DIY Canopy

Okay so tomorrow I am purchasing 2x 1mx40cmx40cm tanks, these are for sale only the tanks and no one seem to sell canopies to the specs above. So I am looking at the DIY root. Obviously a couple of questions came to mind:

What wood do I use that won't swell or buckle after a certain time?
Will this all cost me more than a plastic canopy would have cost me?
What varnish do I use that is not toxic to the fish?
What glue do I use to seal the edges for no water condensation?

Any helpful tips and cautions I need to take note of??

 

take a look at my thread:
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?6453-DIY-54W-T5x4-Lights
to answer ur q's,
if u seal your canopy it wont ever swell or buckle
cost wise, depends on what u want to achieve and what u have already
u dont have to worry abt toxicity of varnish on your canopy as it will never come in contact with the water (hopefully). just makesure that there is enough ventilation for the humidity to escape.
glue:silicone. but like i said, if you seal properly, theres no need. just plain old wood glue and some nails/screws 4 incase

 

Okay I did read through your thread. Few Q's:

How heavy is the canopy?
Is there a way to install hinges at the back to make the canopy lift for feeding and easy access??
How much did the lighting cost in total??

 

its pretty heavy since reinforced most of the stuff.. with careful planning, i have seen ppl make frames of the lights, and covering it with a thin layer of plywood or supawood.

yes, you can install hinges to lift the top open. thats the good thing with DIY whatever comes to mind, you can create it.

most exp parts of my light was the all in one balasts.. @R370 each, that took alot outa my pocket. rem, you can buy your own balasts and connect the thing manually.

in total, i'd say it cost me about 300-400 for the wood, 200 for the paint, R370 for the balasts each, 150 for the pc fans etc,

so lets call it, +- R1500.. cheaper than buying 4x54w t5 fixture in a LFS.. main thing that was expensive was like i said, the balasts.. you can get cheaper ones

 

Okay cool will try to duplicate your DIY but won't be able to perfect it as good as the pro (@shihr) lol. Must say your design is a masterpiece.

 

haha.. dude, dont say that.. it took A LOT of planning.. im just happy that its done..

HAPPY DIY-ING