Thinking of Bill's stand height question made me think (for a change). Does anyone have a canopy design (bought or constructed) that allows for easy access to the tank for feeding, minor cleaning, (especially with a hinged glass top), and mounting of the light system so it doesn't interfere with the above requirements? Maybe a fan installation as well?
And the stand. Is there a particular wood thickness (say 1/2' or 3/4") for stand construction related to weight? Do most diy stands have a 2" x 4" frame with plywood around it? Good place to get doors?
I purchased a stand and canopy, but was not really happy with the quality. The canopy and my light system were really not compatable- the JBJ did not like the excess heat one bit!

Walter

I have never come across a commercial hood that allows a serious amount of lighting to be installed. Hence I constructed my own. As I am seriously impared in the drawing area I will have to describe my design in words. It does allow full access to the tank surface.

My tank is constructed with 6"x0.5" pine boards. The uprights internal measurements allow 1/4" all around the external tank dimensions. I have fitted 1" battons to the uprights to allow these to sit on the tank top and support the hood.

The hood lid is oversized front to back by 4", this gives a lip that is used as a stop board when the top is fully upright. The top is hinged at the back to allow the 90 degree movement of the lid. I use a simple pivotted piece of 1x1 to lock the lid in the upright position. On the lower part of the rear upright I attached a shelf for my foods etc. Doing the lid this way has allowed me full access to the whole of the tank surface and the lighting is fully 'getatable'.

You will have to make a few slots at the rear to allow for cables, and filter inlet / outlet tubes. I did taper the outer uprights front to back for aesthetic reasons.

Despite lashings of polyurethane varnish I did get slight warping of the timber. Not too serious but it does let a little light escape at the front edge.

I hope that this is of some help.

Ian

Here's mine:

http://www.barrreport.com/gallery/sh...cutoffdate=all

Can anyone tell me how to create a sub-category gallery?

TW

That's a nice stand/hood combo Tom

Let's ask Greg how to do the sub cat.

Personally, I simply don't use hoods.
Suspended lights only.


Regards,
Tom Barr

Looking at the picture, I don't think it's a tank. I
think TW took a picture of his new HDTV and is
pulling a fast one on us!

TW, that's some nice craftsmanship and a handsome
piece of furniture!

Bill

I like the design, nice sides and equal on each side with a dark color that accents the interior. Many reduce the space and Tom added to it on the sides effectively and thus the overall impression comes out better.

Looks like a nice Dutch built in style planted tank.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Click on "Gallery" (right next to Forum).

Then Click on the drill down menu "My Stuff"

Click on "Category Admin"

Click on the botton that says "Add Category"

Looks great Tom......................The plants also look superb. You sure it's not a plasma screen and a plant screensaver. Just shows I've a long way to go in the planted kingdom.

BTW what is the stand/hood fabricated from?

Ian

You can create your subscriber gallery by going to the Subscriber Gallery section just like you did ... then:

1. Click on My Stuff
2. Click on Category Admin
3. Click on Add Category

Fill in the category information ... and you are all set ...

Thanks,
Greg

Now if you are talking about categories in other areas of the Gallery, that might require Moderator permissions ... so in most other areas, you can't ...

Now if I had just finished reading the thread <grin> ... I would have noticed that someone else already did a GREAT job of answering that question <GRIN>!!!!