My Custom Canopy Project 

Using the ODNO technology I discussed here I set out to build a new canopy, since upgraded to a 75G tank I did not have a canopy to fit, and just laid two shop lights across the top of the tank.

Project Goals:

1) Build a canopy from solid pine to match my tank. 2) Build it with a large enough opening to readily access tank when needed. 3) Have sufficient lighting for a heavily planted 75G tank. 4) Incorporate ODNO tech in the lighting. 5) Wire in custom LED moonlights. 6) Use exhaust fans to keep the overdriven bulbs and the ballasts cooler, and reduce moisture buildup. 7) enclose the top so fish cannot escape.

And here is the final product. I will have to take a better pic once I get the tank cleaned out better and some new growth from the plants. 

Here is the construction from start to finish:

	Boards cut to size. Boards also cut too small, tossed aside, re-measured, then new ones cut to proper size lol. All cutting done with sliding compound miter saw.
	Most assembly was done with my air nailer and air stapler, along with waterproof wood glue. The long pieces were also joined with a few biscuits from my biscuit joiner.
	The shoplights I was previously using were gutted for their endcaps. The entire fixture was cheaper than what I could buy the endcaps for individually at our local home improvement store.
	Installing the ballasts. I was going to run 2 bulbs at 2X and 2 bulbs at 4X which would have required 3 ballasts. I decided to go with all 4 bulbs at 2X so I only used 2 ballasts in the end.
	I painted the canopy with high gloss washable white paint before I got to many things attached to it.
	Just about everything electrical mounted, including the two large computer case fans. I purchased the largest ultra-quiet fans I could find, then wired them in series so each would only run at half power, making them virtual silent.
	Here is a close-up of my LED lunar lights. I purchased these LEDs by themselves and made a simple circuit for them that ran on one of the many surplus ac adapters I have laying around. There are 3 modules mounted along the front inside edge of the canopy. The lights a extremely bright for LED's.
	I used Sylvania Quicktronics Ballasts, 4X32/120 IS
	Zipties are a mans best friend in a project like this that uses bunches and bunches of wire. I probably used over a couple dozen.
	Canopy finished!
	Top view of the finished canopy.

Still working on some more details for you all....

This webpage originally created on 7/1/06. Last updated: 7/1/06

Our Aquarium Page [main]

Movie Clips of our fish

Plants in the aquarium

The Tanks & Hardware

Loaches (lots of 'em)

Plecos & Cats

Brackish Fish

Cichlids:

Apisto&Severum

Rainbows

All Other Fish, Frogs, and Shrimp

Goldfish & Whiskey Barrel Pond