DIY Canopy less than $30(Finished!!)

Well I went to Home Depot and got 6' of 1X12" white pine i think it was, and 6' of 2X2 cedar wood. All of this cost under 30 dollars (not including trim and screws I had both). I had the guy at home depot cut the wood, I just gave him the lengths needed for my 20 gallon long. I used 2" drywall screws also.

Step 1. Sides

Bottom 2x2 is 10" long and the top for the lights to rest on are 7". (left & right as pictured)

Step 2. Basically put the back 2x2 support in and screw the front 1x12"

Light mounts and you can see the 2x2 at the top right.

Step 3. Tack in the trim with small nails for trim.

Top piece is 1/4" MDF, with a handle i put in (not pictured)

I plan on staining it but it looks like it might rain out so im gonna hold off for now. Here's some finished shots, it took a total of an hour if that and less than 30 bux. Makes my tank looks 100% better, and I dont have to wear spf 40 and shades in my room to look at it either any more 8).

 

Where's this trim from?

 

I would immagine home depot or lowes, my step dad bought it redoing the kitchen and had left overs. Its been there for years.

 

I might have to do that once I get my new lighting system next month.

 

I recommend it, my lights when they were hanging from the roof made my room a tanning booth, this is literally like night and day. I love it.

 

Very nice looking. Thanks for sharing that. When I upgrade to my 40g breeder, I plan to build one for it. Post more picts when it's finished

 

nice! I slapped two crappy ones on my tanks for 13$. They are not nearly as nice as yours, but it's still pretty amazing how big the viewing difference is. Are you going to put hinges on it?

 

Thanks, ill have some up as soon as it gets stained.

Thanks, yeah its crazy i love it. no im just leaving it how it is, i would if you could see the top but its up higher so no. i thought about it.

 

Nice build. Couple of questions:

Is it a full box or an open back and top?

Is there a chance that it could be top heavy and tip forward? I know when I built mine I had an open back but wrapped the corners around the tank about 6 inches so it wouldn't tip forward.

Is it secured to the top of the tank by the 10" Cedar wood? You have a piece on both sides. Is there a long piece running in the center for the canopy to rest on the top of the tank?

There isn't any door so I'm assuming it's an open top and you feed by dropping food from the top?


I love getting ideas from people. Like I said I built my own for my 55 gallon, but now I have to do it again for my 60" 125 gallon.

 

No problem, that should be a fun build lots of options for doors and cubbards and what not.looking forward to seeing that.