I had some free time today and decided to build a canopy for my 29 gallon tank. I've always loved the look of a hood and I am way to cheap to buy one. So, with $20 and some free time I went to Home Depot and bought some semi-cheap popular board and some nails. I still need to cut the lid and attache it with some hinges. And, I need to paint the inside white and either stain or paint the outside black. Here are some pictures, and feel free to comment.
Haha, ignore the extra long T5 light on top right now, my 30" didn't fit because of the longer length.
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If you end up staining pick up some PL brand filler for the nail holes, it takes stain really well.
PL brand? Is it sold at HD or Lowes? What's the consensus on stain over paint around here? I know it's my project and I am leaning towards stain but does paint have any advantages over stain with SW?
I buy mine at Lowe's. I haven't seen it at HD, at my store at least.
Both finishes stand up well. Stain needs to be finished with polyurethane, which is a rock solid finish. Really depends on what you like. Since you went with poplar, I would say stain it.
I do 3 coats of poly minimum (normally around 5) on any fish tank related woodworking, just to be sure it's tightly sealed against the water.
Mini update. I filled all the holes with some PL filler recommended by Wharyat. Good stuff, sands easily. I also picked up some Ebony stain while I was there too. I am a bit partial to ebony/black furniture. I'll probably paint the stand black or buy a new one in a couple months. I'll post pics of the final stain and polyurethane and with the hinged lid too.
"The depth of dark water's should never go undiscovered"
Tim 
