180 canopy yay or nay???

[tcarter1936]

I have a standard 180/ meas. 24"/24"/72". I love my open top but I like the display to be the focal point.I've never had a covered tank and would appreciate any input as to why I should or shouldn't. My lights are led and I built the stand .thanks

 

[tcarter1936]

Also should I put fans for venting and ph control

 

[tcarter1936]

Bump

 

[ghellin]

I would say yes, while we "dig" our open tops with powerful LEDs our friends and family members may be blinded by the light.

 

[redfishbluefish]

A couple reasons.....

The blinding effect, as mentioned.

Fish carpet surfing.

Reflecting that spill-over light back into the tank.

 

[Kworker]

I have a 180 as well, went with a canopy from the beginning and it was very shallow for any type of fixture a reef tank would have. I was able to get a Monterey canopy that is more than twice its height and its awesome quality. I would definitely look into them if I were you. I'm not sure how high you have your fixtures but if you end up getting a canopy you may need to bring them down a bit.

 

[Coraloliseffect]

open top. but a visor on the light to direct light escaping form the tank back into the tank, and keep onlookers form being blinded.

 

[tcarter1936]

Thanks , I will be building it myself so not worried about heighth, my main concern would be temperature control , but I keep a cool house and had heater going all summer .then there is moisture from evaporation. What sealer is safe.or epoxy only? Thanks for the input

 

[Kworker]

Thanks , I will be building it myself so not worried about heighth, my main concern would be temperature control , but I keep a cool house and had heater going all summer .then there is moisture from evaporation. What sealer is safe.or epoxy only? Thanks for the input

Cut holes in the top of my canopy to vent the LEDs, mine is plumbed to the basement so I am not all too concerned about heat. If your house rarely gets above 80 or so I wouldn't worry.

 

[tcarter1936]

Well I do live in central Florida but house is never above 75. We use the heck out of our ac down here

 

[Hentz]

CANOPY!!! I switched to LED's and the light spill was bad in my bedroom. So I made a super light and simple canopy I can easily slide on and off.

Works wonders and I can even take better pictures of my tank without the light spilling into my camera.

 

[dallas reefer]

What LEDs are those, guys?