Due to the large number of requests for info on how to build the canopy hood, I offer these simple ideas on canopy hood basics.
The provided drawing is not a blueprint or to scale. Parts have been enlarged or reduced to show their function or design.
Before attaching anything to the inside of the canopy hood, I recommend you seal the wood REALLY REALLY good. If you are going to use multiple coats of a thick sealant like polyurethane (poly), you may want to adjust the dimensions of your hood to accomodate the sealant.
In the drawing below, there is a standard wall design. The walls of the hood overlap the outside of the aquarium. Unless you have are familiar with mitre cuts, you will probly want the front and back walls to overlap the side walls.
Ive built 2 canopy hoods so far. The walls of one was made of 1x10 pine lumber and was built for a 55 gallon, and the other was made of 1/2" plywood for my 120 gal.
For filters and hoses and anything else that goes in and out of your tank, you will need to cut out holes for it. The cutout for power filter is an example of what you would need for a topfin or aquaclear power filter. You may want to make the hole larger to accomodate removing the lid or media from the filter.
The corner brace is the simplest way to hold the canopy hood on the aquarium. These can be found at your local hardware store. Usually the small ones only have 1 hole in each side, but I drew a larger one to show dimension. Just attach them to the wall of the canopy hood with a small screw. DO NOT try to screw into the aquarium rim. You may want to poly the corner braces to prevent rust.
Another option is to use cut pieces of 1x2 wood. Just screw the 1x2s to the inside of the hood so that they rest on the aquarium rim. Sealant should be applied to the 1x2s as well.
As for the lid, this will be left up to you. I cannot be held responsible for issues of humidity and electrical connections, so be careful and install at your own risk.
You may want to consider that the canopy hood will add extra height to your aquarium and may make it more difficult to access the inside for cleaning and such if it is on a high stand.
I built my hoods by trial and error, and constantly think of new ideas that I will use on the next one. I try to draw up a design and redraw it multiple times over a 2 or 3 week period just to be sure that is the way I really want it. Even so, I usually forget something when it is finally built. Design and engineering is the most important part of the building process. Fixing an error on paper is a lot easier and less expensive than fixing one after the wood is cut, or after the poly is applied.
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