DIY VHO's and canopy for 55gal.

[lReef lKeeper]

here is what was done to make this set-up...very easy.

first buy your VHO kit, then you will need 3 1x8's and 1 1x6.

cut 1 1x8 to 48 1/2" (top)
cut 1 1x6 to 48 1/2" (top)

cut 2 1x8 to 13 3/4" (sides)
mark 45 degree angles on one end of each piece and cut angle.
(angles are so you won't have ends of wood showing).

cut 1 1x8 to 50 1/4" (front)
mark and cut 45 degree angle on both ends.
(be sure you cut the 45's in opposite directions).

now cut 2" strips of wood (shortways) about 8 or so.
measure down from inside top of sides and front 3/4" and mark a straight line.
drill small pilot holes in blocks or the wood will split.
screw blocks to sides and front of canopy.(this will hold it in place on the tank).
now measure down and mark (from other end of wood) at 1 1/2".
drill more pilot holes in blocks and apply them to these marks. (these will hold the top pieces in place).

now the top:
using the pre-cut 1x8 set it inside the canopy (the blocks should catch it so it is level with the sides and front), and screw in place.
using the 1x6 place it inside canopy (block should also catch it), but do not screw.
apply hinges to the 1x8 and leave a gap of 1/4" between boards and attach hinges to 1x6.
attach a handle for easy opening.

i am using aluminum flashing for my reflector.
(just screwed and bent to fit inside of canopy).

install lights and there you have 1 canopy.

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more pics to follow when painted and on tank.

[lReef lKeeper]

well here are the pics of the new DIY lights and canopy....before and after.

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hope you like it, cuz it was a lot of work.

BTW ... still need to put in the fans with blue LED moon lights.

the bottom pic is with the 4x65w PC's in the canopy too.

[perpetual98]

Boy, that tank could be Tank of the Month!!!

[lReef lKeeper]

hmmmmmm, lol

BTW ... yes it is the same tank.

[davejnz]

looks nice,you wouldnt happen to be useing actinic white VHO's?

[lReef lKeeper]

they may be ... what if they are ??
got a problem with that, buddy ?? lol

[davejnz]

Yeah,actinic whites are pink and VHO's suck.Just giveing you a hard time,I've used them before,they're good bulbs.
BTW,that IC660 of yours,you can fire a NO 40wGE6.5k Home Depot bulb($5) with it.That will give you a more balanced spectrum,you'll find that its probably gonna be brighter too than your actinic white 110wVHO.

[lReef lKeeper]

check out the new pic of the tank with the PC's in the canopy too (the bottom pic). you wanna talk about bright ?? it lights the whole room when the top is open.