces in the back, it seems to be stable enough without them. We'll see how it goes..

hopefully the canopy will be complete by tomorrow. This is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. Most of the time is spent waiting for the primer, paint, or wood putty to dry/cure.
Next up will be the final product installed on the tank. I'm gonna try the photobucket method of posting pics. These uploaded pics seem to be a little small.

[MyNameIsJoe]

before

after

[MyNameIsJoe]

A few more pics of the final product. I might actually take it down and add another coat or two at a later date to maintain the "new" look.

[Bloodydecks]

Nice work Joe! Watch the moisture build up. you "may" get some warpage. If this happens, you should close in the back, and install two small circulation fans. One blowing in, and the other blowing out. If you don't close in the back, it won't work as well.

Also, try using a brass Piano Hinge if you end up with the hinges coming loose.

Also, for astatic purposes, you might like it the looks if you add a aquarium background to the tank. Solid black would be my choice. The fish will stand out more, it will hide the equipment and wires, and the algae won't be as visible.

Oceanvisions Background - Crystal Black - 30 in. High (Sold by foot) | Backgrounds, Self-Adhesive | Backgrounds | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

[scubadude]

Very nice work, I nominate for TOTW

[metalhead]

Nice work!!!

Suggestion... Why don't you attach some mylar to the inside of the canopy to reflect more light? I would also go ahead and take Bloody's advice on the fans.

Either way though very good work, looks great!

[MyNameIsJoe]

Cool, thanks. My light setup is actually in its own canopy with individual reflectors under the hood. I'm mostly just using the canopy to hide the lights and other equipment. If i do decide to mount lights to the hood, the mylar is a good idea. Also, the moisture does not seem to be a problem. the climate is very dry out here in New mexico. Even though the evaporation rate is super high, I dont see the moisture affect the materials at all, might be the clear coat helping me out.. Thanks for the reply.

Also...Im gonna take bloody's advice, not with the fans just yet, but with the black background.

[reeftry1]

when workin w/fiber or particle board(mdf) u dont want it around moisture its great idea, will save a lot of money and house any lights custom fit use a solid wood oak , pine,cherry something less pouris so u can seal it with linseed oil, polyurethane, after u have stained or painted it to your desired color this will prevent from rought and ucan wipe of with damp rag with no prblems will last forever another idea get u some crown molding of your choice and top it off will look great. hope that helps let me know if u need anything or have any questions

[Musbtr1pin]

when workin w/fiber or particle board(mdf) u dont want it around moisture its great idea, will save a lot of money and house any lights custom fit use a solid wood oak , pine,cherry something less pouris so u can seal it with linseed oil, polyurethane, after u have stained or painted it to your desired color this will prevent from rought and ucan wipe of with damp rag with no prblems will last forever another idea get u some crown molding of your choice and top it off will look great. Hope that helps let me know if u need anything or have any questions

holy grammar!!!!

[MyNameIsJoe]

LOL. That was quite the run-on sentence, don't cha think?