Need some ideas on how to cover my sump

[Peekay]

So, my tank's been up and running for a few months now, with the sump exposed for the whole world to see (see picture).

I'm looking for suggestions on what to construct to cover the sump. I was thinking of covering up the 2x4's with a nice piece of wood (eventually would paint it) and then rigging up some sort of magnetic cover so it would like a piece of wainscoting. I suppose I could build doors, but I don't want to put a brace in the middle of the sump space.

Any other good ideas?

 

[sbash]

I use a product called SurePly for these sort of projects. It's basically a 4' x 4' sheet of 1/4" plywood.

Eitherway, 1/4" plywood is an easy way to go. If you cut it to the exact hole (outside the frame, in the cubby) you could friction fit it. Cheap, easy, effective.

It really depends how crafty you want to get. I would use plywood to cover the 2x4s, then add doors. I would also use the hold I just cut out of the plywood and frame it into one or two doors with invisible hinges.

As for your centre support comment, since it doesn't need to be load bearing, you could add a fake support (i.e. removable), just for the aesthetics of a clean seam.

 

[dantimdad]

I would cut a piece of 1/2" plywood to cover the whole front of the stand and buy n52 countersunk magnets.

Paint the plywood.

It will look nice.

I did my doors that way on my stand and am glad I did. No hinges to rust, they move completely out of the way in seconds.

 

[dantimdad]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XN6L65J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Peekay]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XN6L65J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think that is a great idea. With the sheer size of the space, I think I'm going to require more than 4 magnets! Now I have a project for the weekend!

 

[dantimdad]

Trust me, you won't even need the four.

Those magnets are so strong it's ridiculous.

I am using 1 in the center top of my two side doors because I put two in the front door and have to yank at it to take it off!

N52 magnets are no joke, just ask @cromag27 He has info on his site about them.

 

[ZoWhat]

 

[dantimdad]

You could paint it the wall color and put a piece of your baseboard on the bottom painted to match the rest. It would look built in.

 

[dantimdad]

I take back all my suggestions. This FTW!