Need input on my DIY canopy design...

[tang_man_montreal]

I'm going to be putting in 2 x 250w MH's very soon. Because of this, my current canopy will no longer do. It only has an outer height of 8".
- The new canopy will be 16" in height.
- I'm using 1/2" Pine, Outside will be stained black
- inside will be weatherproofed, and then coated with reflective Mylar (using spray-on glue)
- The back will be half-open.
- 4" Fans on each end of the canopy.
- Front 5" of Canopy will swing open onto itself (for major access), using a piano hinge
- Front will also have 2 cupboard style doors for quick access for feeding/etc... (not yet on design)
I designed a schematic this morning, and now I need input on anything I may have forgotten.
My Design
Thanks everyone!

 

[stacyt]

Have you given any thought to putting the fans in the top of the canopy. I read a post a while back and the reasoning is very sound. Heat rises, so having the fans in the top pull the heat away from the water. When I did my canopy I put the access dors at the top front, and it makes it so much easier for feeding.

 

[tang_man_montreal]

I've thought about the fans, and havn't decided yet as to where I will place them. I am however starting to lean towards putting them on the top of the canopy pulling the hot air out.
I've now been told from some other resources that I should not use 1/2" Pine as it is a soft wood, and will probably warp due to the humidity.
I wanted to have a NICE outer finish on the outside. I've been suggested veneered 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. Does anyone else have any thoughts on wood??
Thanks..

 

[slick]

You don't have to worry about wood warping if you waterproof it good. If water can't penetrate it no warping will occur.

 

[rangermonroe]

I made mine out of 3/4 " A/C plywood with pine "doors" (fake) on the front that tmatches the bottom The plywood looks pretty good too
Remember to think about wiring a switch for your halides and fans and such while youre in the design phase. I put my switches on the back of the hood . Cant see them but easily accessible!

 

[tang_man_montreal]

Well,
I will finally be building it out of veneered 1/2" plywood, and some 1x2 bracing for the corners, etc...
there will be a total of 4 4" RadioShack fans.
2 fans blowing from the sides of the canopy over the water surface, and 2 fans pulling hot air out the top of the canopy.

 

[toddpolish]

ANY UPDATES? ANY PIX?
I'm looking into a DIY canopy now...anything would help