Building a custom canopy how much clearance should there be

[scason]

I'm getting ready to start on the canopy today I am using one by twos for the main structure to keep the weight down I plan on using either t5 or led. The tank is a 36 gallon bow front . The top of the base of the stand is 4 feet tall . How much clearance should I give . I'm thinking between one and a half feet to two feet.

 

[mwbeach]

Following. I am about to build one for my 29 gallon

 

[baadbay]

you pry need to figur out what light your going with first me personally like a foot of room with t5 and led alittle bit more so i can raise and lower them if needed and keep them suspended

 

[KorD]

I have a foot and a half void between water and light, that gives me lots of room for movement of the T5HO I am running...

 

[Killjoy]

Yeah I would say a g ootics should be good, it's not a wi de or deep tank, so the light spread should be around the same at 6-12 inch

 

[Killjoy]

A foot.. should be good....

 

[scason]

That's what I ended at. The canopy sits on tank and over hangs 1.5" so I went 14" total. So total display is right at 6 feet and I will have a 4' ish head on the return.

 

[Killjoy]

Looks good are you going to box in the side or leave them open

 

[scason]

It will all be paneled and stained mahogany color. The entry points will have magnetic removable panels for access. There will also be a removable piece on the side near back where it comes to the wall to hide plumbing and fill the gap between the stand and canopy. Again magnetic to allow easy access to pumping and behind tank.