New Canopy Project.

xrobbx03 · 09-02-2007, 07:52 PM

I am in the process of designing a new canopy for my 65g Tank. (Too bad my solidworks is backorderd cause of the new version, makes life alot easier).

Anyway I have a Nova Extreme 4x39 fixture right now. I plan on gutting it out and reusing some of the components like the ballast end caps, moon lighting, and fans. I will be replacing the single reflector that comes with the tank to individual reflectors for more light output.

In addition to this I plan on adding an additional 2 39 watt bulbs (or possibly 4 depending on price of retrofit) to make 6 total (or 8).

I hope to get my solidworks soon to clean up some of the drawings so I can post some pictures. In the meantime I will be keeping this thread updated with my progress and costs.

xrobbx03 · 09-03-2007, 04:32 PM

Bought all the wood today. Should have time do draw up a 3D model of the canopy itself tomorrow.

Since I have all primer and paint from when I painted my stand the only additional material that will need to be bought is the canopy hardware.

Total Cost so Far: $30.13
Wouldve been cheaper but I decided to get some moulding and that was the majority of the wood cost.

Dancing4raiin · 09-03-2007, 07:14 PM

get some detailed pictures so i can follow along also

xrobbx03 · 09-03-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dancing4raiin

get some detailed pictures so i can follow along also

Once I get the the solidworks models on there it will be easy to follow if you wanted to build one.

Basically its a really simple design. Dressed up a little with some molding. Hinged doors in the front.

Main purpose will be to house my T5 retrofits.

xrobbx03 · 09-06-2007, 05:01 PM

finally got time to get a 3D model drawn. Here is the the Canopy Design.

I will update more once I get the lighting drawing up and figured out where I am going to mount.

There also will be fans mounted onthe sides of the canopy. Still looking for what I want. I will draw those up afterwards too.

Basically the canopy will be made from 1/4 pine. The supports inside are going to be 3/4 by 3/4 pine. Trim is 1/8 and I will rip down the length and width to fit accordingly.

Doors Open

xrobbx03 · 09-06-2007, 05:02 PM

When I get sometime this weekend I will break down the pictures above to show exactly how its going together.

xrobbx03 · 09-11-2007, 06:20 PM

Finally got around to designing the layout for my bulbs. This piece is made so that it is going to be attached to the top of the canopy so that it can be removed easily for maintainence.

Dancing4raiin · 09-11-2007, 08:55 PM

sounds good. are those going to be T5's?

xrobbx03 · 09-11-2007, 09:34 PM

Loverotties · 09-12-2007, 01:55 AM

Are they the T5 HO?

xrobbx03 · 09-12-2007, 08:08 AM

yes they are T5 HO

xrobbx03 · 09-16-2007, 06:22 PM

I got a chance to do some actual wood working today. I changed the desing a little bit also. Instead of doing two doors in the front, I am going to just to a top that opens up for easer access to the lights.

Today I did the top panel, and all fitments for the endcaps.

Kenn157 · 09-22-2007, 08:12 AM

Lookin good so far!

xrobbx03 · 12-19-2007, 11:50 AM

I forgot all about this thread. I have been really busy lately, but I have the canopy pretty much all built. Some of the parts still need to be sanded and painted, along with the molding for it, then the wiring needs to start. I should get it all done this xmas vacation. I will post pictures when I have some up to date.