DIY Basic Aquarium Canopy Plan

By Stan & Debbie Hauter, About.com Guides

Make a sketch of your new canopy.

• Measure the outside distances of the top of your tank, side to side, front to back.
• Accuracy is important.
• You will probably want the front panel to run the entire width of the canopy, with the side pieces inside the front and back panels (see "exploded" view above).
• Determine how high your canopy will be.
• Take into consideration how high off the water your lighting will be.
• How are you going to access the tank for feeding and maintenance? Examples are:
• Jordy's tank (see photo previous page)access is from the side/rear.
• You can also access the tank from an open top canopy.
• You can install hinged doors in the front for access.
• You can have a hinged (at the back) top on the canopy.
• This works well if you are going to attach your lights to the canopy lid (See Canopy Lighting Illustration below).
• Add 2 3" butt hinges and screws to your Parts List.
• You can have a Front Access Door, hinged at the top.
• Add 2 3" butt hinges and screws to your Parts List.
• Here is another Method of Hinging The Entire Canopy Front Panel.
• Determine how much wood you will need and add it to your Parts List.

Buy the items on your Parts List and get your hammer, tape measure, wood saw (electric or hand) and screwdriver (electric or hand) and let's get started building your new canopy.

Previous

• DIY Basic Aquarium Canopy Plan
• Basic Canopy Plan
• Tools & Parts List
• Canopy Lid Lighting
• Assembly
• Lid Mounting & Trim
• DIY Basic Canopy Front Door Access
• DIY Canopy With Front Hinged Door

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