Canopy design and plans

Don't know of a particular site, but the best thing is search around for nice builds and take in tons of ideas and incorporate them into your own......

There are some nice builds in this very forum under the DIY section. All depends on how eloborate you want to get. I built my stand and canopy myself, I did as acrylic said and incorporated several designs into my own, while also putting my own twists on it.

Nothing better than standing back looking at it once you finish doing it.

One thing to consider before you start is the price of tools, the wood, screws, nails, etc are cheap compared to having to buy power tools, compressor, nailer, etc.

My DIY was a great way for me to stockpile my tools without the lady asking to many questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xcali1985 

There are some nice builds in this very forum under the DIY section. All depends on how eloborate you want to get. I built my stand and canopy myself, I did as acrylic said and incorporated several designs into my own, while also putting my own twists on it.

 

Nothing better than standing back looking at it once you finish doing it.

 

One thing to consider before you start is the price of tools, the wood, screws, nails, etc are cheap compared to having to buy power tools, compressor, nailer, etc.

 

My DIY was a great way for me to stockpile my tools without the lady asking to many questions.

I never ask or need an excuse to buy more tools.....but exactly true.....Once you have them you'll find uses for them and she'll give you all kinds of projects she wants done then.....If you go over to RC, there is a very cool thread called "Show me your fancy Stands" or something along those lines and you'll will see all kinds of ideas........
 

Go find a cabinetry book at the local book store if you are looking for how to do finish work...

There's a lot of different designs and ideas floating out there, and like Acrylic said, there are some nice builds - just got to go out and find them and incorporate their ideas into your own design.

A few things to consider is the size of your sump, additional equipment you want to keep under the stand and any kind of storage space you are thinking about making. There's also electrical work to consider... where is everything going to be plugged into and how are you going to protect it from moisture? How are you going to protect the inside and outside of the stand from moisture?

Come up with a design on paper with all the dimensions before you get started. You may be able to spot some obvious flaws.

Other then that - good luck man, and I hope that you do a build thread for your stand.

One thing I always try to keep in mind when building a canopy is tank maintenance, I also like to have access to my tank without a canopy in the way.  I always make my canopies attached to the back wall so I can lift the whole thing to get my arm in the tank.  I will try to find a picture.  This is a fw canopy - it does have doors on the front now

Very true Al!!!!!!