DIY hoods

[Batsec]

I tried searching the site but was unsuccesafull.
Is there any pointers and designs for tank covers, hoods or roofs?
I am thinking of making one but would need some where to start with sme nice ideas.

[speedz]

what kind of tank are you looking to build a hood for?

[Ferryman]

Size dimensions etc? should one side be open like some shops, should it have a hatch in the roof etc? how big is the tank?

[Faust]

I have just finished building a tank for my 3'. It will become a planted aquarium, so I also needed sufficient space for lighting.

Here is something I based my design on, but I customized it to suit my own needs.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/canopy.html

Another thread on MASA

http://www.marineaquariumsa.com/showthread.php?t=9677&page=2

Furthermore, I took 110 mm ID PVC piping and cut it with the grinder to make reflectors which I am going to line with Alanod (Highly reflective aluminium). Obviously I did not just cut it in half, rather in thirds, which I feel will provide adequate reflection (I need to play around with the focus point by adjusting distance from T5 bulb etc).

Good luck ;-)

[Batsec]

I have just finished building a tank for my 3'. It will become a planted aquarium, so I also needed sufficient space for lighting.

Here is something I based my design on, but I customized it to suit my own needs.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/canopy.html

Another thread on MASA

http://www.marineaquariumsa.com/showthread.php?t=9677&page=2

Furthermore, I took 110 mm ID PVC piping and cut it with the grinder to make reflectors which I am going to line with Alanod (Highly reflective aluminium). Obviously I did not just cut it in half, rather in thirds, which I feel will provide adequate reflection (I need to play around with the focus point by adjusting distance from T5 bulb etc).

Good luck ;-)

that is it (the geocities website one). That is what i had in mind, something simplistic yet convenient and could be made to look imprissive.Ime guessing an enamel paint to have the plywood last longer, or maybe i should get some A-grade melamine thats allready white.In the end anything will be better than te standard black pvc hood i have.I curently have a 50 liter tank about 600mm wide.Thanx again.

[Ferryman]

lol, you should see the old dilapidated plastic hood on my little 50 liter, its full of holes from previous custom cuts etc, its held together with luck and insulation tape, lol

[Faust]

Ime guessing an enamel paint to have the plywood last longer, or maybe i should get some A-grade melamine thats allready white.In the end anything will be better than te standard black pvc hood i have.

I do not have experience with enamel paint on wood/plywood, sure people around here should be able to comment. In my case I used solid meranti wood and painted it with 3 layers of Woodock 50 Clear Marine sealer. As for a reflective surface on the inside, as mentioned, I am going pvc pipes lined with Alanod. Alanod can be purchased from Arcona International, based in Randburg. I am sure an appropriate white high gloss enamel should do the trick (assuming that is will not leach anything into the water).

Happy DIYing!

[Zafgak]

Your enamel will be good as long as you leave it long enough to CURE (Not dry)
The Geocities diagram is the way all the expensive show tanks you buy, are built.

[Batsec]

Sweet, wood it is and wood always looks so good, and no complicated tools eally neccisary. All just straight lines so a proper wood saw will do fine and I have an orbital sander.Thanx again guys.