6 Foot Tank Canopy Designs

[HerbieK]

Does any one have a good design for a 6 Foot tank Canopy? I am looking to house my 3 SE MH reflectors and 2 six foot VHO tubes. I built one for my 90 gal 4 ft tank, but I think my design may not suit a six foot tank.

Pictures or links to pics would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Herb

[NUBIANTANGLOVER]

I think the canopy should be as tall as possible. At least 12" or more to allow for heat escape. At least, that's what I was told. I have a seven foot canopy at 12" tall. I am in the process of deciding/researching my lighting choices. I have not uploaded any new photos as of yet, but I hope this helps.

You should have space, as my 175G Oceanic had 4 6foot VHOS all housed inside.

[sirreal63]

Lots of ways to do a canopy, I never liked doors because they restrict your movement in the tank. I chose sliding panels instead.

The framework.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/sirreal63/125/125wvhoflash.jpg

panels on
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/sirreal63/125/1256-16canopy.jpg

Panels partially raised.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/sirreal63/125/canopyup.jpg


I am constantly moving things around and this was the easiest way to do it.

[petedoc]

Jack, Brilliant idea, hope you don't mind if I try that on my tank. I have been pondering how to put some doors on the dang thing and thats a great way to do it.

[sirreal63]

It wasn't my idea...I have been looking at different canopy designs for a few years trying to decide what I wanted. The first I had heard of sliding panels was from Borneman I believe who had mentioned he did a tank that way and loved it. It was actually a very easy canopy to build, a router, miter box and stainless GRK screws with wood glue. I used a mixture of woods, Tiger (astronium sp) for the panels and D-Grade cedar for the basic frame (to cut down on weight), hard rock maple for the light bar and treated 2x2's for the rear frame.

My next project is to skin the stand to match but I may be moving back to Texas soon and that will put the project on hold as I will basically have to start my tank over again and will go with a 180 for my next tank. I did make the canopy so I could extend the sides to fit a 180.

[petedoc]

Thanks Jack, I will try it out. By the way, I have a 135 gal and my new tank is a 270, it is an ideal size, at least for me. You might consider one if you decide to move on up.

[Satori]

HerbieK, I kept it simple on my 180 canopy. I built it out of 3/4" plywood with no framing and just used regular trim. The whole front opens, and I have the same lights that you're talking about. The accents in the middle are just name plate blanks from the Walmart hobby section.

http://mike.magnuson.com/canopyopen.jpg

http://mike.magnuson.com/canopy_unfinished_open.jpg

http://mike.magnuson.com/canopyfinished.jpg

http://mike.magnuson.com/doorsonvho.jpg

[sirreal63]

My goal is to not spend my life savings on my hobby. LOL Ok, it is a goal but a 270 would require all new equipment and I just got the equipment sorted out for the 125 and all will work for a 180 as I planned for the 180 from the start.

I peeked at the 270...very nice size.

[sirreal63]

Excellent work Mike!!!!

[Satori]

Thanks!

[NUBIANTANGLOVER]

These canopy designs are awesome!

[HerbieK]

Great stuff! Lots to think about.

Herb