I do have pictures that I would love to share, however, they are on the hard disk of my computer which Comp USA has been tryig to repair for the last 10 days! I am using my laptop. When and if I get them back, I will send them to you or I will put them on my website. (If they still exist!)
I got the idea for the canopy from an online PC lighting vendor. However, I would not copy what I did exactly. I have some special problems with my tank set up that required me to make a certain style of canopy. My 55 gallon reef sits inside an oak custom made built-in book self. When we purchased the house, I thought this would be so wonderful - it is a pain! My canopy could only be 48 inches and therefore, it sits on the edge of the tank. I would recommned making it lap over the tank. It would look better. Also, I can not use 48 inch bulbs.
So enough whining about me! Have you decided what type of light you are going to use? That is kind of the first key. If you are going to MH you need to make sure you give yourself enough space between the water and your bulbs. I have read that 8 is a min. My hood is only 6 inches because I only have VHO and it is all the cabinet can support. Do you have a sump or are you hiding "stuff" behind your hood? That will also help you determine your height and design.
I basically made an oak box (48 inches by 13 inches) with 3 complete sides each 6 inches tall and one side that was only 1 1/2 inches tall. (This allowed by filter, skimmer and UV sterilizer to fit under the hood. I used 1/2 inch oak. I then used 1/4 inch oak slates for the top. I left about 1 inch gap between slates to allow heat to escape. I used alum. stove piping for my reflector, however, I am going to change to a spider reflector very soon. I used brass screws and a heavy coat of varnish. I then wired in a icecap 660 ballast with 4 VHO lights. The ballast sits outside of the canopy on top of the filter. I also wired into the back two 4 inch fans for cooling. It was pretty easy. It took about three Saturdays to make and cost (without the lights) about $50. The fan cost about $15 each.
I hope this helps!
Good luck,
Connie
