Canopy or not?

[morganatlanta]

I've got a canopy over my 125, but it is a little small height-wise (roughly 8" from the water to the top of the canopy) and really restricts access to the tank. So I'm thinking of taking it off. I've got a DIY LED setup that is a mess of wires, but I would retrofit it into an old 72" PC fixture for a cleaner look. I've already got mesh screens to guard against jumpers.

What are your thoughts about having a canopy versus not?

 

[smallblock]

I dont like them myself, I love the look of hanging lights. Seems like they always get moldy too. JMO

 

[hud3339]

I think canopys look better

Edit: I think canopys look better

 

[crewdawg1981]

It all depends on what look you like. The "Canopy-Less" look is modern and coupled with the right light fixture can be very cool. However, my issue with it has always been that you get all that extra light bleed. JMHO.

 

[rbredding]

if I could run my system without one (and it still look clean/professional).. i wouldn't have it..

 

[reefknight]

My $.02

Had an open top/ suspended fixture over a 30 cube, made working in the tank easy. Also allowed circulation and disipation of heat generated by a 250w MH.

Had a 90gal w/ canopy containing (2) 250w MH, and (4) overdriven 54w T-5's. A PITA to work in, had to have someone assist in lifting it off due to length, weigth and was afraid I'd drop a MH pendant in the water. Also it held the heat generated by the lighting and caused my chiller to run endlessly. I had two small to pull out the heat, but that just added heat to the room. With the canopy, and "gutter guard" all across the rear openings I still had two wrasse jump to their deaths. Also had an anthias recieve a pretty good burn due to jumping onto the MH pendant, I was standing close and knocked him back into the water, he recovered.

New 185gal build, open top build, will have a screen top and has a hanging fixture. It's nice being able to reach the bottom of the tank again.

Bottom line in my mind; I like the looks of both, but canopies are a pain. Unless you can afford to have one of the super top end automated lifting canopies installed.

 

[jef4y]

I put a canopy on my cube because I didn't like the way that the light from my T5 fixture would flood the rest of the room. It seemed to remove attention from the tank.

I'm going to LEDs as soon as Reefgeek gets their next batch of AI fixtures. I'd like to remove the canopy at that point for better access, but will have to see how much light spills over the top of the tank first.

 

[crewdawg1981]

Or... just get a canopy with a lid that opens appropriately and is tall enough so that you can work in it for your typical daily stuff without having to move it (see the stand that Dustin/RedEdge2k1 built for me). I have not complaints whatsoever. Plenty of room to work, easy to move (still need another person to lift obviously), looks great.

 

[morganatlanta]

Crewdawg1981;647576 wrote: Or... just get a canopy with a lid that opens appropriately and is tall enough so that you can work in it for your typical daily stuff without having to move it (see the stand that Dustin/RedEdge2k1 built for me). I have not complaints whatsoever. Plenty of room to work, easy to move (still need another person to lift obviously), looks great.

Yeah, that's the decision I'm trying to make. I'm not going to be happy long term with the one I have, but should I build another one, or should I try topless?

I could use the long piece of plywood from the top of the old one, so I'd really only need to replace the sides and front with 12"-14" or so wood rather than 8"-- maybe $100 of wood, stain, polyurethane, etc. Or, I could drop the same on a dead (but good looking) PC fixture and hanging kit, tear out the guts and slip my LEDs in that. I've got 70 degree optics, so light spillage would be minimal.

 

[crewdawg1981]

If you can make the wire management look clean then I dont see why not try it right? But anyway you cut it, you'll still have the light spilling with the open space. You just need to decide if you're cool with that.

 

[dawgface]

Crewdawg1981;647561 wrote: It all depends on what look you like. The "Canopy-Less" look is modern and coupled with the right light fixture can be very cool. However, my issue with it has always been that you get all that extra light bleed. JMHO.

+1 on light bleed. There is nothing worse than not being able to see your tank for the other side of the room due to blinding light bleed.

 

[hnguyen]

You can always build a super light canopy/box with a small lip all around it and then mount your lights inside of it then hang the whole thing over your tank. That way it will help with the light bleed while at the same time giving you the feel of having a hanging light fixture. Just build the canopy/box to the same design as your stand.

 

[smallblock]

The only Canopy I've ever liked was dawgfaces on that 72 bow he had, that whole setup was awesome!!!

 

[morganatlanta]

1/4" nylon mesh from Bulk Reef Supply and screen frame from Lowes.

 

[hnguyen]

You can get the 1/4" nylon mesh here from Dave (acroholic). He sells them A LOT cheaper then BRS or anyone else. Then hit up lowes for the frame.

 

[rededge2k1]

Crewdawg1981;647576 wrote: Or... just get a canopy with a lid that opens appropriately and is tall enough so that you can work in it for your typical daily stuff without having to move it (see the stand that Dustin/RedEdge2k1 built for me).

 

[redstang]

Smallblock;647529 wrote: I dont like them myself, I love the look of hanging lights. JMO

Ditto.