Aquarium Canopy ideas

[Byrd]

I'm about to build me a inclosed canopy for my 280g and I was hoping some of yall will post some pictures of the ones you have or have seen so that I can narrow down my design.

 

[Neoalchemist]

I hVe a canopy but dont use it. It is impossible to work with or around. Its a poor design and would make a bad example.
Im mostly diy so next time i will float the light fixture and build a thin steel frame and use magnets to attach veneer panels to make a faux canopy.

 

[Byrd]

I hVe a canopy but dont use it. It is impossible to work with or around. Its a poor design and would make a bad example.
Im mostly diy so next time i will float the light fixture and build a thin steel frame and use magnets to attach veneer panels to make a faux canopy.

I understand the hindrance of a typical canopy so I will make sure mine opens wide open with as little interference with maintenance as possible. My tank room is also our tv/family room so I don't want alot of light spill over

 

[Homebrewer]

 

[Neoalchemist]

That looks really good. Wish mine was that nice.

 

[Homebrewer]

That looks really good. Wish mine was that nice.

Thanks for the compliment.

I'll tell you, this tank came with a canopy and it was one of the main reasons I bought it (a dozen or so years ago now). I could never find lights that worked well under it, so I abandoned the use of it for many of the same reasons you cited. When I was looking for new lights, I committed to getting a canopy (per my original vision), but customized to make the lighting of my choice work with the top portion. Nothing off the shelf was gonna work, and because I dabble in woodworking, I decided to build my own. I'm pretty happy with the results. Thanks again!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[mike550]

@Byrd I have a canopy which is around 10" tall. I wanted to keep it lower profile than what I've seen as I wanted to reduce bulk. But I learned a couple of things. First, my lights sit about 8" above the water surface on a tank that's about 24" to the sand bed. So light distribution can be an issue. Second, my canopy tilts back for servicing. So every time I want to feed the fish (daily) I need to tilt the canopy back. So I would highly recommend a front panel (or doors) that can swing up for feeding.

 

[Byrd]

Thanks for the compliment.

I'll tell you, this tank came with a canopy and it was one of the main reasons I bought it (a dozen or so years ago now). I could never find lights that worked well under it, so I abandoned the use of it for many of the same reasons you cited. When I was looking for new lights, I committed to getting a canopy (per my original vision), but customized to make the lighting of my choice work with the top portion. Nothing off the shelf was gonna work, and because I dabble in woodworking, I decided to build my own. I'm pretty happy with the results. Thanks again!

I like the simple but functional design. Good choice of lumber as well because the grain is very pretty

 

[Byrd]

@Byrd I have a canopy which is around 10" tall. I wanted to keep it lower profile than what I've seen as I wanted to reduce bulk. But I learned a couple of things. First, my lights sit about 8" above the water surface on a tank that's about 24" to the sand bed. So light distribution can be an issue. Second, my canopy tilts back for servicing. So every time I want to feed the fish (daily) I need to tilt the canopy back. So I would highly recommend a front panel (or doors) that can swing up for feeding.

Thanks for the advice

 

[Victor_C3]

I always liked the hood Bulk Reef Supply used on the BRS 160 tank in their videos.

If you're looking for a nice smooth black or white finish on your hood, I found that using MDF coupled with a lacquer finish produces a piano like finish.

I used Krylon spray-paint Lacquer finish with great success. Spray paint numerous light coats so as to avoid runs and drips and lightly sand with 200-300 grit (and clean off the dust) before spraying the final coat. If you get runs or drips during painting, just sand them smooth before applying the next coat.

 

[Passedyouby]

Just wrapped my tank in shiplap yesterday. Love the look. Havent updated the canopy yet, but just the base made a huge improvement. Added a nautical look to the tank

 

[Byrd]

Just wrapped my tank in shiplap yesterday. Love the look. Havent updated the canopy yet, but just the base made a huge improvement. Added a nautical look to the tank

I'd like to see that. Shiplap has been running through my head alot lately

 

[Passedyouby]

I'd like to see that. Shiplap has been running through my head alot lately

I haven't done the finishing work yet such as caulk, paint, or hanging the door level. Will do that when I build the canopy. Also top right board has 1 finish nail only until I move the two apex power cords to their new home

 

[danieyella]

My husband used shiplap for mine, and put a nice handle inside for ease of opening/closing because we're both hobbits.... give me a few and i'll try to dig up some photos (I'm not home to take fresh)

 

[danieyella]

I apologize for the quality of the photos and state of the tank, this was when we were first setting it up. The lighting currently is blackboxes with a mounting system he made. I plan on upgrading in the next few months to a single 48 inch from reefbreeders though so we'll need to rework the inside a bit.

We went with shiplap because we have an entire bar built in the same room and wanted it to match.

 

[Byrd]

I haven't done the finishing work yet such as caulk, paint, or hanging the door level. Will do that when I build the canopy. Also top right board has 1 finish nail only until I move the two apex power cords to their new home

Looks good. The good thing about shiplap is you don't have to finish it if you don't want because you can make it look like an old weathered Beach find. Like the tall tank as well

 

[Byrd]

I apologize for the quality of the photos and state of the tank, this was when we were first setting it up. The lighting currently is blackboxes with a mounting system he made. I plan on upgrading in the next few months to a single 48 inch from reefbreeders though so we'll need to rework the inside a bit.

We went with shiplap because we have an entire bar built in the same room and wanted it to match.

Hard to tell how it opens put it has alot of clearance when open

 

[Reeffragger]

Heres my canopy. The other towel trick.. haha

 

[danieyella]

Hard to tell how it opens put it has alot of clearance when open

You can kind of see the seam in the 2nd photo, it's hinged along the top and folds open like the diagram posted above. Because we're both short there's that silver handle in the center of the inside so that we can brace it and open/close with more ease