canopy for 54 corner

[Esquare]

Here are some pics of the doors and frame of my stand. I had to stick the camera inside the stand so the quality isn't that good but it should give you an idea on construction techniques for a hood. Basically a frame made of 3/4 ply with ribs all cut in the curve/arc desired. Then kerf cut the ply skin and attach to the frame.

 

[geno658]

hood

hood

I built a very light frame for my hood that I then bent 1/8" plywood around. I then used contact cement to apply some cherry veneer to match the rest of my stand. The veneer also covers any fastners I used to hold the 1/8 ply onto the frame. The canopy is very light and slides off without much effort. I had a low ceiling height to contend with, so lifting it straight up was not an option. If your interested I could take some pictures of the inside etc.

 

[uglyryder]

those are some really awesome builds, gives me ideas for what i want mine to be like

 

[Esquare]

Yeah, I like the shelf geno.

 

[tundra1000]

Thanks for the pics Esquare. We should get the mods to start a room just for bow tanks- the setups are very unique and the smaller one have a lot of space restrictions compared to rectangular tanks.
Esquare- Is that a washing machine panel? is your equipment on the other side of the wall or is it below? Any chance we can get a look at your fishroom?

Uglyryder- I know this is getting a little off topic but I am just excited to see all the other corner setups, please post if the off topic is a concern- it is your thread.

 

[Esquare]

The "panel" is actually my warm air return. I cut some of the vanes out to allow the spa flex to pass through.

I echo your sentiments Tundra, the corner/bow tank is unique.

Sorry from me as well UG, it is your thread.

 

[Esquare]

I just uploaded the Fish Room pics to my gallery.

 

[uglyryder]

tundra1000 im like you i like to see what others have done. makes me want to go and buy the supplys now and build a canopy. but im gonna play it smart and wait, since i just started i want to make sure that im capable of keeping my FOWLR

 

[uglyryder]

tundra1000 im like you i like to see what others have done. makes me want to go and buy the supplys now and build a canopy. but im gonna play it smart and wait, since i just started i want to make sure that im capable of keeping my FOWLR up and running before i spend to much money on new lights and build a canopy.

jpa0741 what type of lights are you running and how much power are those things pumping out?

 

[geno658]

esquare... thanks for the compliment.. After all that work I just had to include a place to put my favorite beverage!

Tundra, it would definately be nice to see a place to compile all the info on bowfronts. Its not easy to build a stand, not to mention how to effectively light a corner tank. It could definately save others lots of trial and error if they had once place to look for good information from others that have already crossed that path. Even with all the extra work to build and difficulty taking pictures through a curved glass front I do love my corner tank!

 

[tundra1000]

Maybe we should suggest it to a moderator-
A room for unique shapes or tanks that require troubleshooting, Builds that can't follow the typical drop a square sump in the stand and build a square hood. Bowfronts definitely fit that category and I'm sure there are others

 

[Esquare]

I nominate Tundra to spearhead this endeavour!

 

[tundra1000]

lol, I don't even have a setup yet, My wife and I were supposed to start our project soon but we just decided to move 3 days ago. I am bummed about having to postpone but where we are headed I am going to finish off the basement first thing and there is the perfect wall in which will be my office, on the other side of the wall is an empty corner of the utility room- with a deepsink already plumbed- PERFECT

 

[Esquare]

Yeah, the basement is the way to go if you can. Another unique aspect of the corner bow, space underneath.

I apologize again ug for the hijacking. Sometimes these things take on a life of their own. Have you made any decisions on your canopy?

 

[flipsideleo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12139513#post12139513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Esquare
Here are some pics of the doors and frame of my stand. I had to stick the camera inside the stand so the quality isn't that good but it should give you an idea on construction techniques for a hood. Basically a frame made of 3/4 ply with ribs all cut in the curve/arc desired. Then kerf cut the ply skin and attach to the frame.

That looks great, dude! I see you're in Ohio? I just moved to Houston from the Columbus area. I liked it up there, but I have to admit... not having to worry about shoveling my driveway is a nice bennie!

Any way... I have a question. How does one "kerf cut?" Is this a simple task? Is this something I can do with my circular saw and horses? I like the way that looks!

Thanks!
Leo

 

[flipsideleo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12149063#post12149063 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by geno658
esquare... thanks for the compliment.. After all that work I just had to include a place to put my favorite beverage!

Tundra, it would definately be nice to see a place to compile all the info on bowfronts. Its not easy to build a stand, not to mention how to effectively light a corner tank. It could definately save others lots of trial and error if they had once place to look for good information from others that have already crossed that path. Even with all the extra work to build and difficulty taking pictures through a curved glass front I do love my corner tank!

Great looking stand, man! I just got a 92g corner the other day and I like how your stand gives you more room to put stuff under the tank. I don't have a "fish room" or a "basement" so space is important.

What kind of wood did you use? I'm still in the planning phase for mine, but I plan on a build up within the next couple of weeks. The "kerf cut" method is appealing, but if your way is easier I'll do it! To be honest, both of these stands look great... I just wish I knew how to work with wood.

Thanks!

 

[8BALL_99]

I almost hate to post a picture of mine lol since its been posted several times already.. A question about Corner Tank Canopys gets asked about once a week stupid search..

I built most of the frame for mine out of 3/4 Oak Plywood. I used 1/4 oak for the front. I also used a few small peices of solid oak on the front for braces to help support the bend and the door. I used steam to bend mine.. Oak ply is very stiff. I just took a hand held steamer and worked it back and fourth.. Then would clamp that area down and move up. I just kept doing this till I got to the end.. With the trim I built a steamer box and just kept them in there till they became soft.. HTH

BTW I did leave my Front panel over sized about an inch or so.. Once the glue was dry I removed all the clamps and removed all the access wood with a Router and a Flush trim bit.. Gives you a Perfect edge

 

[flipsideleo]

8Ball,

I saw yours before, but alas my skillsets aren't up to par for that fine piece of stand/canopy ya' got there. Hence, my asking the other two gents more info on their set ups. I think that they are something that I might be able to pull off... emphasis added on might.

 

[8BALL_99]

TYs but you might be surprised. The curve just seems hard.. Really it isnt. It took me longer to build my stand for my 35 then it did my 92.. The main thing is just to build a good frame if you plan on bending the front..

 

[Esquare]

Hey Flipside, sorry for the slow response, I just got back from seeing the mouse in Orlando. The kerf cuttling is pretty simple but is easiest on a table saw. Just make cuts about 3/4 of the way through the plywood every 3/8". I don't know if it would work well with a circular saw though. If you just have a circular saw, you may be better off building a frame and sheathing it in 1/4" ply as previously suggested.