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DIY Canopy. DONE

53K views 20 replies 14 participants last post by  Grouper  
#1 ·
#3 ·
It is Just Standard 48" Floressant lights, They are 65,000K. I dont know if they are T-5. I bought them at the home depot. The whole thing,Wood, lights and bulb only cost be $55.00. I saved a bunch of money.
 
#6 ·
I'm thinking of going a similar route except instead of just running them regular, I'll be overdriving the bulbs. Should give me about 2 WPG for less than $40 or so. Wood is free since my dad has a bunch anyways (which hopefully isn't warped).

Sure is a bright tank!
 
#7 ·
Ya It is bright. That photo the water was really cloudy. Here is a pic from when I was done scaping and clear water.

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I am re-doing the canopy on my 29G the same way this weekend.

MAHA
 
#9 ·
That canopy looks very sturdy and strong.

I can't picture that going anywhere very easily. Not like the cat can knock it off. :D

How do you reach your hands to the bottom of the tank with the canopy on?
 
#13 ·
I remove the canopy to do Major tank maint, W/C and Major Trims.

I now have Green Water, When I added my Othet 4 Angels the Ammonia Spiked and I didnt catch it so I have Green Water. I will be doing some W/C in the next couple of days to get rid of it.

Ya 6500K Typo.

The Frame for the Canopy sits on top of the tank. You can make a wood Frame to fit Over the Broken one. It will need to be Braced also. You would have to Seal the wook really well to it wont swell. It would have to be measured and fitted while the tank is Empty for maximum effect. It will have to be snug. It is an idea worth trying.

MAHA
 
#14 ·
Yes, the green water is likely the combination of the tank still cycling, lots of light and not enough plants(yet) :)
Do you run Co2? Do you dose ferts, like No3, Po4, K, iron, etc? If not, its always recommended to start doing so right away, as well as start injecting the Co2. This is, however, assuming that the tank is heavily planted. I'm sure things will settle once the tank gets established and things start growing. Maybe back off on the lighting until then? You have the lights on separate switches right? (I see more than one ballast, so I would guess so, unless they were spliced into one) Nice work on that canopy! That is definately some good craftsmanship. Good luck and enjoy the plants I'm sending you.
-Ryan
 
#15 ·
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DIY 160 Watts 6500K lights
Nice work on that canopy! That is definately some good craftsmanship.
Ditto.
160/75=2.13 wpg. Very nice!
 
#17 ·
Thats great! Iv been thinking about making a canopy my self, and came across yours. I think Ill try and tackle this project tomorow afternoon.
Is there any advice you could give me in advance?
even the measurments of the openings would be great!
When its all finsihed up, I plan to try and stain it black. Or ebony?
O yea, One more thing, What kind of wood did you use for the front and sides?
Thanks a bunch!
Alan