check out my DIY hood!!

[dodgefreak8]

well everyone, since my aro got sick I stopped working on my hood for my 220. I just got it pretty well put together today and now I need to finish it here are some pics..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0099.jpg
this is a pic of the whole thing closed. still need to add the front doors.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0100.jpg
this is the very top lid. I plan to attach my lights to this top so that they can be accessed to change the bulbs. Just using regular shop lights
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0103.jpg
this is the secondary lid. I will get into the tank for access in the tank. also the plexi glass will be sealed to this piece to keep moisture from the lights.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0104.jpg
here is the pics of both lids open for a better idea. let me know what you guys think and some odeas you may have.. thanks
Justin

[Loubard]

Looking good!! Nice DIY.

[dialphantom]

very good job it looks like one ud buy but better awsome

[spryandspringy]

That is gorgeous! You are very talented. Ever thought of starting your own business? You've got a whole bunch of prospective customers right here! :-)

[guppy]

Very nice. Is there venting for heat from the lights? What kind of finish will you use?

[rayman45]

your diy is great

good work

[dodgefreak8]

thanks for all the reply's and compliments, there will be venting for heat I am adding a variable speed fan on the back left corner and a vent cover on the back right so it will draw air through the hood. all of the power will be in the hood so that there is only 1 chord coming from the unit. I will use the same stain as my stand its a bombay mohagany polyshade. is the stain and poly in one. I hadn't though of doing this for a profit but it might be interesting to try once maybe.. thanks again
Justin

[redtailfool]

Great job. I have to admire your dedication to that silver aro. Hope youll have better luck with the new one.

[dodgefreak8]

thanks, they are a very addictive fish and when you watch them as much as I do you get attached very quickly. the new aro is already getting to me. I just hope I can provide a better life for this one. thanks again

[neoprodigy]

very nice work.... keep up the good work.... hope you get another aro soon...

[guppy]

Very cool!

[blueice24]

nice.
r u going to paint that hood with marine paint

[dodgefreak8]

no i will stain it and paint the inside white with exterior house paint. thanks

[Steve_89]

It looks very good :)

[milesj60]

How long would you say it took to make this hood yourself?

[dodgefreak8]

if I would of worked on it every day straight I think it would of took me about a week and a half to finish

[arofanatics]

great sharing!!!!

[D4MI4N]

Very nice.

[islander671]

Nice! Id like to attempt something like that.

[amatheum]

any pics of it on the tank yet? looks wicked by the way!

[marshy]

Great Work!
Do keep us posted on the final placement of the hood.

[pacu]

well everyone, since my aro got sick I stopped working on my hood for my 220. I just got it pretty well put together today and now I need to finish it here are some pics..
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0099.jpg
this is a pic of the whole thing closed. still need to add the front doors.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0100.jpg
this is the very top lid. I plan to attach my lights to this top so that they can be accessed to change the bulbs. Just using regular shop lights
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0103.jpg
this is the secondary lid. I will get into the tank for access in the tank. also the plexi glass will be sealed to this piece to keep moisture from the lights.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/dodgefreak8/000_0104.jpg
here is the pics of both lids open for a better idea. let me know what you guys think and some odeas you may have.. thanks
Justin

thats really nice

[dodgefreak8]

here is the post where I got it done and mounted. Enjoy and thanks for looking
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3694

[guppy]

Sweet

[Mattcomptonassvanhorn]

That is badass!

[coil1002]

That’s gorgeous :D Great wood working

[searcyb]

do you have blueprints for something like that or did you do it freehand... its awsome by the way I am very impressed

[softturtle]

looks fresh off the assembally line.

[dodgefreak8]

thanks everyone for the coments. I don't have blueprints for it as I did it all freehand but I would be willing to explain if someone was interested. thanks again

[craig]

There is a very large market here in NY for the talent and skills you posess.Your work is outstanding.Good luck on your next arro.

[dodgefreak8]

thanks a bunch. I am sort of thinking over the idea of making some of these on a small scale level but its hard to find time with a full time job.. thanks again and the new aro is doing great..

[RobertP]

That looks really nice. I build a stand last year and used a stain and sealer and it worked well but if I did it again I would use a separate stain and sealer because of possible runs.

[wism_chan]

Nice nice and good job .....

[joeytoe]

Nice!!!!! it looks great, Ive yet to try an build my own hood. Ive only made myself one stand.

you do great work. :thumbsup: