What Kind of wood should I use?

[nanoreefer22]

Well I had built myself a canopy for my 55 gallon but as it turns out the plywood that I used to build it is bending all over the place. I'm guessing that its the heat from the bulb, althought the entire back is open. We used 1 inch thick ply for the job.

I want to rebuild it because it doesnt look good at all anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions on the type of wood that I should use and plans for making a good looking hood?

Thanks Kris

 

[wedfr]

1 inch think? was that supposed to be 1/2" thick?

Plywood is fine it just need to be screwed to a frame. The fram will hold the plywood into shape. Use 2x4's for the frame or if they are too big and bulky rip them down

 

[nanoreefer22]

Thats been my problem all along, I never had a frame. I just never thought about it before. Now that I have that tip, I think this one should come out way better and this time I'm going to use 1/2 inch plywood istead of 1 inch. Thanks again for the tip.

Kris

 

[wedfr]

3/4" ply is best. Im assuming your covering it in formica or using oak plywood yes?

 

[bad coffee]

For the top, you could do 2 layers of 3/4" ply and it won't warp. Also, put a center support across the top of the canopy. that way the top will only be resting on 24" centers, instead of the full 48"

BC

 

[4angel]

I made a frame out of 1"X 1" with a brace then covered using 1/4 ply for the sides and 1/2 for the top. I left the back open.
A lot of people on reef central post with pics. I must have looked at a 100 before I did mine. heres a few links to start.
http://garf.org/index.html
http://mistressreef.homestead.com/
http://www.cnidarianreef.com/capstand.cfm

[ March 21, 2005, 09:00 AM: Message edited by: 4angel ]

 

[Melt]

i use 3/4 oak ply to make mines and I use an air gun to nail it in place along with elmers glue...if you need to seee pics let me know or you can drop by..

 

[nanoreefer22]

Thanks for the tips. The building is probably going to start this weekend. Just want to give myself enough time to look at different designs. I'll post some pics of the final product when I get done. Melt I'll PM you if I want to drop by.

Kris

 

[cali_reef]

You should ask Rich(jackson) to post some pictures of cool designed canopy he just got.