Below are photos of the canopy assembled. This is just a test fit of all the parts. Nothing is glued in the photos except the clear acrylic parts for the LED's. The photo of the corner shows the vents for the LED and electronic compartment in the top of the canopy. In the photo of the back you can see that the side panels end below the bottom of the inner frame which sits on top of the tank. This is to hide the water line from view. The doors are not finished in these photo's. These photo's do give ...
The last major parts of the canopy are in the photo's below. The top lid is used for access to the LED's and electronics in the canopy. No access to the tank through the lid. The top outer frame holds the top of the side panels and the top lid is mounted to this frame. This frame is attached to the inner frame. The bottom frame assembly is attached to the bottom of the side panels and is also used to hold the bottom of the side panels against the inner frame.
Below are photo's of the side panel parts and assembled side panel. Since this a hex tank the angle just didn't look right so i decided to add a column or the appearence of one. the parts at the left and right of the photo accomplish this when the side panels meet. They are also cut to make room for a recessed insert. I relied heavily on a router table for this build. I am by no means an expert at woodwork. This is my first attempt at something this major. Also all rail surfaces have a slant down ...
Updated 06-30-2015 at 07:23 PM by n2585722
Photo's of the finished inner frame assembly are below. It just needs final painting. The pocket holes in the shape of a V are for mounting the side panels to the frame.
The parameters I have to meet is that no wire or plumbing can be seen hanging off the back or otherwise. The water level at top of tank cannot be seen and the side of the gravel or sand bed cannot be seen. This was set down by the other half. I had to get an OK for the wires and cables to the wall plates. This included 5 tubes from a wall plate to the tank. I am glad I got a signoff on that otherwise this would not be possible. So this design is to keep as much as possible hidden from view. Now ...