Canopy build

[NateHanson]

I'd trim 1" off the two mating sides, rather than 1/2" off all 4 edges. You won't need as much downward reflecting in the center as you need at the sides anyways.

 

[phatbob]

I'd trim 1" off the two mating sides, rather than 1/2" off all 4 edges. You won't need as much downward reflecting in the center as you need at the sides anyways.

Yeah, that's what I'll plan to do. I only need to lose 1" total, so 1/2" off each reflector where they meet should give me a perfect fit.

 

[scottv1025]

keep those pics coming

 

[phatbob]

A little more progress this week. I built it with a slotted top to vent some heat. With PC's, hopefully this will be enough that I won't need a fan. I'll add one later on down the road if needed. The other opening down the end will be for a small door, so I can drop in food/whatever without needing to flip the entire top open.

 

[phatbob]

....

 

[phatbob]

And here's how it looks on the tank. I'll be using a dark stain on it to match the trim on the tank and the stand.

 

[JohnK]

nice project.

Here's a PC reflector link (but I agree, PC's stink)
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium...fluorescent_pfo_customsealife_diy.asp?CartId=

 

[phatbob]

nice project.

Here's a PC reflector link (but I agree, PC's stink)
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium...fluorescent_pfo_customsealife_diy.asp?CartId=

Thanks. I already ordered the reflectors from ahsupply, but they look almost identical to those in your link. Should have them by the end of the week. A couple more little details to work out and then I'll be ready to stain it and then install the lights. Looking for some detachable hinges that will allow me to flip the top open or remove it completely, and I need to make some kind of arm to prop the top open.

 

[phatbob]

It's the little details that are slowing me down now. Spent the weekend trying to rig up an arm to hold the top open. It's got two "settings", one to hold it fully open, and one to hold it half way open...

 

[phatbob]

Then when not in use, it tucks away neatly on the side...

 

[phatbob]

Reflectors arrived last week. Got them trimmed down to size and gave them a test fit...

 

[phatbob]

Finally got some stain on this....

 

[phatbob]

...and painted the inside white. Now I just have to wire it up, install the hardware, and it'll be good to go.

 

[phatbob]

Finally wired up and ready to go.

I'll try to get some pics of the final product on the tank with a real camera. All these camera phone pics are terrible.

 

[KAS2]

Nice craftsmanship.
I love the perfect reflections of the endcaps. My first thought was, "Wow. He managed to fit eight PC bulbs in that little canopy."

 

[phatbob]

Nice craftsmanship.
I love the perfect reflections of the endcaps. My first thought was, "Wow. He managed to fit eight PC bulbs in that little canopy."

Thanks. Eight would have been nice, but I guess I'll have to settle for two!

 

[Sean Irwin]

If you still have room, I would try adding a computer cooling fan. Lowering the temp of your PC's may help them to stay brighter and within the correct spectrum longer.
I would go with glass if you are still looking to prtect your bulbs from salt creep. Acrylic sheets tend to get scratched every time you clean them and warp from the heat of your PC bulbs. Regular home glass would be OK but many Art supply stores sell stuff with very high translucence and sometimes even UV filtering.

 

[phatbob]

Finally a pic of the final product in service. More pics in the DIY project showcase.

 

[APISTOBORELLI]

Nice Job!!

 

[mkeyb]

looks great kinda inspires me to build one know