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Lets see your DIY Canopys

7K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  hoppycalif 
#1 ·
I am looking for ideas for my 10g tank. I have one made up but makes the top look a little too bulky. Once its finished I will post pics.
 
#3 ·
#4 ·
Here is the stand and canopy I built for my 100 Gal 15 Years ago, The stand was built 6" deeper than the tank and a support stand for the canopy was attached to the stand behind the tank, also providing space for the plumbing to the sump.

These are the only pics I have found of this setup. I know I have more but I don't know where they are, This pic was taken while moving the tank. Notice the dolly under the tank and the water level in the tank, I wouldn't recommend this method of moving but with 4 guys it worked.



This is the canopy open. it has 6 48" T-12 bulbs staggered for coverage and an early moon light, a 3 Watt clear bulb for a night light. the canopy is made out of Oak and Oak plywood for the top, it hinges up for tank access. the reflector is white epoxy paint.



I wish I still had this set up, I sold it for $500.00 about 8 years ago. :(
 
#10 ·
Thanks, I really liked it to but I got out of the hobby for a while and it took up a lot of space. Wish I had it back now.

nice hood bpimm, I'll be putting in an order shortly.
Maybe when I retire I'll have time to make it for you.;)

Beautiful cabinet and hood, both! Did you have any corrosion problems with the hinges?
Thanks Hoppy, no corrosion problems at all, the front three sides were rabbited to sit over the tank and the back of the reflector sat on the tank top and formed a crude seal. the back where the hinges are was open to room air.

Thanks for all the nice comments
 
#11 ·
This is really more of an excuse to show off my tank but...

Here is my canopy. The tank is a 46 bow and built into what used to be a bookcase. There is a before and 2 after pics, as you can see.

I decided to get a little creative and this is my result. Don't know if this will help you design yours but I get lots of comments on mine :D

BTW since this is my first post, i'd like to say hello to everyone. I really enjoy this forum.

mike





 
#16 ·
Thanks for the comments guys.

hoppycalif: The installation was the ONLY way i got a tank in the LR so it had to look built in! The bookshelf was 36" wide and I just happened to have a 46 bow laying around. The canopy come completely off. I have attached a pic.

bpimm: Hinged was the original plan, in fact i still have the 36" stainless steel hinge, but when I saw how easy it was just to take the entire top off and work with nothing in my way I decided to keep it that way. Not to mention no slamming down of the canopy or propping it up with a fish net or piece of uplift tubing or something like I used to do when i had a hinged top!

Yeaulman: the shelving tracks are for a shelf that i never built and my wife has decided that she would rather live without. Thats a good idea for a future setup though... and sorry for kinda hijacking your post :???:



My wife loves the tank so much now that when she came home to find a new planted nano on the kitchen counter one day she didn't even complain! :cool:

mike
 
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