DIY Canopy for a 125

H

h0ngkn0t2

AC Members
Feb 9, 2011
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My first attempt at a canopy. I made it out of Pine, painted with black Semi-Gloss Spray Paint.

I wasn't sure about how to built one with a hinge, so this is built in a similar design as the typical pine ones that you see at the pet stores except that you take the top completely off. It worked out great because after the tops are off, it only takes one person to slide the canopy off to access to the tank.

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Front

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Back

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Corner

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Top

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Tank Shot
 
Very nice! Inspirational even!

I've been looking for a nice canopy for my new 60g tank, and haven't been finding what I'm looking for. Oddly, the idea of DIY hadn't even crossed my mind until now. I think I may just have to try my hand at it!
 
Hi
Very nice first attempt. Always seem to end up DIY for stand canopies due to the over priced junk they sell lol.
A year ago I made one for a 75 using vinyl fencing materials holds two shop lights and still weighs less than 12 pounds. Cost less than 30 bucks. Was a challene to join together as the material is hollow. Found a 1x2 will slip into the space and accept screws. Nice stuff because it's already finished and of course vinyl, so no problems with water. I left it the natural white but found it will accept acrylic paint beautifully.
Pleased so far with it so going to use it for a 125 but will be on a PVC swing arm so can be removed entirely from the tank with no lifting..
For 30 bucks in the LFS about all you get are a few laughs??? lol gary
 
Nice work!
 
U canopy builders R awesome! My honey = one of them as he built the cabinet and the canopy for my 125fer. *see my Personal Gallery.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND CONTINUE SENDING PICS. :clap:
 
Very nice and the paint a nice departure from traditional stain. I must say though that your obvious skill with joining wood, bringing corners together, and aliment, The hinged piano lid would have been a piece of cake for you. Once the canopy box is constructed the hinged lid is actually the easiest part. My aquariums are large (100+) and Im 53 so for me sliding those bulky heavy canopies off to do maintenance and feed my fish is not an option. Just getting them on top requires a running start lol, so the hinged lids are a blessing. But you did an excellent job and have inspired me to quit procrastinating and make my 2 sectional canopy for my 85" tank, two sections 42" long as I would never be able to set up something that large on top in one piece, which I insist being able to do myself without help. Thanks for sharing your project.:thumbsup:
 
Very nice job! I don't usually like canopies but yours looks very simple to build and yet, professionally done. Is the top inset part of the canopy wood or are you using the plastic/glass canopy pieces that are standard on many tanks?
 
Thanks for the all the comments. The entire canopy is made of pine, including the top; I left the glass tops so that any chances or the canopy warping is reduced. I didn't seal the wood on the inside (just painted it black), so hopefully it'll still last a long time. I may end up adding hinges to them if I get lazy. After reading comments from my post and perusing Home Depot, it should only require a little modification.
 
Sweet looking top. Since you painted the inside as well you actually did seal it.
The extra added touch was the roundover on the edge. Most people just leave them square. The roundover adds a bit of class to it. Well done.
 
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