Show me your DIY hoods.

[Jason Austin]

I have to build a good for my 211g and wanted to get some design ideas.

Post those DIY hoods!

Thanks in advance.

Jason.

 

[mykidsclownfish]

mine started off being used for a par 38, now i have a reef breeders led hanging from the cross brace

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here’s an overview of the canopy I built for a five foot, 90 gallon tank….made with ¼ inch plywood and fir strips Instead of using 2 x 2’s, which are commonly used in canopies, I made “L” brackets out of inexpensive fir stripping. The primary reason is strength over five foot, but also for overall weight….these are lighter:

This “L” bracket is more stable than a five foot 2 x 2. I’ll use these on the two top braces of the canopy.

With these “L” brackets installed, here is the carcass of the canopy….using end pieces made of ¼ plywood with fir strip applied to the sides.

On the front lower frame member I attached a strip of 1/16 acrylic, jutting down a half inch. This will hit the front glass of the tank and keep the canopy from sliding back.

Primed the box with Kilz….here it is upside down without the door:

And here’s the door with the hinges set:

Here’s the finished canopy….first with the door open:

And here it is with the door closed:

 

[Jason Austin]

Thank you everyone for the pics! Pleas keep them coming, this is a fantastic thread for building DIY hoods and there are a bunch of great ideas floating around out there.

 

[kes]

the canopy is nice cuz it keeps light contained, as in my main display tank. but for my office tank, i think i want to hang the LED light fixtures above

 

[kschweer]

Built these two for a friend of mine

 

[glb]

So does the hood sit on the top of the tank?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Built these two for a friend of mine

can I be your friend too?

 

[kschweer]

can I be your friend too?

Haha! Of course.

 

[kschweer]

So does the hood sit on the top of the tank?

The bigger tank yes. The smaller has a floating canopy which is attached to the wall. That 57 is my current tank, he gave it to me after he took these two down for a 180.

 

[glb]

If it sits on top you have to use lightweight wood right?

 

[kschweer]

If it sits on top you have to use lightweight wood right?

If I remember correctly I framed it in 1"X1" lumber and skinned it with 1/4" poplar ply.

 

[benapilot]

I built mine out of standard big box store pine and finished with General Finishes Java Gel Stain. My lights hang on aluminum u-channel rails with custom-made brackets for my Hydras. The front panel comes completely off and is held in place with a magnet. The last pic is with a couple T5 fixtures to supplement the Hydras (removed in the pic).

 

[Macdaddynick1]

 

[thewbell]

Here is mine. It is 1x2 poplar frame then a combinations of 1x4s and 1/4" birch plywood. My last tank had the front flip open and this time I wanted doors but I did not want to give up the full access so I did both. 99.9% of the time I open the doors but I can raise the entire front if needed. My light (photon 48l) hangs from the center cross brace and I can adjust it side to side and pull it towards the back if needed. Overall I am happy with the design but mad at myself because 1 door did not glue flat since I got lazy and was not paying attention when I clamped it.

 

[1979fishgeek]

I have taken so many screen shots of your hoods for inspiration! Thanks guys great post.