[junkzoo]

please reefers!!! post or email me pics of your DIY canopies! i need ideas to implement in making up mine for my 75g reef. would like to have removable front and/maybe hinged top w/Hamilton retro unit attached to same. the cabinet-maker who would do this for me has NO idea on what i'm talking about without a drawing to work off of or pics to explain what i want to do. have gotten some pics and plans off this and other boards,but would like to get some more if i could.will go with front and both sides resting on tank frame,back will be open somewhat,,just need open on back side of frame to leave space to have the "hang -on" stuff,,,,skimmer ,filter hoses etc. Thanks in advance, folks!!

[tubs]

I have a few pics on my site. I use doors though to access the inside and are large enough to do all the routing maintenance I need to do in the tank.


http://www.firstworld.net/~tubs/equipment.htm

[dsb1829]

Here is our 72g tank with the lid flipped. It is 12" tall and has plenty of room for maintenance. There is even room to remove any of the larger LR peices at this height. You can make this type of canopy very easily, but for this size the sub-frame isn't necessary and takes room on the inside. Email me if you want some more details dbrummett@earthlink.net. Also search the forums for DIY and canopy. Here is a good site to look into as well for DIY canopies Saltwater Aquariums

[junkzoo]

^

[PerryinCA]

Here's some pics of mine:






-Perry

[lehrens]

www.leesreef.homestead.com
Check it out

[Rin]

Here's one I built for my 75. I added 4-4' VHOs soon after this picture was taken. I also turned the MHs parallel to the tank because I don't like to be blinded when I open the hood.

[junkzoo]

Thanks so far to everyone that was nice enough to post pic's of their canopies! . Rin ,i like the canopy on yours very much! BTW,,,how long has it been in service?,,,and have you any problems with bowing and such of the sides? (looks like there is no support from sides,,, the way i want to go also,,any further tips/pics on yours? Thanks!!

[Rin]

The canopy is only 6 months old. It's made from 3/4" Aspen plywood. I've also put 4 coats of polyuerethane on it to seal the wood. So far I've experienced no warping at all. (Knock on wood) The top of the canopy rests on the sides and the sides rest on the aquarium.

Everything is jointed, glued, and screwed. I added the trim work to hide the screws and so the canopy won't slide off the aquarium. It is very solid and very heavy. It weighs over 50lbs. I considered supports for the lid part that swings on the hinge. But it has been so sturdy (so far) that I discarded the support in favor of the clean look.

the most difficult part of the design is the 'Piano' top. I had to take it apart and cut extra clearance to allow for the movement of the moving piece and for the hinge. Also, make sure that the hinge is perfectly level with respect to the canopy or it won't close tightly enough.

One addition I do want to make is to add small hydraulic supports to help support the movement of the lid. I haven't been able to find any in the size I want. Most of them are too big.

I'm in the middle of rewiring the canopy to make it a little more professional looking. I added four VHO bulbs recently and I've got wires going everywhere. I'll post more pics soon.

[junkzoo]

^

[Rin]

[thezookeeper]

Rin: Is that a dragon/fantasy collection next to your tank? If so, we now have TWO of the same interests! Nice canopy job too. I have to post my pics of my new canopy. We also are in the process of locating those same supports. I'll let you know what we find.


Joanne

[Rin]

I wondered if someone might mention the dragons. I'll post some of the better pieces on general.

If you happen to see a car with the right-sized lifts, you should be able to go to a car part store and get them. Unfortunately, they aren't too helpful unless you know the make and model of the car and can describe to them what exactly you're looking for.

Let me know if you find anything.