Tank canopy questions

Saltgator · Feb 16, 2012

Can someone give me an idea how sturdy or heavy can I go or not go on a canopy? I have been thinking of building a canopy over my 240. The 240 is acrylic and has a euro brace. The canopy would be holding 3 250w MH w/ reflectors, 2 160w VHOs, moonlights.

Pic (kinda) of the stand if needed: https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...placement-foam-questions-pics.html#post871941

Thanks

jvswan · Feb 18, 2012

Well, you are talking about 10 lbs or less of equipment inside the hood, unless you want to mount the ballasts on there, then you'll be talking about 40-50 lbs of equipment. I don't think you'll want to use 1/4" plywood, but 1/2" should do the trick. You can get it in poplar or oak finished, or you can get regular pine/spruce and paint it. I don't think it really needs to be overbuilt. Your tank should be able to handle it, though, even if the hood is tall. so, I wouldn't worry too much about it.