DIY Canopy for 46G Bow Front

akos · 01-03-2006, 04:17 PM

Hello,

Does anyone have any good plans for a DIY project to build a canopy to a bow front aquarium? I thought I saw a really good plan on this board, maybe it wasn't for a bow front , but it did include excellent computerized schematics. After searching for hours I was not able to find it.

Thanks,

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guaiac_boy · 01-03-2006, 09:00 PM

I built a light box out of 1x4s that I found at the local orange h/w store. The finished box measures 36"x8"x4". I includes a low-dB fan that I got from an on-line electrical supply company. Mine is set up for 8 screw-in spiral CF's. I currently use 8x23 W @ 5500K for about 4 wpg with a glass mirror reflector. I'm guessing it acts like most 'cadilac' 3 wpg systems.

The box would easily accomodate AH's DIY kits if you wanted regular CFs. I'd probably go that route if I did it again, just to get the better reflectors.

I've not found it necessary to do anything special for the 'bow' portion of the tank. Since it's usually full of short, foreground plants the light coming from the center reaches it quite adequately.

I'm not sure this helps - it's certainly not a full canopy and isn't especially decorative, but I'd be glad to send photos & further descriptions if you're interested.

My total setup with wood, screw-in bases, fan, bulbs, paint, cord, and wire was:

wood $8
screws $0 - had a few lying around
paint $3 - 1 can black spraypaint
bases $16
wire $0 - had it lying around too
lamp cord $2
fan $20 with shipping
mirror $6 from local glass shop
bulbs $30 from topbulb.com (they're down the street - no shipping)

total $85

This was cheaper than anything I could buy and seems to work quite well. The other advantage is being able to remove or add bulbs for any desired wpg. I only wish I could find spiral CF's in the 6500-8000K range.

**DiabloCanine** · 01-04-2006, 12:42 AM

If you want a full canopy I can get you pics of mine. No plans it was made for me out of oak. PM me if you want pics.

**beviking** · 01-11-2006, 04:40 PM

Hello akos, I'm finishing a stand/canopy for a 92gal corner tank (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums...achmentid=5425 ). There are 2 trim pieces missing that hang down from the canopy (and up from the stand) that will cover the tank trim (the black frame).
I prefer to use 3/4"X3/4" hardwood for a canopy frame and then skin it with luan or 1/4"plywood. The bowfronts don't have too great of an arc and you could probably cut the curve out of a 1X4 or 1X6 layed flat. If you're interested, http://community.webshots.com/album/66733948IozKwp , there are pics of my current 90gal set-up and the accomodating plans.

HTH

01-03-2006, 04:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
akos Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (2) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NY, NY Posts: 54	DIY Canopy for 46G Bow Front Hello, Does anyone have any good plans for a DIY project to build a canopy to a bow front aquarium? I thought I saw a really good plan on this board, maybe it wasn't for a bow front , but it did include excellent computerized schematics. After searching for hours I was not able to find it. Thanks,

01-04-2006, 12:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
DiabloCanine zogsichzurückteufelhunden (View User Tanks) PTrader: (80) Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Between yoink & RMC in the U.S. of A Posts: 1,627	If you want a full canopy I can get you pics of mine. No plans it was made for me out of oak. PM me if you want pics. __________________ Swap n Shop Power Pimpmaster Commandant DISCLAIMER: the above posted comments are just some guys opinion, they are not nor claim to be fact. Projects:Sliding Glass TopCO2 ReactorPortable UV SterilizerPVC CO2 ManifoldWater Filtration/Storage/Distribution37G Drilled w/PVC Heater & Reactor Manifold55G Drilled w/Inline Heater & Reactor110G Sumped w/Eheims & Magnums46G Drilled w/PVC Heater & Reactor Manifold Fish Room*

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01-03-2006, 09:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
guaiac_boy Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Burley, Idaho Posts: 291	I built a light box out of 1x4s that I found at the local orange h/w store. The finished box measures 36"x8"x4". I includes a low-dB fan that I got from an on-line electrical supply company. Mine is set up for 8 screw-in spiral CF's. I currently use 8x23 W @ 5500K for about 4 wpg with a glass mirror reflector. I'm guessing it acts like most 'cadilac' 3 wpg systems. The box would easily accomodate AH's DIY kits if you wanted regular CFs. I'd probably go that route if I did it again, just to get the better reflectors. I've not found it necessary to do anything special for the 'bow' portion of the tank. Since it's usually full of short, foreground plants the light coming from the center reaches it quite adequately. I'm not sure this helps - it's certainly not a full canopy and isn't especially decorative, but I'd be glad to send photos & further descriptions if you're interested. My total setup with wood, screw-in bases, fan, bulbs, paint, cord, and wire was: wood $8 screws $0 - had a few lying around paint $3 - 1 can black spraypaint bases $16 wire $0 - had it lying around too lamp cord $2 fan $20 with shipping mirror $6 from local glass shop bulbs $30 from topbulb.com (they're down the street - no shipping) total $85 This was cheaper than anything I could buy and seems to work quite well. The other advantage is being able to remove or add bulbs for any desired wpg. I only wish I could find spiral CF's in the 6500-8000K range.

01-11-2006, 04:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
beviking Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (37) Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY USA Posts: 139	Hello akos, I'm finishing a stand/canopy for a 92gal corner tank (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums...achmentid=5425 ). There are 2 trim pieces missing that hang down from the canopy (and up from the stand) that will cover the tank trim (the black frame). I prefer to use 3/4"X3/4" hardwood for a canopy frame and then skin it with luan or 1/4"plywood. The bowfronts don't have too great of an arc and you could probably cut the curve out of a 1X4 or 1X6 layed flat. If you're interested, http://community.webshots.com/album/66733948IozKwp , there are pics of my current 90gal set-up and the accomodating plans. HTH