DIY Canopy

[Silly me]

It seems like most people that want to setup a planted tank doesn’t have enough space in the standard canopy to add the right amount of lights.

I have made lots of canopy and would like to show everyone, how simple and cheap it could be. I'm still busy making the stand and canopy, so it might take some time but keep a look out, as I will be updating as I go along.



Firstly this is what I have, a crappie canopy no space and UNGLY..

a second picture from the front, I want to remove the fish tank from the bottom as it were I want to put my sump for the top tank. It will be hidden when I'm done.

You'll need some wood, any that you like would be good. I choose 4mm ply, its light, cheap and I will cover it with a oak finish so it will look expensive when done.

the only tools you'll need is, a hammer, wood glue some small nails, and I will be using white pool fiberglass resin to seal inside of the canopy and since its white it will serve as a white reflector as well

The light I will be installing, for those of you that doesn’t know I always overdo my lights, the 10 gallon will have 60watts .. 6wpg and the 29gallon will have 160watts what just over 5wpg
I know it sound like a lot but wait till you see my tank before comments. pls

This how the 10g's canopy looks at the moment, just nail and glued together to form a box shape

This is the inside, the open side is where the HOB filter will hang. before I seal the wood with the resin I am first going to add a shoulder for the canopy stand on

So far this is day one. day 2 to follow tomorrow.

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

This is great!! I plan on making my canopy using your ideas.

 

[smithrc]

any tips if your not too keep on big wooden tops??

Sorry - sounded rude...

What is the minimum room needed for the bulbs?

 

[Doggfather]

looking great Silly Me!

This is exactly what i'v been wanting to build for my 25 gallon tank! can't wait to see what happens on day 2

Keep up the great work

 

[spottedbovine]

hooray, grand, looks great, much better than ur old 1

 

[Silly me]

This option took the longest, waiting for the resin to dry

I also nailed the shoulder in

now a little sanding and the white layer of resin the inside of the canopy will be sealed

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Looks Great. Keep us posted.

 

[Doggfather]

any updates?

I'v been checking this thread 5 times

 

[Silly me]

I have lots if photos that I must down load from the camera I'll post them asap,

 

[Doggfather]

I have lots if photos that I must down load from the camera I'll post them asap,

thanks

As soon as you've told us how to do it' i'll be off the the hardware store

 

[~AQUAMAN~]

WORK FASTER..I'M WAITING ON YOU ~~:jj:~~ CANT WAIT
ZOE

 

[Silly me]

Currently here is the bottom view, its got 1 layer of white fider glass resin and 2 layers of clear resin ontop

nice shiny outside, 2 coats on clear vanish

the length of the light I am useing.

it will have three in total over a ten gallon, to get 60 watts.

here is how I am goin to fasten them to the inside of the canopy, hopeing I dont have to use anything metal

a close up in the inside of the canopy

 

[myenigmaself]

May I second, how are you going to feed your fish? Also, how are you going to run current through the lamps?

 

[smithrc]

what about cleaning / changing the bulbs?

 

[Silly me]

there will be a feeding place, you'll see. and the bulds would be changed like normal, I'll only have to remove 2 small plastic nuts.