Looking for design ideas: 20g long canopy

This past weekend I attempted to create a canopy for my new 20g long nano reef.  Didn't have much luck!  

I have two 55w PC lamps that need to be enclosed (the "end caps" aren't very moisture tolerant).  I'd like to be able to hinge it in some way, so I can do water changes and feed, etc, without removing the entire canopy.

Anyone (Chrisslc) have any good plans/ideas?  I used 5/8 inch plywood and it warped pretty quickly after cutting it to size.  The 1/4 inch acrylic I used to seperate the lights from the tank worked out really well though.  What kind of material is suggested for a canopy this size?  I'd like to keep it light weight as much as possible.


Edited by Ricordia

It warped?  What kind of plywood?

I used 1/2 hardwood (birch I believe) plywood with solid wood trim on my 20 gallon.  I left the back open on the canopy and just lift/tilt the whole canopy 90 degrees and set it on end (so the light is pointed right in my eyes ) when I needed to get into the tank.

chrisslc wrote: I'd use 1/2" CDX Ply and seal the inside of it. What are you're dimensions and I'll draw you up some plans. Or I'm always glad to put one together for a few frags.

You know, maybe it was 3/8 inch plywood, not 5/8 inch.  I'll have to double check when I get hom tonight.  I'd think 5/8 would be better than 1/2, that's why I'm wondering if my un-cool over 30 brain is mis-remembering. 

The outside dimensions of the tank are 30 3/8 long by 12 7/16 wide.  I wish I had some frags to trade, but unless you want some Aiptasia (which crowded out all the sps in my 150) I'll settle for some basic plans.  Thanks!


Edited by Ricordia

chrisslc wrote: I'd use 1/2" CDX Ply and seal the inside of it. What are you're dimensions and I'll draw you up some plans.

Once you have drawn them up, could you post them?  I'd love to see them.

Ricordia wrote: I'd think 5/8 would be better than 1/2

True it's better, but also heavier, 1/2" will be plenty strong and not too heavy, but use either. any ply will warp given time and moisture, sealing both sides well will prevent this.

I'll sketch up some plans tonight and E-mail them to you, PM me your address when you can, do you want it faced in a particular wood? what is your stand made of?

New question: what does everyone use for the frame?  2x2s would take up most of space, might as well use 2x4 and skip the skin.  1x1 would fit just right, but would it be strong enough?

Ghetto Man wrote: chrisslc wrote: I'm always glad to put one together for a few frags. Chris - I need one the same size, also with 2 x 55 watt pc.

Same deal, as long as I'm doing it I may as well mass produce a few at the same time. So anyone else with a tank this size I'll have a few spares to trade for frags.

Edited by chrisslc