Custom Bowfront Hood

[beachbumin]

Does anyone know of a company that sells hoods for bowfronts or a DYI plan to build a bowfront hood?? My aquarium will be in my living room and I am trying to cut down on excess light and make sure that none will be lost outside the tank. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

 

[WarOrks15]

what size? i have yet to find one for a 46 bow that is wood. they make them for the 72 and up. but i had to make my own for my 46. it was a lot of work bowing the wood but it turned out really nice.

 

[beachbumin]

Mines a 29gallon bowfront. I was worried that I was going to have to bow out wood to get it done. Did you go from scratch or was there a set of plans tha tyou used?

 

[MYTY1705]

you can make a jig for the front of you tank using sone thin mdf. Trace the top of the tank and cut with a jig saw. That way you get the same radius. Then cut two more out of mdf. This now gives you a mold to bend the wood to the correct radius and to clamp to while gluing up the hood. If you have a band saw you can cut 1/8" strpis of wood and laminate the curve easier than just bending 1/2" wood. Use a plastic resin glue and the water splash won't harm the joints and cause them to releas the layers.

 

[WarOrks15]

i made up my own plans. you want a look?

 

[MYTY1705]

yeah would love to see them.

 

[beachbumin]

me too. any help is great!! Thanks guys!

 

[MYTY1705]

I emailed warorks and told him I do cad drafting and woodworking so I have the knowledge and tools to help design something if you ever need. Let me know If I can help make some plans for you or anything else. Good luck on your endevor.