Building a canopy?

[littlefoxx]

Hey guys, Im thinking of building my own canopy. Mine is in rough shape and the egg crate backing I had on it didnt keep my new eel in the tank, so I lost him. Not sure how since my other 4 morays have not gotten past it. The canopy is an easier set up for lights Ive found. I also cant get anything under it (like acrylic panels) because that requires lifting it and then it nor sitting right.

So I was wondering if anyone has ever built a fully enclosed canopy before that had any pointers? My idea is to have the front panel lift up so I can access my tank but every where else be inclosed so no one can jump or break the egg crates glued in the opening (had a sohal and unicorn that jumped and broke sections of those off).

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I haven't started my canopy project yet but one of the things I have given a lot of thought to is the inside of the canopy as it rests on the tank frame. I intend on using PVC boards on the inside that would sit on the frame. These would be attached to the wooden outside boards with screws, just long enough to not pierce the outside wood. The screws would be sunk in to the PVC as needed so that caps can be inserted to seal off the screw's head.

The idea is to have a plastic barrier between any splashes and the wood itself. The PVC would also be white to reflect any light back but not sure this will make much of a difference.

Also consider titanium piano hinges to avoid rust down the road.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I think your first consideration is matching the design of your stand. That said, I have always built "plain Jane" looking stands and canopies because I don't want people to look at the woodworking, I want them to look at the tank. In addition, I've always built tall canopies to support the lights up high, allow easy access to the tank and keep fish from carpet surfing. They'd have to jump really high to get out of my tank. My last consideration is to build it as light as I can, so 1/4" plywood skin. HERE's A LINK to a recent post of my canopy. Maybe you can use some of the ideas in your build. The whole front opens for easy access:

 

[twentyleagues]

I don't have a ton of pics of one I most recently built...2018. I used 3/4" plywood coated inside with pond shield. You don't have to use those things but it sure is sturdy.

Sorry not a great couple pics to show how I did it. I used the "locking" hinges to keep the front open.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@Troylee can give you good advice!

 

[Troylee]

As long as you have a vent and a fan blowing out of it somewhere it will be fine! Helps keep your lights cool and your tank.

 

[Fish Fan]

As long as you have a vent and a fan blowing out of it somewhere it will be fine! Helps keep your lights cool and your tank.

Just as an option, many people like to have a fan blowing into the canopy, and forcing air out of a vent(s) somewhere else. This has the benefit of prevent salt spray from coming into the fans leading to corrosion and a shorter fan life.