Floating Canopies... Source?

[RichtheReefer21]

I have plans in the works for a DIY floating canopy for my 72" 125g...

I haven't found a single vendor in my searches over the weekend for Kits or Prebuilt ones...

If possible, for the right price, I wouldn't mind avoiding the hassle of building it if there is a vendor out there that sells/carries/stocks/builds these "floating canopies" (Suspended from the ceiling)

Anyone have any directions to point me towards or vendors that you can vouch for making quality products custom or anything at all?

I would be open to one that would mount to my stand as well...

TIA
-Rich

 

[TheEngineer]

Not sure I’ve seen any commercially made. They are just DIY IME. You could probably get a carpenter to make you one if you don’t want to do it yourself.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Not sure I’ve seen any commercially made. They are just DIY IME. You could probably get a carpenter to make you one if you don’t want to do it yourself.

yea, that's what its looking like. cant believe someone doesnt fabricate and offer these somewhere.

 

[dantimdad]

Where are you located?

 

[RichtheReefer21]

2hrs west of Boston, ma
2.5hrs North of NYC

 

[RichtheReefer21]

I could build it no problem, just not sure I wanna deal with it if I can find someone to do it for me, haha

 

[dantimdad]

Well, if you were closer, I have a full cabinet shop.

Shipping would be prohibitive I think.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Well thanks, that's a nice offer. But yes, I imagine shipping would be quite a bit much.

Could always prefabricate it and send it to me with screws and directions!

 

[dantimdad]

Well thanks, that's a nice offer. But yes, I imagine shipping would be quite a bit much.

Could always prefabricate it and send it to me with screws and directions!

Uhm... That's actually a thought. It could be miter cut, flat packed and put together with screws internally so you didn't see them.

You might want to send me a message.

 

[Daniel Waters]

@RichtheReefer21[/USER]
I'm not a diy guy either. But I did a variation on a floating canopy that attached to the back wall (versus ceiling, as I have cathedral ceilings), and it was pretty easy, so I thought I'd share the general idea in case that interests you as a possible route.

I bought some sign / banner posts that I attached into studs on the back wall. I then placed a 72" wire shelving on top of the posts and zip tied them to the posts (you could secure them differently of course). You could also use cheap closet shelving but I found the heavy duty wire shelving best. For instance the 72" x 18" wire shelving at the link would be an example (https://www.shelving.com/18-d-Nexelon-wire-shelves-p/s18n-p.htm)
I then made a skirt to go around the wire shelving that slides on top and sits on the rim of the wire shelving.

I liked this setup because it was fairly modular. The only thing I had to construct was a three sided skirt, which was fairly easy. The skirt can slide on and off easily giving me access to my lights if needed. The wire shelving gives me plenty of room to place things up on top of the shelving. I have a 6 bulb ATI fixture, 4 kessils + controller, reef link, and fans. All those power bars and cords are all easily contained up on top if the wire shelving and hid. Lastly, the 3 sided canopy is extremely open, so no heat trap issues.

A couple of pictures are attached that hopefully better explain it.

 

[RichtheReefer21]

Nicely done... that's a hell of an idea... I am meeting with a custom cabinet guy today I know personally, and already have a line from @dantimdad for a backup plan.

Not sure I wanna take this on myself.. we shall see when the quotes come back