How heavy can your canopy be?

[Kaiser Tang]

As I construct my canopy for my new 150, I see that it's going to be heavier than I thought. (2x4 frame covered in red oak.) On top of that, I plan on putting my dual 400w ballast up there (that thing weighs a ton). Now I'm concerned with over all weight. I would think that since it's a downward force on the glass that it would not be an issue, but I was wanting to check for opinions.

[tkeracer619]

not an issue. I would not put the ballast up their though, I like halide ballast a few feet from the tank. Are the ballasts going on the top or inside?

[Kaiser Tang]

It's essentially ontop. It won't be exposed to moisture or spray.

[snulma1]

Well why not remotely wire the ballast a few ft away and then save the weight?

[Kaiser Tang]

No where for it to go. It either goes in the stand or on top.

[Nano Chris]

I wouldn't put it in the stand as it would cause excess heat buildup.

[nick18tjetta]

I don't think the 2x4's are necessary for a canopy, you can just build it out of 3/4 cabinet grade oak plywood and it will be plenty strong. I am actually also buiding a little stand to put next to my tank, and inside I am going to put my power center, timers and ballast.

[MTB]

Ya no need for 2x4s. You can get away with the oak plywood ^^^ or some 1x4 SPF. I'm sure you know this but coating the canopy on the inside would be a good idea.