DIY Canopy

[ramsey]

I'm in need of some advice on a custom canopy I plan to build. I recently acquired an Oceanic 175 gallon bow front tank. I plan to build a rectangle canopy which would leave the "bow" part of the tank open. I think this would be much easier to build and wouldn't look too bad. Anyhow, my questions is regarding lighting. The tank I have is 6' long and about 29" deep. I'm thinking I want to put a 400w metal halide in the middle, 2 X 250w metal halides on each side and about 4 X 3' T5's (and moonlights of course). I figure that I'm pretty much on the cusp of needing a 400 watter. And yes, I want to keep clams and SPS and I recently bought a 1/3HP Current chiller. I was thinking I could have the T5's come on for an hour or two (and stay on), then have the 250's come on for another couple of hours (also stay on), finally I'd have the 400 come on for 2-3 hours (high noon type simulation). Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? I think it's a good plan but I'd love any suggestions anyone may have especially if you have a similar tank and have something that's working well.

[secretweapons22]

If you want to have the bow part followed you can take a 2X6 and trace the curve and then cut it out with a jig saw and then you would have your curve for the frame.

[ramsey]

That's not a bad idea. I think the bow may be more than 2" but I could be wrong. I'll have to check that out.

[txav8r]

It's not more than 6". Lay the 2x6 flat and trace the curve on the face of the board.
You would make 2 of these for the top and bottom of the front of your frame. They would be 2" tall and curved in the front to match the contour of the front of the tank.

[hobogato]

yep, then use 1/4" birch plywood to skin it. the plywood should bend pretty easily as long as the grain runs vertically.

[BIGBIRD123]

Then attach the front piece with a piano hinge and have it raise as one piece.

[ramsey]

I see! I was confused! That's a great idea! I think I may do this as it would look much nicer. Any suggestions on my lighting or I'm in in good shape with my plans? Also, can I attach the MH reflector straight to the wood or do I need some sort of metal between the lights and the wood. Just wondering if they'd get hot enough to burn the wood. Thanks again for the suggestions!

[txav8r]

I would suspent the lights. They get hot. Maybe not hot enough to start a fire but I wouldn't want to be the one to test that.

[BIGBIRD123]

I agree, even if it just an inch away. I had 4-250w MH attached to the wood of my canopy and when I took it down, there were black impressions on the wood. If you have to attach to the canopy, then go to one of the insulation companies and get a piece of Kao-wool insulation. It is rated to 2800 degrees and put it in between the reflectors and wood.