Canopy design from Plywood

[Phyroath]

Hi everyone,
Currently I do not have a good canopy for my 29g planted tank. What i have used is a a large PVC to house my lighting (V. cheap DIY but a lot of problems). I am thinking of building a good hood from plywood and I have sketched what I am planning to do - through searching some models. I found one that I like however I try to modify this so that it fits my tank and my current practice of using submersible filter which requires the filter media box sits on the top of the tank. Would appreciate comments for improvements you might have or help with any good DIY canopy model that you are using so that I can have more options. Sorry for the bad design skills.

 

[krytan]

I'd put air vents on the back otherwise your lights are going to get very hot.

 

[Phyroath]

Oh cool. Will have 2 more air vents same size as my wiring vent. I am trying to have one T8 bulb in the front panel so that the plants in the rear are able to get enough light - won't be easy anyway as I have to open it very often.

 

[Star_Rider]

pick up some 120mm pc fans and use them.. one for flow in and one for flow out..
you will need a ac/dc converter if space is an issue you can use 80mm
the 120 's are just really quiet

 

[excuzzzeme]

pick up some 120mm pc fans and use them.. one for flow in and one for flow out..
you will need a ac/dc converter if space is an issue you can use 80mm
the 120 's are just really quiet

You can get the same fans in AC power. Slightly more money but not much. It would be cheaper than adding a DC converter.

An example

http://www.action-electronics.com/fans.htm#Ac

Just Google for AC computer fans.

 

[Star_Rider]

lol..not if you already have the ac/dc coverter..many can use a power supply for old dial up modems

i picked up 2 120's and used power supplies for old modems(matched) and run them.
gransd total $10 for the set up.

also have a 120 v 120 fan(very high speed and very noisy) but yes you can get an ac set up.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

Fans are a must!
I like the ascetics of the design but I wonder if your going to use Versa top or if you planning to cover the bulbs in a different fashion.
Are the access panels going to be big enough? You may have already considered about this stuff. Just my thoughts.....

 

[Phyroath]

I am not familiar with PC fan but willing to try it out. My country is where used PC and accessories are freely available and I can have access to this. May be I can find some used converters.

My tank is only 17.7" wide. I am thinking of 5.7" for the rear, 7" mid and 5" front panel.

Ford I have never been using anything to cover the bulbs and I am not sure about a versa top - need your kind explanation. The bulbs I am currently using is not using ballast as in the picture - easily screw to the panel however I am planning an ODNO to the hood. The 2 front panels would be in a zigzag position on the rear one.

Thanks to all.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

A versa top is a glass lid that is hinged in the middle.
It sits on the inside lip on the rim of the tank.
It's used to protect the end caps of the bulbs from corroding
and to help with water evaporation and fish that might jump out.
In short, it's just glass!

Is that picture the only lights available to you? Is that what you are using now? 3X20W T-8??
Those don't put off nearly as much heat as power compacts, which is what most planted tank enthusiasts use. So if you're using T-8's cooling fans may not be all that necessary. But they will help. If you can acquire some, why not. It'll be fun!

There are many people who have made DIY hoods. You could do a search for more ideas. I did a simple one for my 29gal. It has a 55w AH Supply PCF and a T-6, w/a 20W GE Aquaray

 

[Phyroath]

Thanks Ford. I see the idea of the Versa top. This kind of stuff is obviously not available. As for the light, that T8 is the best I can find. The rests are of low quality. Specific light for Aquarium is Na. You are right on installing the fan - I got several PC fans now from a friend in the IT job so that great to try this out and also an ODNO. It would be hard for me to do this but someone may help if ideas is provided.

Anyway - What a nice tank! I love it.