Floating Canopies: Let's See 'Em!!!

[cilyjr]

This belongs to and was built by Jim Tansey. A guy in my club. He did such a nice job I had to show you all

 

[LanM]

I know this is an old thread, but minus9 would you care to share your build specs,and how you made the canopy adustable?

 

[minus9]

I know this is an old thread, but minus9 would you care to share your build specs,and how you made the canopy adustable?

Sure, I used 1 1/4" square steel for the top part that connects to the canopy and 1 1/2" for the base (which attaches to the back of the stand). I had the welder cap off the bottom of the 1 1/2" so the top can't fall and hit the top of the tank. Also, he drilled several holes on the 1 1/4" supports about 2" apart and welded a nut to the outside of the 1 1/2" support. The bolt threads through the 1 1/2" into the 1 1/4" holes. I believe it adjusts to a maximum height of 14" and lowers to about 4" from the top of the tank. If you look closely at the picture, you'll see one of the bolts on the right support.
I was going to cut out a section on both supports to allow cables to pass through, but it would limit how I could raise or lower the canopy. Also, the top of the canopy is designed so the wood can lift out from the top if I need to get quick access once the it is lowered into position. It takes two people to raise or lower the canopy itself, but it's not something I see doing that much.

 

[LanM]

That's great, thanks.
I'm considering doing something similar for a 25g cube I'm setting up as a frag tank. I'd like the ability to raise and lower it for access to the racks as needed. Mine would be smaller, so maybe I could fab something that would be a 1 man raise. I was thinking perhaps a center post on a ratcheting roller in between 2 others. It would work on the way up, I'd have to figure out a lock/release mechanism to lower it.

 

[minus9]

Make sure you leave yourself enough room on the back of the tank for powerhead magnets and the like.

 

[rc8t6353]

I'm about to start a hanging/ floating canopy. My question is for those that used wood, how did you attach to the top of the canopy? I'm stumped

 

[minus9]

I'm about to start a hanging/ floating canopy. My question is for those that used wood, how did you attach to the top of the canopy? I'm stumped

Are you hanging from the wall or ceiling?

 

[rc8t6353]

Are you hanging from the wall or ceiling?

Ceiling. Gonna start on the frame tonight.

 

[wowkingjames]

Thanks for giving me some great ideas.

 

[Kzguns]

 

[Kzguns]

 

[rc8t6353]

Ok guys. I got the frame done and brs retrofit kit in and wired. The lfs only had one aqua blue + so I bought it. I put it in the fixture to testthe wiring. One side of the bulb lights up for a few seconds then goes off. I double checked the wiring and it seems ok. Any suggestions?

 

[lbacha]

That's great, thanks.
I'm considering doing something similar for a 25g cube I'm setting up as a frag tank. I'd like the ability to raise and lower it for access to the racks as needed. Mine would be smaller, so maybe I could fab something that would be a 1 man raise. I was thinking perhaps a center post on a ratcheting roller in between 2 others. It would work on the way up, I'd have to figure out a lock/release mechanism to lower it.

I have a freshwater high tech 25g cube and a single Kessil is great for a this size tank especially if you will be in it a lot. I have to do a lot of trimming of plants and the Kessil is never In the way

 

[LanM]

I like the looks of that Kessil. Unfortunately I've purchased too many lights recently, so I've put the breaks on changing my mind yet again.

I'm going with an island furniture theme for this tank. I've painted the stand an aquatic blue/teal, and am going to trim it in bamboo. I picked up a 12 inch square bamboo bowl, and intended to mount it upside down like a shade with the AI prime in it which will allow me to move it out of the way pretty easily. I'm also tossing around the idea of using the black box I have instead, and making a small color match enclosure, which I'll be able to swing out of the way. Either way I'm pretty settled on a swing arm pendant bracket like the one below, which will give me the access I need.

 

[Daltrey]

My t5/led combo. Still need to hide the wires. It’s a work in progress.

 

[Raptor72]

My t5/led combo. Still need to hide the wires. It’s a work in progress.

This is the exact look I’m going for. I’m thinking of doing this with the AI Hydra LEDs and maybe some 2x6s. I have been thinking of doing this with the hanging kit.

 

[Daltrey]

This is the exact look I’m going for. I’m thinking of doing this with the AI Hydra LEDs and maybe some 2x6s. I have been thinking of doing this with the hanging kit.

I used 3/32 vinyl coated wire rope from Lowes and attached four eyebolts to my canopy. They are attached thru my ceiling to crossbeams in my attic.

 

[jlanger]

How did I miss this thread for this long?
I have a floating canopy over my 120gal. (Photo after initial set up in 2012.)

I'm a big fan of the Arts & Crafts design in architecture, furniture and artwork, so I designed my canopy to model a A&C hanging light fixture.
One of the better features of this canopy is that it's attached to the mounting plate with sliding rails. This allows me to push the canopy back about seven inches to gain better access inside the tank.

 

[rc8t6353]

Finished mine this past weekend. Built the frame out of 1x4 then skinned it. Hung it with wire to crispness in the attic.

 

[rc8t6353]

Cross beams. lol