Lift system for canopy

[jade2122]

Alright I am currently working on my 90 gallon upgrade and have manage to make whole setup stand about 6.5 ft tall or more, however i am only 5'3. I have a step ladder and all of that but for ease of maintanence and getting into tank I was wondering if there is some kind of lift or pulley system I could attach the canopy to so that when I need to access tank I can just lift the canopy?? Hope someone can help me out, thanks!

[skinnyjoe1976]

you could always use the clam shell design. on the side of the canopy cut a angle from the bottom of the front up 3/4 of the way to the top of the rear then use a piano hinge to secure the you will have full access to the fron of the tank. just one idea. i would not recommend to use a lift system if it fails then if could elec the tank or bust the lights.

[evega]

Yes Skinnyjoe is correct my canopy is 18" high and I have full front access.

[mrcrab]

I've got one of these I'm going to try in the next couple of weeks. My tank's in the garage though so it doesn't really matter what it looks like. For $20 it's a good deal and no DIY.

Bike Lift

[wardworld]

Here's how mine works (on my 120). My father-in-law is also building one for my 90 that will work the same way:

[AJ69]

nice design wardworld,btw how much a canopy like that could cost?

[skinnyjoe1976]

Originally posted by wardworld
Here's how mine works (on my 120). My father-in-law is also building one for my 90 that will work the same way:

that's the design that i think would be good for you due to the reach

[wardworld]

Well, as I said, it's on my 120 which is 24" from front to back. That's why we put a strip of wood in the middle for the front hinge and then a strip along the back for the second "top" door.
On my 90, I'm just having the entire top (and front panel) hinge backwards.
On the cost, I would estimate about $75 for the wood (pine that could be stained and varnished) and another $50 in miscellaneous parts (stainless steel piano hinge, screws, etc). The plastic vent in the side is for the light fixture to vent (there's another vent on the other side) - they're simply soffet vents (used for roof venting).
A couple more pics:


And here's one of the pocket jig work on the inside (no screws are visible on the outside of the canopy):

[mfp4073]

or a prop rod that doubles as a handle to lift the hood to the right height.

[AquaKnight407]

Jessica, could you post some pics of the canopy or describe it?

One idea would be to build a new base for the canopy out of 1"x2"s or whatever, that would sit on the tank, and then just hinge the entire canopy off that.

[jade2122]

the canopy is 13 inches tall and has a front panel about 7 inches tall that flips up and out of the way. the reason i can't use the examples given is the entire top of canopy is going to be jam packed with lights (4 x 110 watt vho's and then 2 x 250 watt halide hanging pendants) I really don't want to have to build a new taller canopy because my set date to do switch out with new tank is next weekend and don't have the time(or energy!) to build a new one..i have found a bike lift that will hold up to 75 lbs, will that work ok? any pics would be great

[lifesworksataol]

NOTE: The bike seen in the picture is not included.

[jade2122]

Jason..huh?

[lifesworksataol]

i thought it was funny when you go to the link it says that. lol sorry