Corner bowfront canopy build.

[teresaq]

I am building a canopy for my 54 corner bow. I need to go cut the pieces to connect the top to bottom. my light will be a 250 mh. Should I cut them 10 or 11 inch long. The bottom and top are 3/4 inch, so total height would be either 11 1/2 or 12 1/2. Or should I go a little taller.
T

 

[teresaq]

here is what I have so far

 

[teresaq]

anyone.

 

[scopus tang]

I think any where from 10 to 12 inches is the accepted/recommended height. Although, I have seen them both higher and lower than that. I wouldn't go any lower than that if you aren't or don't want to run a chiller. My 250 sits 10 1/2" inches off my 65 and with the glass top open and fans blowing I don't have much of a heat issue. Close the lids, or turn off the fans, I've got an issue. One other thing to factor in is height for clearance when working in the tank. Make sure that you can get into your tank without bumping into the MH light. Probably not much help ~ sorry.

 

[teresaq]

Thank you very much. Its going to be kinda tight. The reflector takes up the whole middle of the canopy. I may go an inch taller with 11 pieces. total height 12 1/2 off the top of tank, with the accual light being a couple inches lower

 

[veni vidi vici]

Looks great so far TeresaQ.If i can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to give me a shout.

 

[teresaq]

Thanks, I may need a little when I get to the bending the front part. My hubby bought really thin oak, so I think If I wet it and bend slowly I should be good.
My son thinks I am crazy because I can use a drill and screwdriver and a saw. My daughter told me thats a daddys job

Still deciding if I want to try a door on the front, or just have the front part of the top lift up

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/2623000
Thanks, I may need a little when I get to the bending the front part. My hubby bought really thin oak, so I think If I wet it and bend slowly I should be good.
My son thinks I am crazy because I can use a drill and screwdriver and a saw. My daughter told me thats a daddys job

Still deciding if I want to try a door on the front, or just have the front part of the top lift up
A gender roles ~ got to love em! Personally I think its great that your building your own canopy

!

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/2623000
Thanks, I may need a little when I get to the bending the front part. My hubby bought really thin oak, so I think If I wet it and bend slowly I should be good.
My son thinks I am crazy because I can use a drill and screwdriver and a saw. My daughter told me thats a daddys job

Still deciding if I want to try a door on the front, or just have the front part of the top lift up
You shouldnt have to wet it.If you run the grain of the plywood vertical it will bend very easy.Thats how we sheet barrel roofs with 3/8 ply ...bend with the grain never across.

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/2623000
Still deciding if I want to try a door on the front, or just have the front part of the top lift up
Flip up front would be nice....Easy access.

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2623141
Flip up front would be nice....Easy access.
Ditto that ~ oh do I wish that I had done that on my canopy for my 65. Not only easy access to the tank, but much easier to remove light for maintainence as well!

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by Scopus Tang
http:///forum/post/2623144
Ditto that ~ oh do I wish that I had done that on my canopy for my 65. Not only easy access to the tank, but much easier to remove light for maintainence as well!
LOL i have the same problem with my 75.My wife always said i have deep pockets and short arms .......Standing on a bucket i can barely reach the bottom

 

[teresaq]

haha, I have to stand on a chair and still cant reach the bottom of my 150 gal.

 

[scopus tang]

Originally Posted by Veni Vidi Vici
http:///forum/post/2623154
LOL i have the same problem with my 75.My wife always said i have deep pockets and short arms .......Standing on a bucket i can barely reach the bottom

Chair/bucket! I had to go buy myself one of those two step step ladders

!

 

[teresaq]

getting there. I need to cut a brace for the front

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/2623300
getting there. I need to cut a grace for the front

 

[teresaq]

They were cut and installed. Now I have to wait for hubby to cut the panels for the front. We dont have a table saw, so He is asking a friend about using thiers, otherwise he has to use a jig saw.

I'll get a new picture with the front braces in.
T

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by TeresaQ
http:///forum/post/2625300
They were cut and installed. Now I have to wait for hubby to cut the panels for the front. We dont have a table saw, so He is asking a friend about using thiers, otherwise he has to use a jig saw.

I'll get a new picture with the front braces in.
T
Looks great TeresaQ.Tell hubby to let the ply run down 2" past frame to hide the trim on tank.If you so desire.

 

[teresaq]

Already in the plans^

 

[frog/lionman]

TeresaQ, I am curious how did you cut the bow portion of the frame? I have a 46ga Bow and am interested in your build. What type of wood did you use for the frame?
Thanks