Build Your Own Canopy/Hood

[Scrup]

If you cut the wood at a 30 degree angle you can assemble it just like you would a normal canopy. Same concept just with more sides and different corner angles.

[dragoonwoman]

I was wondering how to figure out the angle I needed; I knew it wouldn't be 45 degrees!

30 degrees it is! Thanks for the push in the right direction.

[Northernguy]

Its easier said than done to make a canopy for a octo tank.
Your angles have to be perfect to get anything to match up.
Build a frame to sit on the edges of your tank first.Your cuts I beleive will be at a 22 1/2 degrees.
The canopy wraps around the tank and the frame on the inside holds it up on the tank.
You will have to figure out what kind of light and how it can mount up in the hood.
How you want the door to open and build from that.
I don't have a design or plans drawn out.I just build as I go! lol

[Scrup]

is it an octo or hex tank?

[dragoonwoman]

I have zero woodworking skills, simply because I've never tried making anything.

I have the original (All Glass) hood for the tank, which I can use as a template of sorts, adding to the edges the width of the trim on the tank, because the hood was meant to rest on the inside lip. I think I have a protractor somewhere, which will allow me to measure the angles of the seams. I could make a mock-up out of cardboard or similar "junk" material until I got it right.

I'll need to get new light fixtures because I'm not going to "cannibalize" the one I have (will work for my 20g, should I want to set it up). I've been looking at shop lights, but haven't found any under 4ft in length. I need about 24" length, and 100w (3 wpg).

Could prove interesting....

[dragoonwoman]

I measured the angle of the trim, and it's 60 degrees. To make the frame come out right, I need to cut my joins at 30 degrees.

Kudos, aji1217.

[Northernguy]

Sorry I was thinking 8 sides not 6.