Canopy hinges?? Need a brainstorm...

[Loteki]

We have a heavy, wooden, single-piece canopy with retrofit lighting for our new 180 gallon tank. At the fish store where we purchased it (previously their display tank), the canopy was suspended from the ceiling by chains with a space between it and the tank so they could reach in.

Does anyone have a suggestion for hinges that would allow us to set the canopy onto the tank? It would have to swing forward as it hinges up so that it doesn't hit the wall behind.

Any advice would be much appreciated... even if it's what not to do.

Thanks!

[Buehlz]

how about retrofiting with gas charged lifts that you would see on a hatchback... so if you tilt it forward the lifts would keep it up for you.... of course you would have to figure out something so the front wouldnt slip off ... hope you know what I am talking about.... my choice would be to make a door or two in the front so you can feed... be interesting to see pictures of your canopy I have a 180 coming in about a month here... (can email me at pbuehlz@yahoo.com)

[Dad]

Loteki,
just want\e to say Hi and Welcome to TRT...not sure I can help on the Hinges tho....sorry...

bob

[dwall174]

I seen a tank set-up at an old LFS that used several pulleys to raise the top. Somewhat like THIS Just an idea

[Geoff]

Welcome to the TRT!!!



is there anyway you could post a pic? i am a very visual person.

G~

[Spkmall]

Here's a picture of the canopy...it's somewhat out of the way for the moment.

You can see pictures of the tank here:
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...550#post162550

[mnreefgeek]

It would require a little work, but you could rip down the center of the canopy and install a piano hinge. The front portion of the canopy would open onto the rear.

[Geoff]

that is kind what i was thinking. that is the way i have my canopy and my wifes.

G~

[mnreefgeek]

Mine is like that to. works just fine for me.

[Loteki]

Hmm... could do the piano bench type hinge at a little off-center toward the front but the lights are retrofitted onto a solid piece of metal. So it would require cutting through that as well. Also, the electrical cords that go to the front lights... not enough give.

As for the pulley, it's a great idea, except that the main point of this is to avoid drilling holes in my wall or ceiling, lol! Maybe as a last resort.

I'm liking the idea of the hatchback hinges... thinking about checking out a junkyard. I'm not quite sure how long they are... no hatchbacks convenient for me to eyeball. Wondering how long they are and how much space they'd require. And, of course, how much force would be required to close them and how to keep them closed! Lots of "ifs".

Meanwhile, thanks for the brainstorming and the kind welcomes (and thanks to my sweetheart for posting the pics of the tank and canopy)! Absolutely love the site!

[Geoff]

there is this option.

G~

[Adam101]

I have just recently purchased the " bike hoist" for one of my tanks hoods and will Install it soon( I will take pics) it seems like it will be preaty cool.

[RobinsonFam1]

just remember that gas struts for hatchbacks only provide pressure when lifting. so when you close they come crashing down.

im going through the same dilema on my 135. 6 foot hood on piano hinge that wieghs about 50 pounds.

im doing some research on power actuated struts.
push a button to lift and push again to close.

hi-tech but man it would be cool!

if anyone can help out on this one id appreciate it!!!

thanks
Brandon & Kelly

[dwall174]

Originally posted by RobinsonFam1

if anyone can help out on this one id appreciate it!!!

thanks
Brandon & Kelly

You just had to ask HERE'S If it dont link to the right page do a search by stock# 14588hd (green box)

[RobinsonFam1]

sweeeeet!

now if i canf igure out how to hook it up to everything.
you seem like you know about these actuator things, do you know if there is a 120 volt one somewhere? or what did you search for to find this one? all of my searches dont come up right.

thanks!
B&K