My floating canopy mockup

[b4tn]

I hate the idea of a big wood box sitting on top of the aquarium. And I really dislike hanging lights. So I came up with this as a compromise. I will build it from left over plywood then stain and poly coat it so it matches the stand. It will literally sit over the top of the lights and on top of the conduit secured with u-bolts. The lights will still be on cables and be free to move for adjustment. Let me know what you all think.

 

[mikesilverado8888]

Nice

 

[TheEngineer]

Looks nice. How much is that plywood going to weigh? Can those posts handle the weight? Can their mounting point?

 

[b4tn]

Posts can for sure handle the weight. The posts are screwed in with 2.5" wood screes for the mounting points.

 

[zoo]

I like that idea, i'am going to try to get a piece of aluminum from my friend.i just hope it doesnt break when bending. I hope heating it will help.

 

[TheEngineer]

I'd just do some tests on it first, if it was me. I'd be concerned that the rods will bend and press on the top lip of the tank. That angle is a bad one and could result in a crack, especially the one that comes right up next to your drain. Rather than plywood, could you make it out of luan? It's considerably lighter than plywood. A sheet of 1/4" luan is around 18lbs and a sheet of 1/4" plywood is around 22 lbs.

 

[Mike in CT]

I have a floating canopy made out of pine on my my 75. I have mine mounted to the wall behind the canopy so you can't see it. It's pretty darn heavy and I ended up having to remount it to take in account for the sag I ended up with. If I was you I would approximate how heavy it's going to be and see if your going to get any sag before you commit so you can adjust. One thing I did that I would change is that I made the canopy 48 inches long like the tank, which is fine for my LEDs, but when I wanted to mount some T5's to supplement, I had to go with 36 inches because the canopy wouldn't fit 48 inside.

 

[b4tn]

I was going to use 1/4" plywood and 1x1 pine for the frame which for the size was actually surprisingly light. I was very worried when bending the conduit that it would flex under load of the lights but it is also very rigid and could hold a lot more. However.. I left the cardboard canopy up for a couple days and have decided to go a different route. I still feel like it is just too bulky looking. I found some 1" mild steal in my basement and am going to weld a bracket so that I can mount the lights directly to the conduit and get rid of the cables all together. If I am still not happy with the wiring showing I will make a smaller canopy with 1x4 boards. I will post some pictures this weekend.

 

[TheEngineer]

Good luck! Could you route the wires through the tubes?

 

[b4tn]

Good luck! Could you route the wires through the tubes?

I was thinking of doing that. I would have to cut the power wire since the plug end does not fit inside the conduit then solder it back together. But this is doable.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I was also want to get a canopy with some retro t5 and led and was thinking about using wood. Would this be a fire hazard if something happens over heats or is it better to just dish out 1500 bucks :( on professional lights ?

 

[cjd]

Canopy's are made from wood ?

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Canopy's are made from wood ?

not sure if you asking or just being a wise butt lol but yes i have seen some youtube videos where some are wood and some are made with a plexiglass type material.

 

[cjd]

Just a statement , Pre made canopy's are wood . When you buy a stand and matching canopy they are made from the same wood. Plenty of threads on here of people making their own out of wood and putting metal halides in them ....

 

[cjd]

Alright, I was being a little wise *** too........ But Im making a floating one myself now ....and its out of wood.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

Alright, I was being a little wise *** too........ But Im making a floating one myself now ....and its out of wood.

Lol you right I don't know what I was thinking. I actually saw a canopy made out of aluminum and plexiglass that looked really nice. Downside it's about 300-400 in parts. But looks sleek as hell...