[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

DIY VHO's and canopy for 55gal.


Bookmark and Share
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default DIY VHO's and canopy for 55gal.

    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.

    Attachment 1651

    Attachment 1653

    Attachment 1654

    Attachment 1659

    Attachment 1660

    more pics to follow when painted and on tank.

  2. #2
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default new lights on tank

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

    Attachment 1664

    Attachment 1662

    Attachment 1757

    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.

  3. #3

    Default

    Boy, that tank could be Tank of the Month!!!
    120G Reef and 40B reef at work, 120G tank dry and dirty in the garage.

  4. #4

  5. #5
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Default

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

  6. #6
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default

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

  7. #7
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
    Posts
    1,446

    Talking

    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.

  8. #8
    lReef lKeeper - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    louisville ky
    Posts
    1,456
    First Name
    Bobby

    Default

    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.

Similar Topics

  1. Tanks, Sumps & Refugiums hummers 55gal all wet
    By hummer in forum Basics
    Replies: 160
    Last Post: 09-17-2008, 10:47 AM
  2. canopy
    By peregrinus in forum DIY Projects & Plans
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 01-11-2008, 02:06 AM
  3. Lighting/ T5 Lighting in Canopy
    By Iconz in forum Hardware
    Replies: 31
    Last Post: 12-27-2006, 12:11 PM
  4. Lighting Canopy questions...
    By systemfan15 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 08-19-2005, 06:11 PM
  5. Lighting canopy
    By systemfan15 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-16-2005, 07:44 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us