<a href="http://www.omnipresence.ca/images/blog/AGA92/ACDesign.pdf" target=_blank>Here</a> is the design I've done up for a canopy for the AGA92. We're hoping that my dad will be able to build it for us as he has the knowledge, experience, space, and tools.
We're looking at the CoralVue Lumen Bright Wide Mini Pendant with a 250watt Dimmable Electronic Ballast and ReefLux 250watt 12,000K Bulb. From what I've <a href="http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-06/review/index.php" target=_blank>read</a>, the light has to be at least 16" from the water surface, so that is what determines the height of the canopy.
We want the canopy to match the stock stand that we have.
On the stand, the top and bottom pieces are solid 2" x 1 ¼" oak, but to keep the weight (and costs) down, I figured ¾" plywood would do for the top and bottom of the canopy. I also figured this would make it easier to build; just cut out the shape, no need to shape the oak. I'm not sure what could be done to the top and bottom of the plywood so that the surface is oak to match the stand but I figure a roll of ¾" oak veneer could be used on the edges; if such a thing exists.
The 1" x 4"'s on the stand are notched so that they are partially over the top and bottom pieces, for the canopy though, I thought just screwing them to the plywood would be fine, especially since the crossbar on the top would block some of them.
I'm sure the ¾" plywood crossbar would be enough to support the weight of the ballast and reflector but I thought "better safe than sorry", so I added some 1" x 1"'s to reinforce the crossbar to prevent sagging.
The inside will be painted white (Klitz epoxy?). I'm also thinking that having two temperature controlled variable speed fans with an open top will help keep heat to a minimum.
I'm not sure about what sizes are available so I guessed at some of the stuff; like the oak panelling for the back.
I'm sure the whole thing could be done using pine or some other wood and it would match okay...so if the cost is too much, we might do that.
I called the local pet superstore to see how much a new stand would be, as we thought maybe that would be easier/cheaper, they said it was $720, so we won't be doing that...
Let me know what you think. We'd like to get this built before we order the light so that we don't have to have the light hanging from the ceiling (and have to turn it off when watching TV).