frogman_reefer
Well-Known Member
In my most recent attempt to make my hobby bearable for my family, I decided to add a canopy to my system.
When I bought this 125 off Craigslist it needed lots of work. I pulled off all the top tank trim, cleaned the glass and sanded the old base. While it looked a thousand percent better, it still didn't really match the decor of our home.
So in an effort to appease my wife and my own creativeness. I opted to have a canopy built. Problem was that adding all those things like fans, lighting, power all add up and my budget was only $500.00. So how was I gonna make this look like a 5000.00 tank?
It started with a canopy for 279.00 and it looked great. But it didn't match the existing cabinet, there was no cooling mechanism and no power.
So I went on the hunt and found Minwax Red Mahogany stain for the base. Found two computer fans 200mm 110v .06A and a power strip and got to work.
Equipment list:
2 200mm 110v computer cooling fans
2 power adapters
8 - 3in screw
24 washers
2 metal fan casings
1- 3 1/2 inch wood boring bit
1 drill
1- 3/8 inch drill bit
1 canopy for 125 g tank
Stain
First mark fan location ensuring equal distance from bottom on canopy to ensure it will rest evenly on your tank.
Using the 3 1/2 inch bit drill two holes in the side of the canopy.
Follow by marking holes for screws and drill using the 3/8 inch bit
Once complete using 4 bolt/nuts place metal screens to outside of canopy. Remember to turn them both the same way.
Once done insert the fan body and tighten the 4 nuts to secure in place.
(Note) when doing this it helps to run the power cord through the small opening as seen below. This will assist you in holding the power cords in place.
Clean off the canopy and place on your tank
All in all this project was about 45 min to complete. I'm going to watch the tanks temp and if need be, repeat the process for the other side.
Cost: $80.00 for the fans and the wood boring bit. Hopefully it will keep the heat in the canopy reduced enough. All in all a pretty painless project.
When I bought this 125 off Craigslist it needed lots of work. I pulled off all the top tank trim, cleaned the glass and sanded the old base. While it looked a thousand percent better, it still didn't really match the decor of our home.
So in an effort to appease my wife and my own creativeness. I opted to have a canopy built. Problem was that adding all those things like fans, lighting, power all add up and my budget was only $500.00. So how was I gonna make this look like a 5000.00 tank?
It started with a canopy for 279.00 and it looked great. But it didn't match the existing cabinet, there was no cooling mechanism and no power.
So I went on the hunt and found Minwax Red Mahogany stain for the base. Found two computer fans 200mm 110v .06A and a power strip and got to work.
Equipment list:
2 200mm 110v computer cooling fans
2 power adapters
8 - 3in screw
24 washers
2 metal fan casings
1- 3 1/2 inch wood boring bit
1 drill
1- 3/8 inch drill bit
1 canopy for 125 g tank
Stain
First mark fan location ensuring equal distance from bottom on canopy to ensure it will rest evenly on your tank.
Using the 3 1/2 inch bit drill two holes in the side of the canopy.
Follow by marking holes for screws and drill using the 3/8 inch bit
Once complete using 4 bolt/nuts place metal screens to outside of canopy. Remember to turn them both the same way.
Once done insert the fan body and tighten the 4 nuts to secure in place.
(Note) when doing this it helps to run the power cord through the small opening as seen below. This will assist you in holding the power cords in place.
Clean off the canopy and place on your tank
All in all this project was about 45 min to complete. I'm going to watch the tanks temp and if need be, repeat the process for the other side.
Cost: $80.00 for the fans and the wood boring bit. Hopefully it will keep the heat in the canopy reduced enough. All in all a pretty painless project.
