Building a canopy

[nyy fan]

This being my first tank, I opted for the ease and convenience of an Eclipse. It has been great so far, but I know it is going to limit my choices in the future (limited lighting and no skimmer).
My question is, how hard would it be to build a canopy for light housing on a tall 37 G tank? Also, how much would it cost with installed proper reef lighting?

 

[justinl]

having built one for my 37 I have to say it's a bit of work but rewarding because you can make it exactly how you want it.
I used birch and I think the wood and hardware cost roughly 30-40. A VHO 4 bulb retrofit will run you about 160+the price of 4 bulbs.
Radio Shack cooling fan plus ac adapter is about 25-30(maybe less)
Here's mine (i've since removed the wood around the bulbs)-

 

[nyy fan]

Wow!
You did a great job with that canopy. Thank you for including the pics in your response.
Where in NC do you live?

 

[justinl]

I live in Wilmington. Thanks for the compliment! It's still a little rough around the edges but it works for me! Good luck in building yours!