Michigan Cichlid Association
General Category => DIY => Topic started by: beach on November 03, 2012, 08:55:47 PM
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I have a 125gal setup and need to replace the canopy with something lighter weight. I'm wondering if I make a frame and use oak veneer (I believe its 1/4") if its likely to warp from the humidity... I cover the tank with glass tops too but there are open spaces for the cannister in/out and the HOB. Lighting is lightweight (ballasts for T-8's and cold cathode moonlighting) so thats not an issue...
I'd love any advice or a photo of your lightweight canopy...
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I tried to build a "light weight" one once, but didn't like how it turned out so I'm refraining from sharing pictures!
I used 1/4" pine IIRC, painted the insides white and the exterior was polyurethane'd. The tank has glass tops except at the rear like yours. I kept the back mostly open for ventilation and have had no warping FWIW.
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awesome! so no warping - sounds like it'll work for me then. Can you tell me what you dont like about yours? maybe I can avoid the same problem...
Thanks!!
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Can you tell me what you dont like about yours? maybe I can avoid the same problem...
Sure ... I made so it wouldn't extend forward of the glass lids or rear of the filters. Each end still extends the full width of the tanks so it's not only supported by the glass tops. This kept it narrow, light, fit a narrow 4' 2-bulb shop light, and initially worked out fine on the tank I had it on. Now it's on a 150 and the glass tops don't sit 100% flat, so it's pitched in the center. It also barely fits between the hinges on the lids and the Emperor 400s hanging on the back.
In retrospect I wish I would have made it like a traditional canopy and had it cover the entire top of the tank, with enough of a hinged opening in the front to easily open the glass tops, and high enough that it just sits over the filters. It'd be heavier, but it'd look better and be easier to line up when putting it back on.