Can I see some canopies?

poppin_fresh · #1 08/13/2007, 11:09 AM

I'm getting ready to build a canopy for my 180. I could use some design and mechanical help.

I need to be able to get 8 x 55w T5's in there, but be able to get them out of the way for cleaning, etc. I'm thinking I can hinge it to the wall behind the tank somehow. Anyone gone this route? Got any pics?

J. Montgomery · #2 08/13/2007, 11:46 AM

Heres some pictures of my canopy. The "frame" is built out of 1 x 2s. The skin is 1/4" birch. I stained the outside, and painted the inside with Kilz primer/sealant. The front is removable, as well as on a hinge. The lights are also on a hinge so they can be moved out of the way.

20 20 · #3 08/13/2007, 02:12 PM

Pics of my T5 hood for my 125 gallon while it was under construction...

More pics and info at http://s91977220.onlinehome.us/index.html

poppin_fresh · #4 08/13/2007, 03:09 PM

Thanks guys, I'm starting to get some ideas now! Hopefully tonight some other people will post some more. Maybe we can make this the ultimate DIY canopy thread.

clayspst · #5 08/13/2007, 03:13 PM

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1063804

hllywd · #6 08/13/2007, 09:17 PM

I bought this used and went from this...

To this....

Tim

djohnston · #7 08/13/2007, 09:24 PM

Here's the one I built. The doors open for feeding, but the whole front also opens for maintenance and cleaning. I also built a shade into it since the front gets direct sunlight in the early morning.

hllywd · #8 08/13/2007, 09:27 PM

Or if you want to see the whole thing...

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1163749

BTW - I used the PFO paralell reflector and so far like it a lot. I'm using 2X 250W MH and 2X 96W PCs with it.

Tim

hllywd · #9 08/13/2007, 09:29 PM

djohnston, I really like the flip up MHs, nice!

Tim

djohnston · #10 08/13/2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hllywd
djohnston, I really like the flip up MHs, nice!

Tim

Thanks! It definately makes it a bit easier to clean.

I forgot to add the pics of the finishing touch:

poppin_fresh · #11 08/14/2007, 07:32 AM

It looks like I'm gonna have to pull out all the stops to keep up with you guys.

Keep those pictures coming.

smcnally · #12 08/14/2007, 08:00 AM

Here's the stand and canopy I just built (I built the tank too

). The canopy is on a motorized actuator that lifts it 16". Here's a video of it opening (it takes a bit to get started because I had to walk across the room to press the button)http://youtube.com/watch?v=XRxtqrFo6nE

poppin_fresh · #13 08/15/2007, 10:02 PM

Hmmm... I haven't seen any canopies today. Some one has to have something to share. Please?

aztbs · #14 08/15/2007, 10:06 PM

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=851618

dc_909 · #15 08/15/2007, 10:09 PM

djohnston,

That canopy looks like a transformer

aztbs · #16 08/15/2007, 10:10 PM

on the roll down screen - nicely done!! I have been meaning to do the same for when we are watching movies and want to lose the tank reflection on the TV. lol

poppin_fresh · #17 08/15/2007, 10:12 PM

Wow! Thats awesome! You should be on Junkyard Wars.

limestro · #18 08/15/2007, 10:27 PM

20 20,

Are those exhausts? Custom made? Where'd you get those?

~Mike

aztbs · #19 08/15/2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by poppin_fresh
Wow! Thats awesome! You should be on Junkyard Wars.

Thanks! You may not need to go with those mechanics, but being able to lift the canopy straight up over the tank is FABULOUS for working/aquascaping/water changes/etc with plenty of light. If you have a low enough ceiling, DO IT!!

hllywd · #20 08/15/2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aztbs
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=851618

Nice!!!

pepeinthenavy · #21 08/16/2007, 12:06 AM

Nice Canopies guys I cant wait to show mine!!!! Almost done!

MarineGirl411 · #22 08/16/2007, 02:45 AM

Are the motorized actuator's very expensive? Where do you get them?

smcnally · #23 08/16/2007, 05:39 AM

Mine was probably a lot cheaper than that other guys (holy crap!

)
Mine was $63 shipped on eBay. Just do a search for Satellite Actuator over there and they'll pop up. There are different sizes, but the 18" is what I got and is more than enough lift.

marino420td · #24 08/16/2007, 08:43 AM

Here is my canopy

Doors on the front and each end for access. The entire front also flips up.

20 20 · #25 08/16/2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by limestro
20 20,

Are those exhausts? Custom made? Where'd you get those?

~Mike

Made them out of a rolled aluminum sheet I bought from Home Depot. Took tin snips and went to town. Take a look at this picture of the top of the hood:

I've got two fans on each end, blowing air into the canopy. The homemade vents direct the air flow from the fans over the T5 bulbs, and the air exits out of both the back of the canopy, and out of the two vents in the middle of the top of the hood (see pic above).