DIY Canopy Light Mount

[stewnew]

So as of now, I have the top of my 55 gallon tank covered with those simple glass plates, with my fluorescent light fixture sitting on top of the plates..

The problem: the plates have considerable hard water buildup (to the point that I believe they may be preventing light passage), and I have had enough of dealing with them when Im trying to get into my tank

Solution: Im planning on building some light mounts on the interior of my canopy, so that the lighting is directly above the water, without glass plates in between...

Question: How high above the water should I aim to have the light?
Its not too fancy of a fixture, so i want to avoid any possible chance of water splashing into the fixture, and the subsequent frying of my light... The canopy is 12 inches tall, so I have plenty of room to work with..

I will try to post some pictures of the canopy later so you guys can get a better idea of what im talking about..

but has anybody done this sort of thing before that would like to share some advice?

 

[apisto]

you will need to seal any timber you are using very carefully or the timber will warp. Been there and bought the T-shirt. I sealed mine with epoxy resin. Use a white pigment on the inside of the hood. This will reflect the maximum of light back into the tank

 

[stewnew]

thats an interesting thought...

the inside of the wood canopy is not sealed as it is....
am I at risk of the wood rotting? or warping?

 

[stewnew]

i bought the tank and stand/canopy second hand, and really have no idea how old it is... but the wood is in great shape... and as of now there is really no sign of degradation

 

[apisto]

it probably was treated in the past. I just used epoxy because I had some left over. Other varnishes probably do the same thing

 

[Conner]

As long as the hood/canopy is vented, it won't be too much of an issue. If it will be fully enclosed with little ventilation, you should consider installing a vent fan (you can use a computer case fan, they're cheap and easy to install). You should also consider sealing the inside of the canopy with a polyurethane wood sealer. Just make sure to let it dry for at least 24-48 hours (or until there is no smell) before placing back on the tank.

 

[bob965]

I personally wouldn't expose the inside of a wooden canopy and a light fixture to the surface of the water without glass in between, but that's just me. Are the tops you have now the hinged kind made of 2 pieces of glass, or are you sayin you just have a plain old single sheet of glass on top?

 

[kallmond]

If your canopy is plywood, particle board, pressboard or MDF, you should be very certain to seal it. If its regular wood I'd just use bright white high gloss latex paint on the inside.

 

[stewnew]

As long as the hood/canopy is vented, it won't be too much of an issue.

the entire back of the canopy is open, its only three sides and a roof

Are the tops you have now the hinged kind made of 2 pieces of glass, or are you sayin you just have a plain old single sheet of glass on top?

hmm... they may be supposed to be hinged... i never though of that
what i have are 4 small marineland plates...

If your canopy is plywood, particle board, pressboard or MDF, you should be very certain to seal it

not a wood person (or am I ) ill try to take a picture tomorrow.. maybe you guys can tell me what kind it is

 

[bob965]

Since you just have plain plates of glass sittin on top of your tank, I can see why that would be a pain. I would run a bead of silicone between the plates to form a hinge, and attach a handle if there isn't one, and just leave them in place. Having glass tops eliminates humidity problems, as well as reducing evaporation and heat loss.