Need some tips on building a canopy

NemusMaximus

NemusMaximus

I LIKE TURTLES!
I need to gut a small MH fixture and retro the 150w HQI and 2 PC strips into a small hood for a 15 gallon tank. Problem is, ive never made a hood, and have never had MH's.

Question is: How high up should the light be from the waters surface? The tanks dimensions are 24x12x12

Second, does anyone have any good links or tips on how to build the canopy itself?


Thanks. :D
 
Depends on what you're keeping. I would want the light as close as possible for sps. Shouldn't matter for a mixed reef. Don't want a super tall canopy on such a small tank either. I'm gonna throw out 4-6" above the surface of the water. Gives ya a little room for splash up, etc..

One way to build one is to make a frame out of 1x2s, similar to how stands are build. I make the frame O.D.s a little larger(1/8-1/4") than the top trim O.D.s so I can drop the "skinning material" down past the trim to cover it up and so it goes on easily. Then you can take some 1x6/1x8?, or even some nice plywood and cover the frame. Then you'll have to decide how you want the top(hinged?) and how you want to finish/trim it. That's on you.;)
 
Roman, would it be easier to get a cheap pendant and screw that in place in the canopy, or should i be fine with just my reflector and bulb?

I plan on keeping a mixed reef, LPS, zoas, and maybe some monti's.
 
just get a reflector and bulb/socket... it will keep much cooler than a pendant inside a hood.

As for height, I'd say min of 6in off the water surface. This willkeep the salt buildup to a minimum and prevent a bulb breaking from a splash of cool water across the HOT bulb surface.
 
i have a tip for you:

have your dad build it while you hand him the tools, then claim you "built" it :p
 
The most important thing that you need to remember is that all your canopy/lights do, is get in your way..... Not to mention they are hot as Holl. Make sure that you can easily remove your lights or make them out of the way enough to the point where you can work on your tank. The last thing you need is to get burned while working on your tank. There are enough hazards in this hobby as is so taking care of yourself is first priority. Safety first.

I would suggest making your canopy as high as youll allow. This leaves you the chance to go higher or lower with your MH lights. I have a 150 W MH over my 35 gallon and the bulb is about 8 inches off of the water. I keep clams and sps just fine with this height.

As far as building the canopy is concerned....make the frame as small as you can and keep it easy to take a part. Then just put some thin sheet wood over it that can be taken off easily. Bolts/screws are a great way to make a frame if your using wood. Use the more rigid woods like oak because you can go thinner and still keep some structural rigidity. I prefer metal but it takes a lot more equipment to get that done.


Here is a GREAT small tank build. It shows you really how to do things easily and effectively. Read things VERY CLOSELY and look at how he did it. His canopy extends down to the bottom trim of his tank and around it. Wonderful wonderful tank build.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=763737&highlight=canopy+build
 
I agree with MSU Fan and khanb31...make it as high as you can. I wouldn't go 4-6" with DE's as they throw out more UV than SE's, even with the glass shield. For a small tank like that I would have the bottom of your light at least 8" from the waters surface. How do you plan on having the glass shield in a retro built?

Mr. Ogee is right on with the "skinning" hood technique. It is perhaps the best design being functional, lightweight and best of all inexpensive. Since it is smaller, I would use wood glue and a brad nailer. Shoot me a PM with exacts and I might be able to build one for you.

PS - Mr. Ogee - I love your router bits!:D
 
I could always meet you in Niles. My folks shop is at milwaukee and touhy and I could help you build it. I still need to build mine so let me know.
 
prepare to be amazed at how fast Nemus can hand you the tools, you wont be able to build fast enough!
 
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