overhead cabinet structure

[cabin]

Ok, next question on the tank designing--
Is it ok for the entire weight of the overhead cabinet to rest on the tank, or does it need support in some other way (such as from the ceiling, or from back/sides of cabinet below)? I want an overhead that is deeper than normal (18") because I want it to match the height of the adjacent bookcase. Does the weight of that, plus the lights/fans it holds, all rest on the tank rim? Thanks
Wynne

[coralfever]

what type of material/wood will you be making it out of? if its a light wood like pine it should be ok. Are the bookcases going to be touching the sides of the canopy, like a built-in look? If so you could screw through the sides to attach them together for some extra support. good luck

[bunsenburner]

I've rested all the canopy, halides, fans etc on the rim of the tank. In my oppinion the weight of a canopy pushing down is insignificant compared to the many hundereds of pounds of water pushing out on the glass. The benfits of not resting the canopy on the tank is that you can design something that allows better access for cleaning.

[Hedonist]

Ours basically sits on top of the tank as well but Dan also added a few 'stabilizer' bars attached to the base that run up behind the tank and tie it all together ... next time you are in the area, you can have a look/see....

Denise