Tank Canopy
Here is my DIY canopy for my 55 gallon. There are a few features that make it, IMO, great. First, the top opens up completely. Second, the mounts that I created (the upside-down L's) make it very stable. Third, I have extended the edges out 2" on each side. What this does is allow air to travel up from underneath each side allowing for excellent heat displacement and oxygen exchange. Unfortunately, my digital camera took a dive, but I now have 4-VHOs powered by an Ice Cap 660 with German endcaps. The endcaps are wired through the top and placed in a routered groove to hide them. No wires are exposed and it is fully protected from salt spray. There are 2-4" fans that are also wired through the wood.
The best feature, though, is the reflective material. I consulted a photographic lighting specialist--a professor here at the university. He said that the best reflector is mirror. It reflects every photon exactly as it is transmitted. The second best reflector is a flat white surface. He claims that polished metals will alter the light's properties. So, I first painted the entire inside with flat white marine epoxy paint that is totally non-toxic and sea water proof. Then on top of that, where ever I could, I mounted Plexi-Mirror (mirror made from plexi glass). It is light weight and easy to work with. Also, the backing is not corrosive and will not leach toxic metals like glass mirror will.
The addition of the mirror made the tank so much brighter. I don't think I am wasting one photon.
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