Pics on how i built my canopy

[Mackman]

Hello all!

I had a few requests for pics on how i built my canopy, i want to say right off i didnt follow anything other then a idea in my head, it might not be great but i just went ahead and did what i thought would work.

First build a stick frame with the back lower the exact height needed for the framwork. so when you attach the "lid" it will be level on top, atach the lid with some hinges, paint everything (i used white for reflectiveness) then the "lid" should lower down and be supported by the framwork in the front, i have several pics i hope will halp in greater detail.

It was fairly easy to build, cost maybe 50 bucks, i used 2x1 for the framework and 1/4 inch oak plywood for the shell, then buy whatever trim you like ( for all the seams i just used L trim to make life alot easier on both the stand and canopy (the L trim is what you see everywhere except near the water, the water trim is the expensive decorative trim)


Any other questions let me know!

Good luck.
Mack

[steve1s]

Looks great!! 8)


Any other questions let me know!
Ya!! Wanna hop the boarder and bring your tools. :shock:

Cheers
Steve

[Phish]

That looks great, but I see one FATAL mistake, Is there no glass between the light and the water, if not the evap water could ruin the light fixture, and did you build in any fans, that could be a problem too.

But it looks great, hope you enjoy it for yearst to come!!! :D

[Mackman]

Steve you need anything just let me know, id be more then willing to help you out for all the assistance you have given me! (most of my tank is designed around reading here and tips from you and PH)

There is one fan running behind the tank, i plan on building one right into the canopy shortly untill then the little one pointing at the back and cooling the lights will have to do.

I was told not to cover the water, i have some acrylic covers but i havent used them to help with keeping temps lower, i am running between 80 and 81.
the lights are off the water a good 7 inches so the should not get any splashes. I thought about having some acrylic built into the canopy so that when you lift it off it takes the acrylic covers with it, and that would alow the covers to hang a little above the water to still alow for good gas exchange and cooler temps? Just a idea ive been playing with. (sure wish i had more time, if i was retired you'd all see some cool stuff!! hehehe)

thanks again.
Mack

PH 8.0.
Alk 3.5.
Calcium 420.
Salinity 1.025.
amonia 0.
nitrite 0.
nitrate 5.
120gal tank.
30gal sump seperate light sch then tank with macro algae.
heater/skimmer.
60lbs base 60lbs live rock.
5lbs live sand.
54 watt actinic 54 watts 10k T5. (lighted 11 hours)
Mag 24 pumping into two returns.
Moon light.

Occupants;
1 ocellirus clown (sp)
2 green cromis
about 20 snails and 5 blue leg hermits.