[Davisjm04]

I have a 125g tank that I want to build a canopy for with built in t-5 lighting. Could anyone recommend a source with instructions on how to do this? Thanks!

[glampka]

Take a look here. There are sorts of links to DIY projects:
Do-It-Yourself Saltwater Aquariums Projects Index

Get your plan then it's just a matter of mounting the reflectors & ballasts.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

A canopy is easy to build.Just take a pad and pencil to the lfs and steal a few ideas lol.Just take there ideas and taylor them to your needs.

[e_baer]

Im gonna be making a canopy....I think.... Anyway, Ill be having the canopy stick over the edge just about an inch on both sides. This is because, I currently have 2 fixtures, and they both stick over the edge less than an inch. Ill also put 2 fans in, one to blow in, one to blow out, I think that should keep it cool in there.

I also have a few questions:

do most canopies have tops on them?

How tall are most canopies for a 55g tank?

does anyone have any pics of a canopy they built themselves?

what stain would be the best to use to make it have an "oak" appearance? (ill most likely be using oak for part of the canopy you can see)

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I would think you need four sides and a top.If you are building for t-5 retro's the canopy doesnt need to be tall,If you are building for fitures it will of course have to be taller.on the inside you will need a rail the bottom of which should be about 1 1/2 inch's up from the bottom of the side to cover the plastic tank strap.the front and about 1/3 of the top should be made into a hinged door for feeding access.The sides should be high enough above the internal rail to make a 4 inch hole for fans.If you have a retro kit or external ballasts for mh i would put them on the back of tank stand or on top of the canopy but not inside canopy or stand because of heat issues.Use whatever you stain you like and then 2 coats of polyurethane clear.I would highly recomend the use of the kiss theory.

[e_baer]

yeah, if I am able to borrow a router, I may end up puting a nice little design on the front. Possibly get some nice trim going around the edges. But ill have to see how the original product comes out first.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Go ahead elliot violate the kiss theory at your own peril lol.

[e_baer]

haha....well, Im gonna keep the basic design simple, but Im gonna try to make it look nice....really nice.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

If we dont get pics we will know how it turned out lol.

[e_baer]

yeah, you sure will. I probably wont start it till the spring.

[glampka]

Native, you're going to kill this kid. Remember who we're talking about here. I can see it now, Elliott will have cut through his leg with the router or he's going to fry himself wiring the lights!! lol

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Pssssssssst.........Gary hush I took out an insurance policy on him lol.

[glampka]

Can I get in on it with you???

[NATIVEVAMAN]

Sure I think there is enough there to buy 2 complete 500 gallon reef tanks and have a really nice going away party lol.

[rlcline76]

Who's catering?
I might be interested in attending.

[e_baer]

thanks guys, Im glad you have a lot of faith in me with this project

I took 3 years of woodshop in school, so you all dont have anythign to worry about. I only got hurt one time in those 3 years. I was using the drill press, and a 4" drill bit. Someone had decided to bend the bit just a wee bit so it is slightly lopsided. So, I go ahead and clamp some wood to the press, get everything set up. I start lowering the bit, and as soon as the bit touches the wood, it catches and starts spinning the wood at super high speeds, well if you know what happens when things spin fast, they object tries to move outward. So the wood flings off the bit, hits by thumb and hip HARD, and coninues the leave a large dent in the file cabinate on the other side of the room.

I am just happy no one else got hurt, cuz if that hit someone in the head, they would have been knocked out.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by e_baer

yeah, if I am able to borrow a router, I may end up puting a nice little design on the front. Possibly get some nice trim going around the edges. But ill have to see how the original product comes out first.

ELLIOTT.....POWER TOOLS???

[e_baer]

haha....yup, dont worry, im all about safety first! I ALWAYS wear eye protection cuz one time...well, i wont tell that story. But, anyway, Ive learned my lesson the hard way.

[glampka]

Wait a minute!! There's another story!!! There seems to be a recurring theme here - Elliott & anything else just don't mix!!!

[e_baer]

well, basically, I took my safety glasses off for like literally 2 secs to scratch my eye. just then, a peice of wood decided to tip over and the corner hit my right on the eye as soon as i opened my eye. Wasnt to bad, just got really red and whatnot.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

This is starting to sound a lot like a "three stooges" skit lol.

[e_baer]

lol...maybe a little....

but then if you think about it, Ive probably spent a few hundred hours in that woodshop, and with all that, only 2 minor accidents.