Cool Touch Lighting Installation

[trigger]

Just an idea for your installation of a Cool Touch Canopy.
I constructed a frame to attach to my tubular stand & it turned out real sleek! With so many options I used my existing 1" black tubular frame & modified it to insert 2 1" tubilar extensions that gave me a additional 3' height to the supports. I took 2 1"X3' steel tube & installed a 3/4 X 18" square tube into each 1" tube. Then I riveted the two tubes together with 1/2 of the 3/4" tube exposed. This exposed end fits into the existing 2 rear tubes of the aquarium stand for easy removal & installation. I also drilled a 3/8" Dia hole in the top end of the extensions to inset a 3/8" Dia steel rod. This suppports the Cool Light Canopy & allows for movement & adjustment of the canopy. See attached photos!

If anyone is interested it cost me about $35.00 to purchase the 2- 1"x3' steel tubing, 1-3/4"x3' steel tubing, 1-3/8 dia steel rod, 2 end caps plastic (like the ones that hold on you childs wagon wheels) & 2 retaining clips that secure the rods in place.

I could of used 2-90 Degree brackets fastened to the square tube insted of the steel rod. Your choice!

Trigger :cheers:

[Dman]

trigger,
Well done, very resourceful move.
DMan
:spin:

[trigger]

More Pics

[trigger]

Another Idea for a Oak Canopy!

[trigger]

More

[Mckitrick]

Nice Job Trigger! Did you do anything to protect the top parts from rusting and perhaps dripping into the tank? I noticed the support rods going across the top are black. DId you rubberize them or paint them?

[Michael_Lambert]

Looks good!

[trigger]

I painted them with black tremclad this hides the end nobs as well. If you have a look I placed the rods outside the overall tank exterior dimensions. I also considered the exposure to the elements & spoke to a few long time users. Based on that information I'm running an open top with no plastic or glass top. I placed the canopy far enough away from the waters surface to allow for good lighting & a clean operation of the lights. Did you know of any other concerns? I hope I have covered all angles. what do you think?

thanks again :cheers:

[Mckitrick]

Looks good to me. If you tremcladded the exposed rods you should be fine.

How is heat buildup in that wood canopy? Does the wood get very hot? I see the aluminum housing has fans in it so that should push air around fairly well. I'm just wondering if the air gets out of the hood ok.

[trigger]

The oak canopy has only 3-30W flo bulbs. Its just for fish only & live rock. Thanks for the concern!
Trigger :rockon: