How to Build a Canopy for 54-Gallon Corner Bow Front Aquarium

Canopies prevent unwanted items and dust from falling into the aquarium. A canopy also guards against boisterous fish jumping out of the aquarium. Light units, which are all important for both plant growth in fresh water aquariums and for photosynthesis in marine corals and anemones, are housed in the aquarium canopy. Although custom made aquarium canopies are readily available, the hobbyist can fairly easily design and build his own.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 top piece of 1/2-inch thick plywood (40-by-15.6 inch), precut with bow front
  • 1 front piece of 1/2-inch thick plywood (40-by-8 inch)
  • 2 pieces of 1/2-inch thick plywood (15.6-by-8 inch)
  • 4 square rods, 10-inches long (3/4-by-3/4 inch)
  • Finish nail gun
  • Finish nails
  • Small tin wood glue
  • Small tin wood stain
  • Paint brush
  • Towel
  • Work bench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the top panel (1/2-inch thick plywood 40-by-15.6 inch) on a clean and smooth work bench, facing upwards.

    • 2

      Run a continuous line of wood glue along the side, surface bottom edge of one side piece (1/2-inch thick plywood, 15.6-by-8 inch). Place this against the side-surfaces of the top panel, standing vertically.

    • 3

      Repeat the process with the right side piece.

    • 4

      Leave to dry for an hour and then nail, using the finish nail gun, both side pieces in place. Place the nails exactly along the lines where the glued was applied.

    • 5

      Soak the front piece of plywood in water until it is flexible. Remove from the water and dry well with a towel.

    • 6

      Position this piece vertically on the top surface edge of the top piece and bend it gently to the shape of the top piece. Have an assistant to hold the front piece in place.

    • 7

      Position the left side of the front piece next to the side surfaces of the left-hand side piece. Nail the front piece to the left-hand side piece.

    • 8

      Position the right side of the front piece next to the side surface of the right-hand side piece. Nail the front piece to the right-hand side piece.

    • 9

      Turn the canopy right side up. Nail the top piece along the length of the front piece. Leave the canopy/ front piece to dry for a day.

    • 10

      Turn the canopy onto its lid/top. Place one of the10-inch long (3/4-by-3/4 inch) square rod in a horizontal position, along the inside right of the front panel (1 inch in from the edge of the pane and right of the midline). Nail in place

    • 11

      Place the second 10-inch long (3/4-by-3/4 inch) square rod in a horizontal position, along the inside left of the front panel (1 inch in from the edge of the pane and left of the midline). Nail in place.

    • 12

      Stand the canopy in a vertical position, with the left side pane flush with the work bench. Place the third 10-inch square rods (3/4-by-3/4 inch) along the inside length of the side panel (1 inch from the edge of the panel). Center the rod and nail in place. Repeat for the right side panel.

    • 13

      Stain the outside of the canopy.