Canopy

[SA-DSM]

I need to build a canopy. I have a 72 bowfront and I just order MH's from Hellolights. The canopy that I have is the flimsy plastic one that comes with it and it will not hold.

What is the best wood to use, seeing as how it is going to be around saltwater? I am getting DE's, so how far off the water should the fixture be? What are the best hinges to use? I was going to get a piano hinge so that I can flip open the front curve of the canopy, but once again it will be around salt water, and I am not sure if that will work out. I know there are a lot that have done this so all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[blueboy]

regular ply wood, and brass hinge should be fine. just make sure you seal all sides, and especially end grain, inside and out, when you varnish/paint it. the bow frnt might present a little challenge, but could be done nice i'm sure.

[SA-DSM]

Thanks, now does any body know how far of the surface of the water the DE need to be? Also since I am making this out of wood, do I need to put something between the fixture and the wood because of the heat.

[hobogato]

if you wanna come by sometime, ill show you some tricks that i have learned building these things and help you plan it out.

[JimD]

I wouldnt recommend brass hinges or brass anything for that matter, a stainless steel piano type hinge would be a better choice, the hood should be about 12" off the water surface, my light is about 8" above and yes, you want to incorperate some type of stand-off between the light and the wood, pvc tubing works well. Good Luck!

[SA-DSM]

Thanks for all the help.

[stoneroller]

Here's I "mounted" my pendant on my flimsy bowfront canopy, FWIW, I cut out the center brace on the canopy (but not the tank!). I plan to construct a lower profile frame out of aluminum and hang all the lights off of it.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r10/stoneroller/halideonflimsyhood.jpg

Good luck, I'll be watching to see how yours turns out.