DIY Hood for 72"

[ackermsb]

Can someone give me an idea of whats involved in building a hood for a 6 foot long tank. Any detailed drawings or specs would be greatly appreciated. I havent decided whether I am going to house MH or VHO in it
Thanks

 

[slick]

I can tell you from experience that it's difficult to build a 6ft canopy. It can be done but if your going to do it so it turns out nice and perfect you will need to make some special tools. Or spend a lot of money to buy some. The main "tool" I'm talking about is if your going to glue your corners together (which I recommend) then you will have to find a way to clap the whole thing together. I know your thinking you will just use 2 3ft bar clamps, but you have to remember your clamping on the outside and it's to long for these clamps.
As far as building a canopy, I like to use 3/4 inch oak plywood. Use it for the front, sides, top, and back. Make it so it fits over your tanks top plastic trim. Then you can attach strips of wood on the inside of it that will sit right on top of your tanks trim. I suggest you do a search on canopys here and see if you get all the info you need. There have been a lot of these posts lately. Here is a pic of a canopy I made for a friends 6ft 180.

 

[jrein40806]

Wow, that is sure a good looking canopy. Check your e-mail.

 

[ackermsb]

Great looking canopy slick. I guess I forgot to mention that the tank is built into the wall and the only access is from the back rigth corner of the tank (and there is an access panel in the back left) so I am looking for something small to place on feet directly above the tank.
Also, I dont think i can remotely come clsoe to building anything as nice as your canopy. maybe ill break down and by a hood kit as it will probably save a lot of aggravation in the long run. There just so darn expensive