My DIY Canopy Build (lots of pics)

chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:22 PM

This is a canopy i made for my 75g AGA tank, to house 4X54W T5 Icecap Retrofit. I used 1/2 inch Plywood. Total cost without tools = $125.00 Worked out pretty well , i will be posting alot of pics i did through out the build, if you have any questions please ask. Enjoy

TOOLS USED
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From left to right TOP,FRONT,SIDES
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Hole cut out with jigsaw for Fan
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chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:23 PM

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chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:24 PM

chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:25 PM

PAINT I USED FOR INSIDE USED 3 COATS

USED EBONY STAIN ON OUTSIDE 2 COATS and then 2 COATS OF SATIN CLEAR COAT

chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:26 PM

chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:27 PM

chewieee · 04/07/2008, 08:27 PM

melev · 04/07/2008, 09:29 PM

That looks very good. And if it turns out that it is better to run T5's up higher in the canopy like some people are beginning to think, you have the option to raise them.

Orochimaru · 04/08/2008, 07:02 AM

Very nice and simple

chewieee · 04/08/2008, 01:40 PM

thank you

rbursek · 04/08/2008, 02:31 PM

I wish I made my front open like yours, AGA came out with that design after I copied there old design, real hard getting axcess with mine.

chewieee · 04/08/2008, 09:26 PM

yeah i like how accessible eerything is with this build

chewieee · 04/10/2008, 06:22 PM

.

Daniel.luu · 04/10/2008, 09:45 PM

Beautiful, do you need a carpenter background to do this? I'm sure it's harder than it looks.

Is it possible for you to post dimensions of the plywood? I'd like to build one for my 36'' tank.

Excellent job Chewieee...

chewieee · 04/11/2008, 09:04 PM

nope no carpenter skills neeeded. Its pretty simple just have to get your measurements down pat on paper. Then after getting the major pieces cut just kinda do it as you go with supports etc...

Prototype · 04/11/2008, 09:15 PM

awesome build! u make it look so easy!

Mako Shark II · 04/12/2008, 07:19 AM

chewieee,

I'm build a new 120 set-up.

I like your canopy's double hinge concept. I've looked at the Perfecto Prestige collection, and for the $1,000(!) it would run for their Cabinet & Canopy, you'd think they'd offer up a better design for maintenance access.

Thus, I'm gonna build it myself.

Question: If you had to do it agin, would you:
a) Route (let-in) the hinge (flats) to hide it, and
b) use a Stainless Steel piano hinge?

Thanks Coach. I'll hang up and listen for your answer.

chewieee · 04/12/2008, 12:54 PM

if i did it again i dont think i would route the hiinge, i actually dont have a problem with the hinge being seen , kinda adds a little visual element to the top. But thats my opinion and also another reason why it doesnt bother me to much is the height witht the canopy is pretty tall so you dont really see the hinges unless up close to the tank. And when i bought the piano hinges they had the gold and the silver colored and at first i wanted the silver but they were out of the size i needed so i just say screw it and got the gold so yes i would have gone with stainless .

JCR's Reef · 04/12/2008, 01:35 PM

Chef- Nice build. I like the double hinge idea. Hopefully that gold hinge lasts though. I had some rust out in a year which is pretty quick to say the least. What URI bulbs are you using? Looks good. Plus you could always add more molding if you wanted to down the road.

chewieee · 04/12/2008, 05:00 PM

Im using from front to back

ATI BLUE PLUS
UVL SUPER ACTNIC
UVL AQUASUN
ATI BLUE PLUS

RJeremy · 04/12/2008, 06:09 PM

I like it. Easy access.

KINGJIGGY · 04/12/2008, 10:34 PM

wow thats really nice..... I think i'm going to have build one!

chewieee · 04/17/2008, 03:50 PM

if you want the dimensions just let me know

Crush Coral · 04/18/2008, 03:02 PM

Great access. I am going to start building one for my 75. I am thinking about going with 5 HO bulbs instead of the 4 VHO so I can avoid the fan. Would there be enough room in your canapy for 5 bulbs instead of the 4?

cybball · 04/18/2008, 06:27 PM

Thanks for posting. I'm just getting ready to start one and you gave me the gusto to get going.

04/07/2008, 08:22 PM	#1
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	My DIY Canopy Build (lots of pics) This is a canopy i made for my 75g AGA tank, to house 4X54W T5 Icecap Retrofit. I used 1/2 inch Plywood. Total cost without tools = $125.00 Worked out pretty well , i will be posting alot of pics i did through out the build, if you have any questions please ask. Enjoy TOOLS USED [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] From left to right TOP,FRONT,SIDES [IMG][/IMG] Hole cut out with jigsaw for Fan [IMG][/IMG]

04/07/2008, 08:23 PM	#2
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

04/08/2008, 07:02 AM	#9
Orochimaru 1 of 3 legendary ninjas Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Leaf Village of OC Posts: 3,324	Very nice and simple __________________ Gintama, episode 118 = "Live an honest life even if your back is crooked." STD(s) are not Pokemons, you don't have to catch them all!

04/11/2008, 09:15 PM	#16
Prototype Zoa Collector Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chandler,az Posts: 1,058	awesome build! u make it look so easy! __________________ --JR-- Current Tank Info: 75g Reef. 10g.

04/12/2008, 07:19 AM	#17
Mako Shark II Fish are Friends not Food Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Collierville, TN Posts: 2,919	chewieee, I'm build a new 120 set-up. I like your canopy's double hinge concept. I've looked at the Perfecto Prestige collection, and for the $1,000(!) it would run for their Cabinet & Canopy, you'd think they'd offer up a better design for maintenance access. Thus, I'm gonna build it myself. Question: If you had to do it agin, would you: a) Route (let-in) the hinge (flats) to hide it, and b) use a Stainless Steel piano hinge? Thanks Coach. I'll hang up and listen for your answer. __________________ Every day, I get a little saltier...... Current Tank Info: 120g Reef, 225# LR, 2ea 250w XM 20k MH, 2ea T5 Actincs, 1090 GPH Closed Loop w/ Oceans Motions, Remote Eshopps Sump w/Fuge, Octopus TS-150 Skimmer, GEO Kalk, 1/3 HP Chiller, RO/DI, ATO, AGA RO & Salt Vats & plumbed Water changes on the fly!

04/07/2008, 08:24 PM	#3
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677

04/07/2008, 08:25 PM	#4
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	PAINT I USED FOR INSIDE USED 3 COATS USED EBONY STAIN ON OUTSIDE 2 COATS and then 2 COATS OF SATIN CLEAR COAT

04/07/2008, 08:26 PM	#5
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677

04/07/2008, 08:27 PM	#6
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677

04/07/2008, 09:29 PM	#8
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	That looks very good. And if it turns out that it is better to run T5's up higher in the canopy like some people are beginning to think, you have the option to raise them.

04/08/2008, 01:40 PM	#10
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	thank you

04/08/2008, 02:31 PM	#11
rbursek Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: germantown,wi Posts: 2,339	I wish I made my front open like yours, AGA came out with that design after I copied there old design, real hard getting axcess with mine.

04/08/2008, 09:26 PM	#12
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	yeah i like how accessible eerything is with this build

04/10/2008, 06:22 PM	#13
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	.

04/10/2008, 09:45 PM	#14
Daniel.luu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 510	Beautiful, do you need a carpenter background to do this? I'm sure it's harder than it looks. Is it possible for you to post dimensions of the plywood? I'd like to build one for my 36'' tank. Excellent job Chewieee...

04/11/2008, 09:04 PM	#15
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	nope no carpenter skills neeeded. Its pretty simple just have to get your measurements down pat on paper. Then after getting the major pieces cut just kinda do it as you go with supports etc...

04/12/2008, 12:54 PM	#18
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	if i did it again i dont think i would route the hiinge, i actually dont have a problem with the hinge being seen , kinda adds a little visual element to the top. But thats my opinion and also another reason why it doesnt bother me to much is the height witht the canopy is pretty tall so you dont really see the hinges unless up close to the tank. And when i bought the piano hinges they had the gold and the silver colored and at first i wanted the silver but they were out of the size i needed so i just say screw it and got the gold so yes i would have gone with stainless .

04/12/2008, 01:35 PM	#19
JCR's Reef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 1,303	Chef- Nice build. I like the double hinge idea. Hopefully that gold hinge lasts though. I had some rust out in a year which is pretty quick to say the least. What URI bulbs are you using? Looks good. Plus you could always add more molding if you wanted to down the road. __________________ >Josh< Current Tank Info: Starphire Rimless Tank, ATB Elegance 200. Click on my name and visit my build thread. Lots of pics

04/12/2008, 05:00 PM	#20
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	Im using from front to back ATI BLUE PLUS UVL SUPER ACTNIC UVL AQUASUN ATI BLUE PLUS

04/12/2008, 06:09 PM	#21
RJeremy Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 50	I like it. Easy access.

04/12/2008, 10:34 PM	#22
KINGJIGGY Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Carol Stream Posts: 55	wow thats really nice..... I think i'm going to have build one!

04/17/2008, 03:50 PM	#23
chewieee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mentor,OHIO Posts: 677	if you want the dimensions just let me know

04/18/2008, 03:02 PM	#24
Crush Coral Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 1,233	your canapy Great access. I am going to start building one for my 75. I am thinking about going with 5 HO bulbs instead of the 4 VHO so I can avoid the fan. Would there be enough room in your canapy for 5 bulbs instead of the 4?

04/18/2008, 06:27 PM	#25
cybball Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Waukee Iowa Posts: 283	Thanks for posting. I'm just getting ready to start one and you gave me the gusto to get going.