New custom Canopy for Minibow7 finished

[Naturalreef]

Hi Everyone,
I just finished my Custom Minibow 7 hood with a 70 watt Ushio 10k and a 32 watt CSL smartlamp...Absolutely love the shimmer

http://www.nano-reef.com/gallery/sho...00&ppuser=1981

[georgiajams]

Naturalreef, can you give a brief explanation of how you did it? What is it made out of, what parts did you use, etc. Does it have a fan in there?

[ckreef]

Nice looking canopy setup. Someone else on Minibow.com has something similar. I'm sure you are going to be very pleased with the performance in the long run.

[sammy33]

I like your hood. Great job!

I am working on a similar 70w MH setup for my 15g nano. What kind of ballast did you use? I have noticed a few Aromats for sell on ebay.

[bamann345]

Hey Sammy.....how are things going?

Have you gotten too far on the 70 watt set-up??? If not, I would just go with a 175 bulb. It will be around the same price as the 70 watt one, if done right. Also, there are a tone more bulb options out there, with the 70 watt bulbs you have a choice of like 2 bulbs....

[ckreef]

Yea but if you go with a 70w or 150w DE bulb you can buy an extra cheapie pendant from Lowes to house it in. It includes the bulb holders, is prewired and has UV glass all ready to go. (all that for less then the cost of bulb holders from an aquarioum source)

[Naturalreef]

Thanks for the kind words, MH kicks @#$#. It really is a whole new tank with MH. Little Ocean in your home..Pc's alone didn't do it for me, but now that I'm no longer limited by light intensity, I'm going for sps, clams,etc.. My tri-color Acropora reacted almost immediately. My candy cane shriveled up a bit when first turned on, but I have acclimated them and they are fuller than ever.

Georgiajams, sorry for the late reply..I'm used to the other forum and didn't check messages on this one. lets see what I can remember...used gorilla glue for everything(careful not to add too much glue as it expands to 3 times...3/4 oak on top and sides, 1/4 inch red oak sides and front..krylon semi-gloss black, semi-gloss white, polycrylic....

Lexan sheet(8 dollars home depot) cut to fit for UV protection(make sure it is at least 2 inches from bulb and make sure you have right side facing bulb..UV is only on non-label side) little wood blocks from michaels for side rails to hold lexan. 70 watt MH kit w/Aromat 5eu updated ballast from goofinof@aol.com$140 complete. best kit I have seen, professionally wired, just put bulb in and mount and turn on...2 fans on a variable output 12v transformer. one fan cools hood, other fan blows on surface of water..temp is rock solid...

32 watt csl smartlight bulb will be replaced by hellolights 28 watt actintic 03 soon. and alot of elbow grease This was my first hood and woodworking project, and I have to say it came out like I bought it from a specialty shop..just very pleased with performance and looks....hope I covered enough..let me know

[sammy33]

sammy33... "How did you bend the wood?"

Naturalreef... "Do not try and bend the wood. That's impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth."

sammy33 ... "What truth?"

Naturalreef ... "There is no woood."

sammy33 ... "There is no wood?"

Naturalreef ... "Then you will see that it is not the wood that bends, it is only yourself."

[skilter]

ahhh yes.... there is no wood.

[eazyreef]

I however am going to try the same thing, but with bending wood.

[Voyeur]

Originally posted by eazyreef
I however am going to try the same thing, but with bending wood.

That must hurt like crazy.....

[Naturalreef]

Hi folks,
Well the upgrade bug has bitten me again. I just purchased a nanocube for a great price and am planning on building a hood for it. So that means I'm selling my new minibow hood. All I'm asking for is what I paid for it. 70 watt metal halide kit with Aromat 5eu ballast all wired...$150 CSL 32 watt kit $60 wood,paint,materials $60. I'll be listing it on ebay soon, but thought I would post here first. I'm selling it as a whole, not parting out. I live in Newnan, georgia(for locals and my email is wingz4life@yahoo.com thanks..........Nick

[ruhspolostar]

dang I wish I could do that, I'm booksmart, anything thats gets done thats "big" on my tank usually involves me doing all of the research blueprints and yelling, I never really get hands on.....

me in ten years......... WIFE: Honey the pipe busted
ADAM: Better call someone then.......