DIY Aquarium Canopy - How To Build - Step By Step

This video is about my aquarium canopy design.

[@brocklowe118]

Thank you so much sir! Perfect 👌🏻

[@BillyPipes]

😁😁😁

[@TheKc2pxp]

Thank you!. I used your design to make a canopy for my 120 gallon tank. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video and share it with us. Great job!

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks, glad it helped 👍👍

[@j.r.hinaut9748]

Just made this exact canopy for a new 120 a few hours ago. Got the idea from this video. Thanks!

[@BillyPipes]

👍 I love how strong it is for such a simple design.

[@dubiouslyyours]

Oh, the sliding rails are a great touch. Thanks.

[@DennyMK007]

Great video! Motivated me to push forward my 40 gallon breeder cover/lid/canopy project that I’ve been putting aside for six months 😂. Thank you!

[@garybrugone433]

Thank you so much for the Video. Was nervous to build my own,but not anymore. Thanks again !!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped

[@lorizanin]

Made one for my tank. So easy with this video!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped

[@aarondehart1060]

Bro that was a great video

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you !!!

[@mickeybigbuds]

building a 9 foot stand and canopy and it was an insparation and gave me some ideas .A big thanks billy

[@BillyPipes]

Awesome, glad it helped 👍👍👍

[@henrik276]

I just built this canopy for a 160X120X70cm tank, works perfect! Thank you for the video 🙂👍

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍👍👍

[@sydefect]

Sweet design will use!😊

[@SpearAndMagicHelmetYT]

This video is super worthwhile and encouraging. Thanks so much for creating it!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you very much 👍

[@TBizzell68]

Nice!Thanks for the video!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍

[@cvblackbird]

Definitely helped! Great video thank you!!

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍glad it helped

[@pixel8studio402]

Great video. Enjoying the increased uploads. Thanks!!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you very much 👍

[@dofisher2132]

Thanks for showing this video Billy you awesome 😎 keep more video going 👍👍👍👍

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you very much

[@jessetea6615]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to explain and putting this together.

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you. And you're welcome 👍👍

[@wolfsburgfanatic]

Fantastic step by step! Thanks for this 👍

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped😎

[@danmaltby3271]

thanks Billy, I used your design (with few customizations) for canopy on the 55 gal

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped👍

[@TimTamRipple]

So clever, what a great idea. You should patent this. Go into business making and selling these.

[@BillyPipes]

It's definitely an easy design and works awesome. I used to build and sell them.

[@wwiiireef]

Nicely done! Great teacher!!!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you 👍

[@gjames3229]

Very good job making build easy to follow

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you, im glad it helped 👍👍

[@bcdirttastesbetter]

That's neat, I might have to do one for my next lil tank, thanks for the diy Billy

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍 thank you

[@LakwatserongHampaslupa]

very nice mock up simply to visualize how it's made.. thanks man!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you👍

[@rickyhaduca3977]

Awesome man, just what I needed 👍🏼😎

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍👍

[@thereefinrican]

Cool instructional video Billy. I’m sure it will help out a lot of people who want to build a diy canopy. 👍🏻

[@BillyPipes]

Hopefully 👍👍

[@djkarp7239]

You’re awesome brother!!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you👍👍

[@christinap9778]

Thanks for sharing your talent it's greatly appreciated

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you very much

[@Skysmeller1]

Great tips building one today for my 220

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped👍

[@DMusique]

This is awesome and thank you so much for such a detailed video as well!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped 👍

[@stevenmoomey2115]

Years ago I bought an old Salvaged Kitchen Cabinet, same width as my aquarium. Made an upside down plywood and lumber “U,” to go under the Cabinet. Made an upside down drawer, that my Power Compact Lights went into. When I needed to work on the Aquarium, I just pushed the drawer back. 18” tank, that was 10” from the wall, so I had plenty of room, to work. Over head cabinet kept my aquarium stuff in it. Light Cables went through the cabinet, and ballast, timers and power strip were on top of the cabinet.

[@xclusivereef5805]

Billy Good video man. it's going to help a lot of people out.

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks X😁

[@josephg.8919]

could you do this for a rimless tank?

[@BillyPipes]

It depends on what the manufacturer of the tank recommends

[@cameron6824]

Simple design. Thanks Billy. 😎👍

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks Cameron

[@yadieldiaz6395]

Awesome DIY bud really appreciate this 💯👍🤟

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks 😊👍

[@william7268]

Great informational vid. Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks 😊

[@chimpthereefer]

Awesome video. Now you have me thinking about building a canopy for my tank. Keep up the great work Billy 👍🏻🏆

[@BillyPipes]

Go for it👍👍

[@BriansAquariums]

Great DIY video. Love it!!

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks man 👍

[@timuy1944]

Nice work. What type of wood did you use?

[@BillyPipes]

I use sanded plywood

[@mitian]

Thanks Billy great video- specially for people like me that does not know how to do stuff like this.

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@brocklowe118]

Just wanted to say thank you again sir!

[@BillyPipes]

You got it 💪👍

[@danmaltby3271]

nice job

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks!

[@michaelcarter3269]

Helped me bro!!!

[@BillyPipes]

Awesome. Glad it helped

[@jerryroames4306]

Great video. What size screws are you using? Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

On 3/4" wood i use 1" screws

[@BaileyVaz]

Thank you so much for sharing! Dad has been trying to pressure me into buying a hood (with his help lol) but it's been so difficult to find the right size and would meet my needs. Here I can do a custom size, use the lights that are turtle friendly, and strong enough to deal with the 3 cats and idiotita dog. Might even make one this weekend.

[@BillyPipes]

Glad it helped👍👍👍

[@krsatcom]

Thanks Billy, good info.

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks Ken👍

[@davisju1]

Great video good info Thanks for sharing.

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks bud

[@jle_reefer]

Thanks Billy, I was trying to figure out what to do for my nano in my bedroom lol. I love diy projects 👍🏼👊🏼

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks lol glad it gave ya an idea 😊

[@Spearse29]

Your awesome.

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you!!!

[@arods_reef]

I have a costume tank I am building it is just a peninsula style but im trying to do a floating canopy. I was wondering after watching your videos if you have an idea or any guidance on how to do it

[@BillyPipes]

You'd have to make the top one complete canopy then hang it from the ceiling

[@niettevergeten5846]

you need more subs man

[@BillyPipes]

Slowly but surely I guess 😁 and Thank you very much 👍

[@MikeLemming]

Good video bro. I may have to scrap my half built canopy.. this one looks much better and easier to make!

[@BillyPipes]

Do it💪💪💪

[@kelceaguzman5624]

Trying to make this for my 120 gallon... it was a fish tank but i have converted it into a sliding glass door terrarium... in doing so i skewed the original measurments by a little bit and now im trying to do this with weird tank measurments... (it originally came with a canopy that now doesnt fit because the tank is slightly longer and slightly wider 🫠) What should the length of each of the main peices be? (Or how tall? I dont know how to word it lol) Does that depend on how tall you want the canopy to sit on the tank? And then for that back peice that is shorter then the rest of the main peices to allow air flow, how much shorter should it be? Thank you!! 😅

[@BillyPipes]

Each tank is a little different. You would have to make this custom to your tank👍

[@-Coaltrain]

Thx for the video billy 👍

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍👍

[@KelleyAshbrook]

Is it possible to make such a canopy for a bow front? I have a 45 gal. I'd like to consider doing this for.

[@BillyPipes]

I would say yes but the front panel would need to be made out of something flexible like 1/8" luan or plastic

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

Thanks for sharing dude. What's that drill bit you're using? All the diyers use them, I have no idea. Looks far easier though

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks, its called a screw guide i think. 👍

[@BlueCarbonReefing]

Great vid. Makes me want to build one of these it looks so easy. And I don't even need a canopy. 😂😂

[@BillyPipes]

😂😂😂

[@jonsthedrummer02]

Hey Billy, thanks for the video. I like this build. I did notice you talked about covering the screw heads. I was wondering, have you tried using pocket holes in a canopy build?

[@BillyPipes]

I didn't use pocket holes because I wanted to make it as simple as possible for people to build

[@jasonmysinger9464]

Wow! Great video! Very informative and functional. I'm getting ready to build a hood for my 75g freshwater tank, and this is perfect! Question about lighting- I have one Finnex LED 24/7 light and plan on adding another light for my plants. I noticed in the video link you provided that you don't have any glass hoods below the wooden hood you constructed. My fear is that the light fixture will come detached and fall in the tank. How specifically do you mount the light to the wooden hood? Also, do you recommend a GFCI outlet? I've been leary of adding one as I know how easily they can trip.

[@jasonwiechec301]

Do you have any stand builds? Would 3/4 plywood be okay for a 125 canopy?

[@BillyPipes]

I didnt do any step by step builds on a stand but I do have a few walk throughs on my stands. 3/4" would be ok but I would use a few 1"x3" or 2"x4" to add extra support for anything over 75 gallons. And 3/4" is plenty for a canopy

[@teereefer1276]

You are awesome keep up the good work Billy

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks Tee 😁

[@bennylol4374]

How much do u think it would cost for a 100 gallon tank. I have a 100 gallon and I want to do this for simple way to mount lighting plus I hate my border on my tank. Also should I have a separate lid such as glass or greenhouse plastic. This video was sooo helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@BillyPipes]

Wood, screws, paint, roller, hinges...should be under $100

[@jerryebner7582]

very cool. I like how my Radion Lights hang from the ceiling but maybe I will try them one day in a canopy

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍

[@Davelembo]

Thanks Billy. I remember you yelling at path. LOL

[@BillyPipes]

Lolol good times

[@ReefSpy]

Great work. Easily the nicest top on a 5 gallon tank! 😝

[@BillyPipes]

😂😂

[@bethparsons7434]

Thank you for this video its awesome!

[@BillyPipes]

Glad you like it Beth 😊

[@gladiatormechs5574]

i notice that your lid design does not go flush with the back top of the tank... can you tell me your reason for this ? Cant the fish still jump out thru this opening ? is it because it needs to ventilate moisture ?

[@BillyPipes]

This was just a video on a basic design. It can be modified any way ppl need to. I have another video on how I added mesh to the back of mine. Mesh makes it easier to cut for wires and stuff

[@douglascampbell5284]

I have a t5 fixture it's for bulbs with a timer and controller made by Odyssey would I be able to just not put that lid on there but put the supports for the lid and use that to hold the fixture

[@BillyPipes]

Definitely. I've built one that someone used that same fixture and did exactly what you want to do

[@blazequakes]

Wow this is pretty simple

[@ogsvideos6423]

Sup Bro what you up to these days, still no fish tanks?

[@BillyPipes]

No tanks for me man.

[@rockfella27]

Won't the water damage it?

[@BillyPipes]

I use behr outdoor paint on it. Holds up perfectly

[@baysideexteriorwashing7719]

This is an awesome video but would your steps be any different for a bowfront aquarium?

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks, a bowfront would be difficult to get the shape of the front for the door but I could probably figure it out if I had a bowfront 👍

[@brocklowe118]

Your my Hero!!!!

[@BillyPipes]

Lol. Hope it helped

[@jonandlisa2000]

Enjoy the DIY 👍

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@TheLisamac01]

A miniature Billy tank for the Mini Pipers! Recreation of Daddys tank ??? Eh Pipers.. he would love it!

[@BillyPipes]

Lol you have to watch the video 😂 I said it's for demonstration

[@TheLisamac01]

@@BillyPipes I did watch but I commented while watching 😂

[@TheLisamac01]

@@BillyPipes also I.still vote recreation.. just saying. Still could be a "demonstration " for little Pipes lol

[@BillyPipes]

@@TheLisamac01 lol

[@RonaldJayBuayan]

what do you do to protect waterproof it from moist and water vapor?

[@BillyPipes]

I triple coat it with indoor/outdoor Behr paint. Works perfectly

[@JVS_Tarnished]

Awesome

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks Joe

[@carbonoxx]

whats the name of the plastic?

[@BillyPipes]

What plastic?

[@kristianalejo2261]

Great design! Would the canopy add weight onto the tank?

[@BillyPipes]

Yes but it spread out evenly 👍

[@juliebauknecht2071]

I hope I am able to talk my husband into making this!

[@BillyPipes]

Its definitely an easy build 👍

[@richardgaston1066]

Thanks Billy!

[@BillyPipes]

Thank you Richard 👍

[@Desigan14]

What about the weight won't it be to heavy for the tank

[@BillyPipes]

I have a huge canopy with heavy lights in it with no problem 👍

[@CarloBase]

Mark 17:33 Which Video? I cant seem to find it. Am doing this project. Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIPQi2Wjpq11lck

[@richardgaston1066]

Great video. I would like to see a video on how you would build a hanging canopy.

[@BillyPipes]

I would do it the same way but without the bottom supports. And screw eye hooks to the top👍

[@DawningNite]

With this canopy will a glass top still open? It's hard to tell in the video if the whole lip was covered. Thanks

[@BillyPipes]

I used 3/4" plywood and it didn't cover the whole lip on my 75. It mostly depends on the thickness of the tank that you use

[@JamesWilliams-ey5kn]

How to build hexagon canopy

[@BillyPipes]

Lol I'm not tryin that one

[@alohacoralreef]

Thank you.

[@BillyPipes]

👍👍👍 glad it helped

[@jay-rs7gj]

awesome content,interested in making one myself. one question, why are they so tall, could i make one which is half the height and fit LED lights to the roof?

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks. I made mine high so everything stays hidden inside. You can make it any height you want 👍

[@IvanRuiz-td4sl]

Question , how tall do you recommend the canopy it looked like 10 inches or so on your build ?

[@BillyPipes]

It depends on what height you want to mount your lights and how tall your lights are.

[@blazequakes]

Hmmm would this for a hex tank?

[@BillyPipes]

It would be a lot of cutting lol 👍

[@falconquick4268]

Nice Pipes

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks 😘 lol

[@arielpetty9623]

What’s the normal height for the canopy you would recommend ?

[@BillyPipes]

Depends on the lights you're using. Most lights are good at 10" off the water. Then i add the thickness of the fixtures im using 👍

[@reefgeek_pr5785]

What is the height of the canopy for a 75 gallons that look good and work well using leds ?

[@BillyPipes]

Mine is 15" total length including the overhang covering the trim

[@dandegr]

I was always scared if I rest too much weight at the tank I may brake it.

[@BillyPipes]

This design is very light. And distributes the weight evenly

[@buendiasolutions]

What is the usual height for a canopy?

[@BillyPipes]

Totally up to the person. But i think 12"-14" is good

[@buendiaenergy9264]

Billy Pipes thanks!

[@PRFishGirl]

I Still Love my billy pipes canopy..

[@BillyPipes]

Heck yeah 💪💪

[@pjmurphy5739]

What plywood do you recommend for painting? Getting ready to wrap my stand and build this canopy.

[@BillyPipes]

Any smooth presanded ply is good👍

[@JasonBodine]

Do you have a design for tanks with closed tops? One of the three lights I'm using on my 29 gallon tank sits on a lid, so open-top isn't an option.

[@BillyPipes]

Sorry i dont

[@VStag]

Awesome Video Thanks for Sharing FishFam NJAE19

[@BillyPipes]

Thanks 😊

[@lorizanin]

😊