Brock Fluharty - Originally I wanted to have the hood be in two parts as it is now, but each side would be able to swivel out. Now that woulda been a real Lamborghini tank =)
Monty - Thanks for the kind words! I didn't do all the routering myself on this project. I don't have access to all the tools as I used to, so Im limited to what I can get away with in a small art room and a bathroom.. The staining I did here, which was probably a bad idea because Im sure ive lost some very important childhood memories due to all the fumes.
Cuttlegirl - I hear you on the ridiculously large and heavy hood thing. After my last tank, I realized I needed something different. Too bad I don't have a secret tank room on the other side of the tank like so many hardcore reefers do..
Delosa - I purchased the tank from a friend for 200 bucks. It was new and never used, so I couldn't pass up that deal for it would be similar in price as building my own tank. The glass is 1/2 inch thick and is sturdy as a rock. Only thing I dislike about it, is there are two braces that go across the top of the tank which block a small amount of light. I really wanted a glass tank though for a couple reasons. Tank transfer heat right through it, while plexi is an insulator and keeps the tank warm. And no matter how careful I am, my plexi tank will build up scratches.
While researching, on Reef Central, I saw a few incredible plywood tank builds. Its cheap, very easy to configure to your exact needs and pretty easily done. If you start that project, be sure to keep us posted with a lot of pictures!