DIY Suspended canopy

[rwrussom]

I thought would add my creation for the record.

To follow the full system build look here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1089699

What I started going after was a giesemann style suspended fixture with better reflectors and more T5.

My final build out will include (2) lumen max 3 reflectors with room for a third. (4) 48" T5 tubes with TEK2 slr and 3-4 led night lights.

The whole thing will be cable suspended from the ceiling.

The finish will be have wood ends and side rails finished to match the cabinets. The curved cover will be black pvc sheeting with vent holes in the top.

Here is the unit assembled. The ends were cut from a 3' dia precut table top circle. The sides are 1 x 3 birch.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_2.jpg


The light supporting rails are mill finish 1/2" angle aluminum.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_5.jpg


Two T5 socket are mounted to flat aluminum and then pop riveted to the angle.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_3.jpg


The aluminum angles are inset into the wood ends and glues with gorilla glue. Hols are cut in the end panel for inset plugs.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_4.jpg


The cords and wires are run to computer case mail plugs. The wires are attached with crimp on terminal connectors set in dielectric greese to help combat corrosion.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_6.jpg


The terminal connectors were then coated with paint on electrical tape.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_8.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_7.jpg


This is where I am at now
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_9.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_10.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/97768Canopy_1.jpg


Everything is wired in and working. It is sitting on temporary support rails now.
The finish work still has to be done and the night lights need to be installed.

Hopefully soon.

[Keelay]

Very nice. Can't wait to see it with the PVC on.

[Val Murray]

That is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to go back and look at the rest of the thread. I now have gotten this idea for a real crazy project. I may need to use for a consultant.

Grandma

[rwrussom]

Thanks. With any luck I can get it stained up this weekend.

[hahnmeister]

Very cool. I had a similar idea for my 125g, not suspended, but the 'arch top'. Looks wise it woundnt have worked for my tank, but I was going to wrap the top with sheet aluminum... I would be concerned that PVC sheet would warp from the heat too easily, not to mention, sheet aluminum is cheaper. Then you can just spraypaint it.

[rwrussom]

I hope that is not the case. The heat coming up is not that crazy but with the cover on it may be worse. I already have the material, so we'll see how it goes.

[BeanAnimal]

Nice work, but in the future you will want to use a different glue.

Gorilla glue is not well suited to bonding non porous materials, it has a very low strength when used in that way you have applied it.

Gorillia glue is a single component polyurethane and derives strength by forming a VERY THIN bond between two clamped pieced of porous material (wood). It does NOT work well at all in thicker layers (you MUST clamp tightly). The stuff is a very weak foam, not a hard epoxy or polyurethan. It works by expanding as it absorbs moisture. The expansion causes it to push into the wood pores and get a tight grip. If the wood is clamped well, only a thin layer is left between the pieces and the shear strenght is decent.

In your designm you will need the top cover to hold the ends together and keep the aluminum bars from pulling out and falling into the tank.

I agree with hahn, the PVC may distort due to the heat.... A small fan or two may keep the heat down enough.

[rwrussom]

BeanAnimal - Thanks for the input. I in fact did not use gorilla glue but a different polyurethane glue. I assume they are basicaly the same. The aluminum angles are sandwiched in place by the end panels which are held together on the lower and outer edges by the screwed and glued wood rails and the top egde of the arc is pulled together by a cable and turnbuckle. (visible in the first two pics) The glued angle provides rigidity mor that holding the ends on.
The possible need for a fan was considered and space has been provided. I am hoping to not have to install one.