Lets see those canopies!

[ajholms0427]

I am about to begin the process of building a new canopy so I figured what better why to get some great ideas then starting a canopy pic thread.

[sirreal63]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/sirreal63/110%20DSA%20Pentagon/Build%20Pics/IMG_20130415_125015_297_zps899c3a31.jpg

[ajholms0427]

Very nice I do like the idea of a floating canopy but unfortunately it's not going to work for my setup.

[mfinn]

What kind of carpentry skills do you have?
Do you consider yourself someone who can do finish wood work?

[ajholms0427]

I wouldn't call myself the best but I do have some skills in wood working. I did build the stand that my tank is sitting on. I plan on building the canopy with the same concept as the stand to make them look like a pair. I just want to see what others look like.

[sirreal63]

There are numerous ways to do a canopy, some designs allow the most access to the tank as possible, which obviously has it's benefits but can create a design nightmare. How you do the design will greatly impact the usability of the canopy. If you design it so the access isn't good, or the lights shine in your face while working in the tank, you will tend to not work in the tank as much. I have a design I did years ago that was fantastic for access. I will see if I can find the pics.

[sirreal63]

This was my favorite canopy, 5 panels that slid into place to allow the maximum access to the tank.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1128546

[mfinn]

I wouldn't call myself the best but I do have some skills in wood working. I did build the stand that my tank is sitting on. I plan on building the canopy with the same concept as the stand to make them look like a pair. I just want to see what others look like.



The reason I asked is there are some extremely talented carpenters here on RC.
Some real cabnet makers/furniture builders.
I framed houses many years ago, so I am comfortable working with wood, but my finish skills are not very good.
I've made several canopy's by just making a box out of plywood, that would sit on the top rim of the tank. Then ripping the box in half lenght ways and using several hinges, then triming it out usually with just 1/4 round molding.
I guess it's called a clam shell type canopy. Kind of plain, but functionable.

[SimonSKL]

Stand and canopy for my 125g that I built. Here are some pics from my build 1 year ago.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/125%20gallon%20build/005-3.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/SimonSKL/media/125%20gallon%20build/005-3.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/125%20gallon%20build/006-1.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/SimonSKL/media/125%20gallon%20build/006-1.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/125%20gallon%20build/018-1.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/SimonSKL/media/125%20gallon%20build/018-1.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/125%20gallon%20build/010-6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/SimonSKL/media/125%20gallon%20build/010-6.jpg.html)

Most recent full tank shot
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv38/SimonSKL/5c4da0d5-3479-44cf-9458-1a6b448b70d2_zps2b71df48.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/SimonSKL/media/5c4da0d5-3479-44cf-9458-1a6b448b70d2_zps2b71df48.jpg.html)

[sirreal63]

Excellent job Simon.

[blossej]

Wery nice! I like both of them. The floating canopy is cool, I have never seen anything like that!

I built my stand and canopy, I have never built anything before, but I refused to pay $500.00 for a stand AND have to worry about it holding my tank.

[ajholms0427]

Thanks Sirreal63 for the tab to the other thread. I really like that idea of the 5 removable sections. I believe I will do something of that style.

[aandfsoccr04]

That's a really impressive and clean build above. wow

[freeswimmingfis]

I built a few canopies over the years. I think I am getting much better.
Here is a link to my latest upgrade, went from a 90g to a 156g. There are a few pics of the canopy build in the thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2170013