Plugging away on my build....Stand is done, Canopy in the works. The tank will not accept a glass lid....Do i need one with a tight fitted canopy? Can the lights be mounted in the canopy three inches from the waterline with no glass in between? 
Question about Canopy and Lids and lighting
- Thread starter Chefken
- Start date
I would think not on the lights. Are they mounted in regular fixtures or just bare bulbs? If they're in a fixture you can probably mod it a bit and fit plexiglass over them with silicone (or other?) seals to keep the water out. But bare bulbs that close to the water could equal disaster when you figure in evaporation/condensation.
As far as tight fitted canopy, I think that depends on your stock. A lot of people run with no rim or canopy of any sort & lights hanging from the ceiling above the tank. But they also have fish that they aren't worried about jumping out of the tank.
I don't know a whole lot...just trying to get the topic going for you
As far as tight fitted canopy, I think that depends on your stock. A lot of people run with no rim or canopy of any sort & lights hanging from the ceiling above the tank. But they also have fish that they aren't worried about jumping out of the tank.
I don't know a whole lot...just trying to get the topic going for you
Thanks....I just modified my canopy to accept a standard glass top 48x24! Took some doing.....I will post some pics eventually though my work is not very pretty. I need to build and install the lid, hinges and paint next.....then I tackle lighting and finally heating....(oh and floor support).....I figure another month before I am up and running maybe less.Moloch;4670674;4670674 said:I would think not on the lights. Are they mounted in regular fixtures or just bare bulbs? If they're in a fixture you can probably mod it a bit and fit plexiglass over them with silicone (or other?) seals to keep the water out. But bare bulbs that close to the water could equal disaster when you figure in evaporation/condensation.
As far as tight fitted canopy, I think that depends on your stock. A lot of people run with no rim or canopy of any sort & lights hanging from the ceiling above the tank. But they also have fish that they aren't worried about jumping out of the tank.
I don't know a whole lot...just trying to get the topic going for you
Cool, what size tank? I want to build a canopy for my 55 but I'm extremely limited on funds right now so its a good couple of months off before I can even start :\
Its a 150 tall....48x24x30.....The canopy i am building will cost about 100. plus the cost of the lighting.....Not terrible. I will post pics when I am little closer to completion...Moloch;4670721;4670721 said:
I have the same size tank and have been planning to build a canopy. Looking forward to your progress.
Ok. Here you go. My progress so far. I have found the canopy a bit too short to clear by HOB Bio350 and the lights so I need to add another inch of lateral supports under what is there. The exsiting support level will hold the glass lid. The center support is a fraction of an inch too high but I am betting the lid will work without planing the board.aclockworkorange;4670949;4670949 said:We don't wanna just see pics of your pretty finished projects, we want the dirty stuff too!
My biggest new challange will be to damper the hinges on the lid so it wont slam down. I figure worse come to worse I will use weather stripping around the lid to seal and cushion......has anyone ever used a storm door closer on a canopy?????? THANKS!
