Final projects before the fish

It is has been a while since my last post.  I waited until the Christmas vacation to continue my project.  Here are some of the final touches I had to accomplish before I added fish.

1. Build a cover for my tank to block sunlight and stop fish from jumping out.
2. Build a small box to house the air pump unit.
3. Make a filter so the small fish cannot leave the tank.
4. Research the most cost effective way to obtain Tilapia. (Internet)

The cover for the tank did not take too long.  I bought a three more 1x2's and constructed the lattice you see below.  I then used some left over "weed mat" material and staple gunned three layers to the bottom.  This will work for now.
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Next, I used some of the scrap pieces of plywood, 2x4's, and 1x2's to make a small box.  I then bought a couple of hinges for my door and then painted.  This did not take long

I then bought a 1 1/2" pipe.  I did not have any left over from the initial plumbing.  Black pipe was what Home Depot had at the time.  I then drilled a series of holes in the pipe as seen below.

I need to find a small mesh to place over the pipe.  My local Pet Co. had the small filter bags you see below. 

I placed a 1 1/2" cap on one end, placed the bag over it, secured it down with the clamps and then added the male 1 1/2" coupling and then screwed this into the female 1 1/2" bulkhead fitting in the fish tank.

Lastly, I placed my box in its location an ran the temporary electricity to it. 

Now I am ready for the Tilapia.  No problem right.......  Well, lets just say it wasn't as easy I thought.... Stay tuned.