canopy for 54 corner

[uglyryder]

first off i tried to search but it wont let me....but i want to build a canopy for my 54 corner i have a few ideas but id like to see what others have done, or maybe a place where i could see some plans. thank you in advance.

Jon

[Esquare]

I’m going to tag along on this one. I’ve built my stand but haven’t done the canopy yet. Any ideas on how tall you want it to be ug? I was originally thinking 12 inches but now I’m kind of thinking taller to give it more of a built in look. What do you have for lighting? I’ve got the Aquactinics TX5 24” fixture.

[rocketlily]

I'll also be tagging along on this one. I have a 95 gal corner tank coming and would like to hide the lights. I'll be using a 36" Outer Orbit.

[tundra1000]

I have the same tank and am in the same boat. I have the glass cover that is available for that tank but as far as I know there is no ready made canopy. I am a finish carpenter and an architectural student and was planning on building one soon. It will be birch ply because it will take stain or paint very nice and the front will be 3 layers of 1/4" ply laminated around the curve. I will document when I build but I don't think I will have time for a few weeks, if you would like an idea of my design sooner, let me know and I can draw up a few details and post a quick write up. It will be a pretty simple build if you have a table saw and jigsaw. A router with a rabbit bit would be helpful, or a dado set, but it can be done without them. My plan also will allow for part of the front and top to flip up on a hinge to allow feeding, etc access.

[Esquare]

I went with ¾” maple ply for my stand and stained it with General Finishes oil based Brown Mahogany gel stain then top coated with several coats of oil based poly. I’ll probably use the same wood and techniques for the canopy but I haven’t figured out exactly what I want to do on the details yet (1 big hinged opening or 1 big and one small for daily feeding, also how I’ll mount the light fixture). That’s why I figured I would tag along on ug to get some ideas.

[uglyryder]

ive drawn up some pretty simple ides that i think will work. the way i have it drawn is ill have 2 doors that swing open for feeding and what not and the top will open from the front right corner, and ill have it hinged on the left side and i was thinking something like a hydrolic prop like is used on hatch back cars so i wont have to hold it open...i could use a stick but that wouldnt be as cool. i just dont know how tall to make it. but im also not sure on what type of lights im gonna use. seeing as i just started out i have just your run of the mill aquarium light.

[uglyryder]

would this work for lighting when i build my canopy?

http://cgi.ebay.com/250w-12K-Reef-Lighting-Retrofit-Kit_W0QQitemZ280199863611QQihZ018QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQ cmdZViewItem

[saveafish]

I dont have the plans. But I have a buddy that made his own top. it is made in 3 parts I will do my best to explain it

He took 1 X 4" and used a miter saw and from the top to the bottom cut a angle on them. take the # of peices and devide 90deg that is the angle to cut. I think he has a 54gal and he used 8-10 peices than he did the same thing with plywood. the highth he wanted it. than he did the same # of 1 X 4's again to make the top . the 1x4's on top and bottom is the border the plywood it the center. it is like a multy octogone shape. the more peises you use the rounder it will look the less amount will give more a square look. to brace it up some he a a couple of 1"x2"s on the inside plus that is what the lights set on. sorry about spelling I have a headach

[tundra1000]

The lamination is even simpler because you already have a great mold. Use 3 layers of 1/4" ply cut across the grain- NOT with the grain. If this is too stiff most lumber yards carry a bendable luan, the grain all runs the same direction and it will form the contour easily. Use the bottom of the tank to so the lamination sits right on the trim, if the lamination sets up twisted it will not sit flat on the tank. Run a 1x8 across the two flat sides, this will protect the glass because you are going to use ratchet straps to clamp the layers while the glue dries. Use titebond 2 wood glue, (it has better moisture resistance than titebond 1) use a roller to get a FULL coverage but thin consistent layer of glue between you laminations. Let sit 12 hours and even after you take it off the tank keep a strap around it to keep it from springing back too much. It will always spring out a little but you will be able to form it back when you assemble the rest of the hood. My suggestion would be to make the lamination an inch or so taller than needed, then once the glue is completely cured run it through the table saw to clean up the edge. It might be a little awkward but just slowly roll it through keeping it snug to the fence. Take off half the extra then flip and cut your final width. Mine will have a front hinged section for feeding and a light tray that will lift straight up, or something like a hinge and a piston like was already mentioned.

This should give you a very nice clean looking hood, trim it out how you see fit. Like I said, I don't think I will get to for a week or two but it sounds like it would be a good write up with photos for all those with bow fronts.

[Newreeflady]

Tagging along for the step-by-step. I have a 36g aga and i'd also like to build a canopy. I have the stock stand since I got it used.

This person also built a canopy, but no instructions:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1325884

I will want the canopy to be 9-10" high. Any higher would be awkward looking and unnecessary, imo. This leaves room for mounting and will still allow good light spread from a point source (I run a 250w MH on my 36g.) If you're going VHO you might want a lower canopy.

[tundra1000]

Reeflady- thanks for the link, that will be one to follow. There really aren't that many bowfront builds.

He built a very nice canopy and I saw your question at the end. His curved face is built with square stock very similar to saveafish's post above and then wrapped that with a 1/8 oak, (either a thick veneer or planed it). The only difference between how I will build mine andhow he did his is his uses a structural frame and curves a skin over it and I will use the curve as the structure. Other than that the rest of the canopy will be very similar. Either way works, I guess it is preference. My preference is the lamination but I've done this many times working with veneers and composites.

[Newreeflady]

Which way is easiest to go? I built a canopy long ago, but it was a rectangle. I am not sure about the curve thing...

thx!
-A

[Esquare]

I made a frame for my stand from 3/4 ply then kerf cut some more ply to cover it. I'll probably use the same technique for the hood.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058IMG_1293x.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058stand-med.GIF

[Freds]

WOW that is insane! That is truly fantastic work, are you a woodworker? Very professional stand I'd love to see more on it.

[tundra1000]

Very Nice, could you show some pics of the framework and then the kerf cuts in the plywood for clarity. It appears the doors follow the same curve- great detail!!
Reeflady- there are now 3 different methods listed here, I still don't think one is better than the other. It is all about what the builder is most comfortable with.

The biggest difference between esquare's design and saveafish's is the way the frames are skinned. A thin piece of solid wood or plywood, kerfed to allow the curve to be bent in it.

[Esquare]

Thanks Freds and Tundra. I wouldn’t say that I am a woodworker, more a sawdust maker J I do it as a hobby.

Tundra, I’ll try and get in it to take some pics of the frame. Unfortunately I did not do a build thread. I went with the ¾ maple to match the desk I made for my Office/study/library and the bookcases I have planed. The doors follow the curve of the stand and are recessed ¼”. They also have a curve on top to match the other furniture.

My plans are to make the hood using similar techniques but I got side tracked with setting the sump up in the basement. I was hoping to tag along on ug’s thread here to get ideas for the height and other details.

Not trying to hijack the thread, just thought I’d throw another option in the hat for the design.

[jpa0741]

I know most of you are looking to build your own. I did not want to tackle the job so I bought another stand to match and cut it down to what size I wanted. It is on a 92g corner. Here are some pics.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e336/jpa0741/100_2408.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e336/jpa0741/100_1424.jpg

[Esquare]

Great idea jpa! Is the lighting DIY?

[jpa0741]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12139389#post12139389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Esquare
Great idea jpa! Is the lighting DIY?

I guess, I just bought retrofit stuff and mounted.

[Newreeflady]

If anyone has a plan for one of these I can probably send it to my brother to make. I don't have woodworking tools at home:(

if anyone gets a step by step together, pls post!

-A

[Esquare]

Here are some pics of the doors and frame of my stand. I had to stick the camera inside the stand so the quality isn't that good but it should give you an idea on construction techniques for a hood. Basically a frame made of 3/4 ply with ribs all cut in the curve/arc desired. Then kerf cut the ply skin and attach to the frame.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Right.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Middle.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Left.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Open_Doors.JPG

[geno658]

I built a very light frame for my hood that I then bent 1/8" plywood around. I then used contact cement to apply some cherry veneer to match the rest of my stand. The veneer also covers any fastners I used to hold the 1/8 ply onto the frame. The canopy is very light and slides off without much effort. I had a low ceiling height to contend with, so lifting it straight up was not an option. If your interested I could take some pictures of the inside etc.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/42660fullshot.jpg

[uglyryder]

those are some really awesome builds, gives me ideas for what i want mine to be like

[Esquare]

Yeah, I like the shelf geno.

[tundra1000]

Thanks for the pics Esquare. We should get the mods to start a room just for bow tanks- the setups are very unique and the smaller one have a lot of space restrictions compared to rectangular tanks.
Esquare- Is that a washing machine panel? is your equipment on the other side of the wall or is it below? Any chance we can get a look at your fishroom?

Uglyryder- I know this is getting a little off topic but I am just excited to see all the other corner setups, please post if the off topic is a concern- it is your thread.

[Esquare]

The "panel" is actually my warm air return. I cut some of the vanes out to allow the spa flex to pass through.

I echo your sentiments Tundra, the corner/bow tank is unique.

Sorry from me as well UG, it is your thread. :)

[Esquare]

I just uploaded the Fish Room pics to my gallery.

[uglyryder]

tundra1000 im like you i like to see what others have done. makes me want to go and buy the supplys now and build a canopy. but im gonna play it smart and wait, since i just started i want to make sure that im capable of keeping my FOWLR

[uglyryder]

tundra1000 im like you i like to see what others have done. makes me want to go and buy the supplys now and build a canopy. but im gonna play it smart and wait, since i just started i want to make sure that im capable of keeping my FOWLR up and running before i spend to much money on new lights and build a canopy.

jpa0741 what type of lights are you running and how much power are those things pumping out?

[geno658]

esquare... thanks for the compliment.. After all that work I just had to include a place to put my favorite beverage!

Tundra, it would definately be nice to see a place to compile all the info on bowfronts. Its not easy to build a stand, not to mention how to effectively light a corner tank. It could definately save others lots of trial and error if they had once place to look for good information from others that have already crossed that path. Even with all the extra work to build and difficulty taking pictures through a curved glass front I do love my corner tank!

[tundra1000]

Maybe we should suggest it to a moderator-
A room for unique shapes or tanks that require troubleshooting, Builds that can't follow the typical drop a square sump in the stand and build a square hood. Bowfronts definitely fit that category and I'm sure there are others

[Esquare]

I nominate Tundra to spearhead this endeavour!

[tundra1000]

lol, I don't even have a setup yet, My wife and I were supposed to start our project soon but we just decided to move 3 days ago. I am bummed about having to postpone but where we are headed I am going to finish off the basement first thing and there is the perfect wall in which will be my office, on the other side of the wall is an empty corner of the utility room- with a deepsink already plumbed- PERFECT

[Esquare]

Yeah, the basement is the way to go if you can. Another unique aspect of the corner bow, space underneath.

I apologize again ug for the hijacking. Sometimes these things take on a life of their own. Have you made any decisions on your canopy?

[flipsideleo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12139513#post12139513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Esquare
Here are some pics of the doors and frame of my stand. I had to stick the camera inside the stand so the quality isn't that good but it should give you an idea on construction techniques for a hood. Basically a frame made of 3/4 ply with ribs all cut in the curve/arc desired. Then kerf cut the ply skin and attach to the frame.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Right.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Middle.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Inside_Left.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/179058Open_Doors.JPG

That looks great, dude! I see you're in Ohio? I just moved to Houston from the Columbus area. I liked it up there, but I have to admit... not having to worry about shoveling my driveway is a nice bennie! :)

Any way... I have a question. How does one "kerf cut?" Is this a simple task? Is this something I can do with my circular saw and horses? I like the way that looks!

Thanks!
Leo

[flipsideleo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12149063#post12149063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by geno658
esquare... thanks for the compliment.. After all that work I just had to include a place to put my favorite beverage!

Tundra, it would definately be nice to see a place to compile all the info on bowfronts. Its not easy to build a stand, not to mention how to effectively light a corner tank. It could definately save others lots of trial and error if they had once place to look for good information from others that have already crossed that path. Even with all the extra work to build and difficulty taking pictures through a curved glass front I do love my corner tank!

Great looking stand, man! I just got a 92g corner the other day and I like how your stand gives you more room to put stuff under the tank. I don't have a "fish room" or a "basement" so space is important.

What kind of wood did you use? I'm still in the planning phase for mine, but I plan on a build up within the next couple of weeks. The "kerf cut" method is appealing, but if your way is easier I'll do it! To be honest, both of these stands look great... I just wish I knew how to work with wood. :)

Thanks!

[8BALL_99]

I almost hate to post a picture of mine lol since its been posted several times already.. A question about Corner Tank Canopys gets asked about once a week ;) stupid search..

I built most of the frame for mine out of 3/4 Oak Plywood. I used 1/4 oak for the front. I also used a few small peices of solid oak on the front for braces to help support the bend and the door. I used steam to bend mine.. Oak ply is very stiff. I just took a hand held steamer and worked it back and fourth.. Then would clamp that area down and move up. I just kept doing this till I got to the end.. With the trim I built a steamer box and just kept them in there till they became soft.. HTH

BTW I did leave my Front panel over sized about an inch or so.. Once the glue was dry I removed all the clamps and removed all the access wood with a Router and a Flush trim bit.. Gives you a Perfect edge

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2150/944495/5364694/168086546.jpg
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2150/944495/5364694/168086534.jpg
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2150/944495/5364694/168086550.jpg
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2150/944495/5364694/168086559.jpg
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2150/944495/5364694/194394248.jpg

[flipsideleo]

8Ball,

I saw yours before, but alas my skillsets aren't up to par for that fine piece of stand/canopy ya' got there. :) Hence, my asking the other two gents more info on their set ups. I think that they are something that I might be able to pull off... emphasis added on might.

[8BALL_99]

TYs but you might be surprised. The curve just seems hard.. Really it isnt. It took me longer to build my stand for my 35 then it did my 92.. The main thing is just to build a good frame if you plan on bending the front..

[Esquare]

Hey Flipside, sorry for the slow response, I just got back from seeing the mouse in Orlando. The kerf cuttling is pretty simple but is easiest on a table saw. Just make cuts about 3/4 of the way through the plywood every 3/8". I don't know if it would work well with a circular saw though. If you just have a circular saw, you may be better off building a frame and sheathing it in 1/4" ply as previously suggested.

[Esquare]

Also, thanks for the kind words Flip.

Luckily, I have a short driveway and a good snowblower. :)

[flipsideleo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12755828#post12755828 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Esquare
Also, thanks for the kind words Flip.

Luckily, I have a short driveway and a good snowblower. :)

Oh, and thanks for the help, bro! I used to have have a 3 car garage, and could park 5 cars in my driveway... it was... well... a PITA. :) I got a snowblower my last couple of years up there... It was worth it's weight in gold, if you asked me! :)

I have a 75 gallon that I think I'm going to setup first. It has a decent stand, but it could use some finishing touches. I think I'm going to let the 92 sit for awhile because I really want that thing to look "great." Here in TX, we don't have basements and a fish room is out of the question right now. The landlord may not like me too much if I did that... although, I want to. :lol:

Thanks again and I hope you had fun at Didney! :)