DIY VHO hood.

[javajoe]

I need some help.
I currently have a DIY hood made out of a vinyl rain gutter for 2 40 watt NO bulbs. I got a icecap 660 and was planningon doing the same thing for them, but unfortunately the end caps a a TINY bit too wide, and they do not fit.
So i have been looking for DIY plans to build my own hood. this needs to be 48 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and hold 4 VHO bulbs. The problem i am running into is that i want to be able to access the tank.
I have looked all over ont he net and found lots of plans, but cannot find anything about the hinges to use to open the top. can anyone give me some ideas as to how to build a VHO light hood with these dimensions that will allow for easy access to the tank?

 

[jond]

I have three 24" VHO bulbs in a canopy over my tank. I did not build it for fear it would look like crap. It does have a hinged lid and I mounted the bulbs directly to it with stand offs. There is still plenty of room when you open it to feed, clean the glass and do minor things. When I do water changes and other maintanence, I just lift the canopy off. If you are a good carpenter, go for it. Otherwise I would look at a pre-built one.

 

[javajoe]

I am not really the best carpenter, but i built my own stand with plans, and it looks awesome. took forever, but looks great. SO i am not too worried about being able to build it... but having trouble with the hinge issue. I wanted to make one where the whole top lifts up on a hinge, as it is only 12 inches front to back, and there wont be much room to work otherwise. I am starting with 2 lights, but want to eventually go up to 4.
The gutter idea was going to be perfect, but the end caps are just a tiny bit too wide.

 

[jond]

It shouldn't be too tough to come up with plans on a top that is completely hinged. I have a picture of it in my mind, but that doesn't do you much good.
Good luck

 

[jond]

I just looked at your other post with the picture. It looks like that is what you want. That shouldn't be too hard to build.

 

[javajoe]

the problem is that i am trying to use a lighter weight wood, 1/4 inch masonite, and cannot figure out how to get the hinges attached-- too thin. i may end up having to just use thicker plywood... the other thing is that i cannot find that hinge brace thing-- i haev seen it on manufactureed hoods, but cannot find one at HD.
I just talked to a LFS, and they have different endcaps- hard rubber VHO endcaps taht slide right onto the end of the bulb- that MAY let me use the gutter approach which is what i wanted to do to begin with.
so i just have to wait till my wife gaets nera the compute again so i can IM her and ask her to measure what i have now...

 

[javajoe]

Just spoke with my wife-- she measured the caps we have - they are 2 inches- so the rubber ones will work great! (they are only 1 3/4 inches)
So thanks for all the advice... i am going to stay with the gutters for now....

 

[sweetjesus]

go to your local home improvement store, you want to buy 1 sheet of 1/2" plywood, 2 8foot 1X12, and 2 8ft 2X2. and a 48" piano hinge. cut two pieces of the 1X12 to 50 inches so you can get a 48 and 1/2" inside length, the scraps of those two, cut two each 12" length, and a 6.5" length. These are your sides. Cut two each of 2X2 into 48.5" lenths. these form the hinge line. cut the plywood to 50X7.25" length and a 50X12.75" lenth, this is the top of the hood. Basically you are building two boxes hinged together. the 1X12's are you sides, the 2X2 are your hinge line! Very simple but nice looking hood. use the scrap piece of 2X2 to make blocks at whatever height you would like inside the hood to have it sit at the height you would like in relation to the tank!

 

[javajoe]

Just looking back-- the piano hinge is a great idea! i never would have thought of that!
I eneded up going with the gutters-- they are working great- but someday i will probably convert it over to a wooden hood- i now have to move the hood in iorder to get into the tank at all, but it is a good temporary soltuion-- my workbench is kinda burried in snow outside... we got hit pretty hard in buffalo, and i use our picnic table to saw wood on.... that will have to wait till spring....
Thanks for the help all!
ANd Happy New Year!