Custom Canopy

[303travism]

Ok so I was going back and forth on what type of canopy to get and after talking to some people about installing these ne 20k LEDs I decided to do a DIY project

1x 18x24" board $15.00
8x eye hooks $8.00
2x braces $6.50
2x eclipse curtains $20.00
Also used 2 sided Velcro tape but already had so don't remember price.

http://s1113.photobucket.com/albums...iew&current=e22c8889.jpg&evt=user_media_share
The beginning reg T5 HO lights.
http://s1113.photobucket.com/albums...iew&current=7d066b98.jpg&evt=user_media_share
Hung the shelf mounted the light 19" from top of water.
http://s1113.photobucket.com/albums...iew&current=e25aca9e.jpg&evt=user_media_share
http://s1113.photobucket.com/albums...iew&current=e4b78a85.jpg&evt=user_media_share
Wrapped it in Eclipse Curtains looks a little weird right now have to give it time to get all the wrinkles out and I will be lowering the light about 3" every month till it's about 10" off of the water then I will lower canopy to match so it's not so high but for $ I think it turned out pretty good took 2 days total but about 3 hour of picking up material and actual work.

 

[dvenson]

you can get away with lowering the light 3 inches a week.

 

[303travism]

Oh ok thanks Daniel how close should I put them to the water at the final height in you opinion?

 

[Cake_Boss]

.

 

[dvenson]

i would try for around 8-12 inches

 

[ShelbyJK500]

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous myself about my new Evo LED's going in...their gonna be no more than 4" off the water! 'Koi said it shouldn't be a problem...probably not for me I guess since i'm not putting them over an already established tank where i'd **** everything off!

Great option for starting high and gradually lowering though! And an affordable option at that.

 

[303travism]

.

I got pics up bro!

 

[303travism]

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous myself about my new Evo LED's going in...their gonna be no more than 4" off the water! 'Koi said it shouldn't be a problem...probably not for me I guess since i'm not putting them over an already established tank where i'd **** everything off!

Great option for starting high and gradually lowering though! And an affordable option at that.

How come so close?

 

[303travism]

All finished and lowered.

 

[Bajamike]

Looks good any pics in the light to get a good look at it?

 

[303travism]

I'll take a couple when my wife gets home with the camera.

 

[303travism]

Here it is with a little better light.

 

[Bajamike]

Cool what material did you use to enclose it?

 

[Cake_Boss]

Are those curtains?

edit: Reread your OP. Can you do a short vid on how your canopy works?

 

[303travism]

Yep they are called eclipse curtains from walmart about $20

 

[303travism]

Here's a couple more photos I'll work on a video.

 

[303travism]

I think when it gets closer to summer I'll hole-saw a couple of holes in the wood it gets a little warm the curtain is a lot more tighter than expected my tank is in the basement but I had to put a couple of blocks of frozen RO water in the tank last year so I'm going to try and keep the heat down as much as possible.

 

[Cake_Boss]

I had those curtains on my windows, they're awesome at keeping the light contained. They are excellent insulators too.