46 gallon canpoy

[PLNelson]

I going to be making a canopy for my 46 this weekend. Is 8-9" tall tall enough?

[spsick]

eh, I dont know. The hood I had on my 75 was absolutely ideal, maybe pm wildflower and get the measurements. Are you just making a suspended box, or what? I always look at those tanks and say god it would be a pain to make a hood for that!

[spsick]

but off the top of my head I would say 10-11ish

[PLNelson]

It will be an actual canopy. The bow will be made out of 1/8" plywood that will be bent around two 3/4" formers. I just traced the curve on a piece of cardboard to use as the template. Personally, I really don't like the look of canopies that streatch halfway to heaven.

[YiNYaNg]

Work off how high you want your light souce from the water surface and enough clearance or room for fans or etc....

[spsick]

nor do I, and thats what my new tank came with, but you seen my 75 hood right,again, it was ideal, in terms of size, bulb height and access

[YiNYaNg]

Personally, I really don't like the look of canopies that streatch halfway to heaven.


+1 :agree:

[David Grigor]

Is 8-9" tall tall enough?

Can't answer that question without knowing what type of lighting your planning.

MH - No.
Flourescent lighting - typical distance is the bottom of the bulbs about 3" from the water or slighting higher depending on any salt spray. Add the actual height of the bulbs/endcaps and reflectors and you have your inside demension. Most people cover the tank rim with the canopy so add that overlap distance as well. 8-9" in that case may be a bit higher than necessary. 6-8" may be sufficient.

I personally don't mind an extra tall canopy providing it makes if more functional and isn't just a total flat surface the entire height. Raised panels to match the doors of the stand, decorative molding etc. can help.

[PLNelson]

I've decided on t5s. I'm not sure how tall the endcaps are though.

[David Grigor]

I measured my t5 Icecap waterproof endcaps w/ standoffs. Total height 3".

[PLNelson]

Thanks David, I appreciate it.