Canopy Help

[Nephosis]

I just got my LED fixture a few days ago and want to build a canopy for it to go in. The problem is I am a little lost on measurements and cuts to build it :hmm3:
I have a 58 gallon Oceanic, It's 36.5"L x 18.5"W. I'm wanting my fixture to be about 6" from the water line so I figure the fixture is 2" thick so 8" tall canopy.
Can anyone help me come up with a cut list for a frame and how much ply I need to get? The cabinet is whitwash Oak I believe so I would need to skin it with Oak plywood.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[salty joe]

The best thing to do is sit down with pencil and paper and draw it to scale. 2"=1' or something like that. Maybe draw the frame first and beside it the pieces of plywood. This also helps figure out how to put it together. Off the top of my head, I doubt you'll use anywhere near a full sheet of plywood. If you use 3/4", a frame would not be necessary. For the construction, bar clamps are very helpful. I'd also recommend Titebond II wood glue. It is a very tough, water resistant glue. Non toxic and water cleanup.

Take your time and cut accurately. Wear safety glasses..

 

[Nephosis]

Thanks for the tips! I'll hopefully be able to start on it this weekend so I'll try and get some pics up in case anyone is interested.

One other question about a hinge. Is a piano hinge strong enough? I saw one at the hardware store and it just felt so flimsy...does it get some ridgidness whenever you screw it down?

 

[salty joe]

Piano hinge should be strong enough as long as the moving part (the lid) has a stop built in. Consider corrosion. You might want to stay away from brass just to be safe from copper poisoning. Might be a good application for a plastic piano hinge. Heck yes-post pics!

 

[salty joe]

It might make sense to use Azek or another brand of plastic-composite 'wood'. It's available in 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 etc.

 

[myram]

Also remember that you can't mount the light right up against the top of the canopy, it needs an air gap for cooling.

Go taller, you can always cut it down later if needed..........but you can't go the other way.