Custom built hood for NC 28g

[MobyMD]

I have been modding the stock hood so much I just decided to build my own. This was yesterday afternoon's work.

Materials:
1/2" birch ply
1/8" arcylic
Small screws
Wood glue

I first made the top and sides (easy part). The front panel required making all the small cuts on the back in order to match the curve of the glass. After that it bend nicely.

I made a slot for the arcylic to slide in over all the electronics to keep them nice and dry.

I installed everything from the stock NC 28g pc quad into the hood with a few extras. Six royal blue CREE LEDs. Two extra fans. I will be adding two 24W T5 actinic bulbs to the sides for some extra color and wattage. If you care the total wattage will be 175W which is 6.25W per gallon. I'm not really sure if even means anything because I have three different modalities of light. I still need to fill, seal, paint it and add the T5s.

Thanks for looking and please let me know what you think or any suggestions.

Moby

[MobyMD]

Just finished the hood. Here is the outside. I finished the inside with a Kilz white that is supposed to be water and mildew resistant. Thanks for looking.

Moby

[ferprof]

Good job, I really like. Good increase in the quality of light with plenty of room to improve, good aesthetics, good insulation from water with acrylic. I was looking for something like this.

But I would like it more accessible. I shoud have put the front or side with a piano hinge. If you want to reach into the tank you have to remove the entire canopy.

[ange062]

Pretty cool project, looks good and nice increase in lighting. My only concern would be access to the tank like ferprof said.

[preef40]

Looks good cant wait to see tank with some corals in it