I'm sorry I don't have any plans to share.
Although that's a very nice compliment - the canopy has it's design flaws still to iron out.
Cost - I'd have to add up the items purchased - and substract those that I did not need. Some extra wood and hardware that is still laying out in the garage.
I figure about $150.00 for wood, screws, glue, high temp white paint, stain/polyurathane.
VHO & MH ballasts, lamps & hardware is what anyone would pay online - but I did shop around and took advantage of some items that were on sale.
I placed it over the tank last night.
I intentionally built it high, for easy reach in tank access and ventilation - but it seems too tall to me and my wife.
I'm a little dissapointed in the little cracks of light that bleed through some of the seams too - I did not anticipate this while putting it together.
I know how to fix it - but it will take some more time.
I may lower it a little someday. Easy enough to do - I have a saw
and can take out a section of the 6 legs that support it.
But that would mean less access, having to make new removable lower panals but would allow for more light intensity reaching the bottom of the tank. It's a trade off - but right now it just "looks" too tall sitting up there on the tank.
The good thing about DIY is that you can save some money, it's challanging and fun and you learn new stuff as you go.
The downside is if it's your first attempt at something - you may have to DIY twice to get it just right - or have a more solid proven plan to begin with.
My wife says I'm just too picky, and want it to be perfect. Maybe so, maybe not, but I do want it to be both functional and look decent.
Thank you all !
