DIY - Wood Canopy

[BC_Kron]

First let me start by saying I used this article for the basic design.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_canopy2.php


Because I work with wood on a daily basis, I sometimes take what I know for granted. Although this seemed like a very simple project to me, it does take a bit of planning.
You must take accurate measurements of the top of your aquarium, as well as any items such as lights, filters etc.
The tank this canopy will sit on is a 33g and "measures 92 cm x 32 cm. It does bow out in the middle to about 33 cm but that should be negligible. The black plastic trim at the top of the tank is 2.5 cm high. The waterline is usually kept at the level of the bottom of the trim. Therefore I want the canopy to sit just below this line". (2-3mm). The canopy will also need at least 6 cm of clearance above the rim of the tank for the HOB filter and lights. The lights will sit directly on the tanklid, and the canopy lid will open in the center and rest on the back when open.


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021661.jpg


You don't need much for tools or materials to build this canopy.

If you do not have access to a powersaw,you can have the wood cut for you wherever you buy it. Just be sure to have accurate measurements.Based on the tank specs above, I cut my 3/4inch material as follows:

2)172mm x 953mm -2 piece top
2)323mm x 115mm -sides
1)953mm x 115mm -front
1)100mm x 115mm -back
1)25mm x 953mm -front runner
2)25mm x 300mm -side runners
1)25mm x 100mm -rear runner

In addition to the 3/4 inch plywood, I used a drill, hammer, tape measure, pencil, 2" wood screws, 1 1/2" finishing nails, stainable wood filler, 400grit sandpaper, 2" cabinet hinges, and a cabinet handle.




step 1:

mark and pre-drill holes in the back side of the front face for the screws that will hold the front and side together. (notice the line on the right side indicating thickness and orientation of the side piece for reference)

step 2:
measure, and mark for the interior runner. (This measurement will be slightly larger than the plastic frame on the top of the tank, thus allowing the lid to hide this frame from view.)
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021671.jpg

step 3:
While holding the side pieces in place with the front, use the existing holes in the face to drill pilot holes in the sides. Predrilling holes will help eliminate the risk of the material splitting when you screw and glue the pieces together.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021672.jpg


step 4:
Apply glue to runner and use a couple finishing nails to hold in place. Do this to the front,side and back pieces. The finishing nail will hold the runner in place while the glue sets.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021673.jpg



http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021676.jpg


: notice the runner is shorterthan the material. (in this case its the side) This is in allowance for the runner on the mate. (front face)
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021677.jpg



step 5:

apply glue to the end of the side pieces, and using the woodscrews, attach the face to the sides. Be sure to wipe clean the glue that is expelled from the joint(s).


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021679.jpg



http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021683.jpg


step 6:

apply glue to the rear, top side of the side pieces, (say that three times fast) and screw the top in place.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021685.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021686.jpg


glue and screw the rear brace in place. I chose to center it.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021689.jpg

heres a pic looking at the rear...
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021691.jpg


step 7:
place the lid in postion and measure for the hinges. I put them 3 inches from the edge on both sides.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021693.jpg

insert the screws, that come with the hinges
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021694.jpg


heres a side profile of the cabinet handle I used. I liked it because it was black and simple.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021697.jpg

measure and mark center of the lid and center of the handle. Screw the handle in place with the marks aligned.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021696.jpg





Voila!!!!!!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021699.jpg





All you need to do now is use the wood filler, to fill over the screw hole. Wait for filler to dry. An hour or so will do. Sand smooth and paint/stain as you please.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m15/bc_kron/S4021702.jpg






I will continue to edit this post to better describe the processes involved, and make it more complete. Please bear with me.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Awesome write-up. I can't wait to pick up my new canopy!

[Melody]

Tooooooooo late, I'm going to go get it for MY 33G! :Neener:

Thanks so much for taking the time to post the steps and pic's, Bill, you've done a fantastic job.:smile:

[BC_Kron]

Thanks for the compliments.:Embarassing: I truly had a good time building the canopy. Woodworking holds the same appeal to me as fishkeeping. It's a very rewarding feeling to create something with your hands.(and it appears to be "legal tender" here at C.A.C.)

Glad you liked it.


Bill


"pssssst..:secret:...Mel, he's not comin' till Sunday." :rofl:

[Melody]

So yeah, gotta return this shirt of yours Bill, shouldn't delay really, it wouldn't be polite. I'll be right over.... :WhoMe:

[BC_Kron]

Ahem, and what shirt of "Bill's" would that be? :Think:


Jackie

[Melody]

Now cut that out! I'm trying to make everyone think I have a life over here.

Oh FINE, its not my Latin lover that left a shirt on the doorstep on the way to the airport, it was a BC'er named Bill who wanted to keep fish warm.

I never get to have any fun! <SULK>

:laugh:

[BC_Kron]

You retracted that WAY too fast...
I thought I had an out:red_dance:...
or a bribe, at least:Dunno:...

tsk, tsk, tsk...always hold out a little longer:secret:

Jackie

[Melody]

ROFL Sorry, I'm way out of practice in these things. The only man in my life is a 12 year old - he doesn't exactly keep me on my toes.

<Still laughing> There are enough single men out there to keep me miserable if I recall correctly. However, if I were to try the married man thing Bill would be last on the list.

No offense Bill, but your devotion to that chick leaves you beyond 'challenge' :laugh: .

Yes, it IS that obvious...lol.

Could we at least reveal now that it is actually Jackie's shirt so I can have some sort of scandal? I'm bored. :D

[thegrandpoohbah]

:rofl:

You guys crack me up!

[Melody]

What's so funny about me having a life? Sheeeeesh!

:laugh:

[BC_Kron]

Great. This started as a DIY Canopy thread, but it has turned into a DIY How to shatter a man's ego. :FishOnDaHead:


cheers;
Bill

[Melody]

Now how could a woman defending her territory possibly be bad for a man's ego? You didn't buy that 'way out' stuff did you? That's our way of saying "What? Me? Worried? I wasn't worried. Couldn't care less really." ;)

But we can clean up the thread if you like - sorry about that, totally my fault. I have far too much devil in me for my own good.

[blainep]

OK, here's an on track question, what would be an appropriate finish for this or similar DIY canopies ?

Obviously, something that can handle lots of humidity, but I mean what type ?

Oil, latex, some kind of plastic finish ?

[thegrandpoohbah]

I was just planning to spray paint it with a flat black paint. The tank has a glass top so I wasn't too worried about moisture. However, I am open to suggestions.

[jones]

thanks for posting this man... i have just quickly skimmed it over for now, but im going to consider this design when planning the canopy for my 300gallon...

so thanks again, ill keep you posted on how that looks :)

cheers
jones

[BC_Kron]

OK, here's an on track question, what would be an appropriate finish for this or similar DIY canopies ?

Obviously, something that can handle lots of humidity, but I mean what type ?

Oil, latex, some kind of plastic finish ?


There are a number of options,depending on who you ask.

Personally,for the inside, I would use fiberglass RESIN,(no matting, just resin and hardner) and paint it on as a waterproof layer, then paint it with a quality Exterior latex. I've read many articles that state, a good quality primer/sealer, then non-toxic latex paint is adequate. Schlack is made mostly of pine tar, therefore is non toxic, but will cloud if exposed to excessive moisture. Because the lid will never be submerged, I don't think offgassing or leaching of solvents or chemicals, will be a concern.The outside can be finished with just about anything. I like using quality wood, and showcasing it with translucent stains and varnishes, rather that covering up the grain with a solid paint.

cheers:Bill

It's really a personal preference based on cost and color options.

[BC_Kron]

Now how could a woman defending her territory possibly be bad for a man's ego? You didn't buy that 'way out' stuff did you? That's our way of saying "What? Me? Worried? I wasn't worried. Couldn't care less really." ;)

But we can clean up the thread if you like - sorry about that, totally my fault. I have far too much devil in me for my own good.



HA! Ha! I made the fish goddess feel bad and apologize! :Neener:

I was a KING at work today. telling the boys about the two "Hot Chicks" fightin over me on the internet. 'Course I forgot the tell 'em the argument was "no, You take him!":confused: LMAO

cheers: Bill

[Melody]

Yup, you da man! I think you owe both of us flowers, which for fish chicks is a bouquet of expensive aquatic plants. That's right buddy, you know the drill - you win with women, you lose anyway. :Neener:

Although I may forgive you since I got into the 'hot chick' class...lol.

Actually, I'm impressed to see a married man even admit he has a wife on the Internet, let alone hang out at the same place online that his wife does :laugh: .

Hmmm topic before Blaine lectures me... again....

OH I know! I don't know what Carl used to paint my 90G canopy, but it came in a can! <Beaming with pride like she actually contributed something useful> :biggrin: