Anyone built a lighted hood for a 100 gal?

[cb93lx]

Might get a "free" 100 gallon tank from a friend at work. He says if you stand it up on end it looks kinda like a telephone booth so Im guessing that its a 72" long. He has no acc. for it though. I looked for some prices on hoods and lights and theyre like $300. Anyone ever built a lighted hood for one? What did you use and how? Thanks in advance.

[Heady]

I would be interested to know also...

[slipknottin]

Most likely its 48" or 60" long. The smallest 6 ft (non custom) tank is a 125.

[K_S_W_I_S_S]

i am building a top for my 125g today.... it will have one 4ft double floro light in it... im not sure what kind of wood it is, but its free so i dont care... and it will also keep my cats from going up and drinking my fish water :P its not real expensive or good looking wood, but it will work... and my tank is 125g's and its 72 inches long, 24 inches high and 18 wide...

[Dabbler II]

My 120 is 52 L x 24 H x 22 D
The most expensive part was the 2 Glo-mat Floresent light power packs. I have since added 2 55 watt compact Florsents :D
http://www3.telus.net/public/dabbler/Picture_0322crop.jpg

[beviking]

Built one for my 90g (48" X 18"). If I can get the da%^ pics posted I'd show you. I used maple boards 1X6 or 1X8's. They were free but one 8' should be around $20. Cut them to 3/4X1/2 or 3/4X3/4 pcs for a frame. Skinned it with luan plywood ($10 for 4'X8'), and trimmed it with the maple. Fitted it with 2-4' shoplights ($7/each, 4 bulbs total). VERY inexpensive vs. $300! I was worried about moisture but as long as you have a descent fitting glass top and leave space for air (on mine, I put a back on it, but it has a 1/4" space along the bottom and top) it won't be a problem. You can build it so the front corner is hinged (the front panel and 4 to 6" of the top swings up and back) if you don't like the hinges being right up front or having the whole top lift up.
Glue and screws (predrill for the screws), some white paint and polyurethane. It all adds up but if you have most of it lying around anyway, it's not that much.
The nice thing about using a frame (IMO), is that you can secure the trim from the inside and not have any holes to cover. Obviously the trim covers the screws or brads used to secure the luan onto the frame.
Good luck.

Here are my pics:

http://community.webshots.com/user/beviking

[cb93lx]

Looking great guys.

beviking I am a little confused on one part that you explained. I too, am concerned with the moisture getting to the bulbs and electronics. Can you try to explain to me where you put the glass and when you said you "put a back on it" ? I am probaly missing something simple but right now Im a little confused. Thanks for the pics and help.

[beviking]

yup, it's simple. There is no glass in my hood. I just have a glass top on my tank. The hood sits on the tank and covers it and the glass. The back of my hood is not the front (as you're looking at it), or the sides, or the top (sarcasm is not intended!). The ones at the lfs don't have a back on them so air flow isn't a concern. Does that clarify it for you? Let me know if it doesn't.

[cb93lx]

I think I understand now. But does the glass top have a hinged opening or?........... I see what you mean about the actual cover you built, Im with you there. Thanks for clarifying it for me.

[OCSupertones]

I built mine for my 135, would that help?

[cb93lx]

Sure, Im just trying to get a plan together for this 100 gallon. Please share.

[beviking]

The glass top is the one from the manufacturer. 2 pcs of glass (on each side of the center brace) with a black plastic hinge and little plastic handles. It fits the top of your aquarium. The All-Glass or Perfecto websites should have pics of them or try BigAlsOnline.com or another supplies place.

[cb93lx]

OK Im with you now, thanks for all the explaining. Looks great. I appreciate your help.