Canopy VS. Topless

[MasterReef]

The newest trend is to have a rimless tank with sleek looking LEDs over head. While I do like the look of a clean install, not all tanks look good topless. I have one of each in my house and I have to admit I like having the hidden space overhead to hold feeders and supplemental lighting or any other temporary/permanent add-on that I don't want people to see. I have seen a cool floating canopy over a rimless tank that I thought combines the best of both worlds. Is this just a passing fad or are we moving away from the fully enclosed aquariums for ever?

 

[Billldg]

I am moving away from it because of the size of my tank upgrade. My new tank is going to be 72x30x24, and cleaning that tank with a canopy will be a loosing battle. Plus, canopy's keep heat in, and if not ventilated can cause issues with tank temp and lighting temps.

 

[MasterReef]

I am moving away from it because of the size of my tank upgrade. My new tank is going to be 72x30x24, and cleaning that tank with a canopy will be a loosing battle. Plus, canopy's keep heat in, and if not ventilated can cause issues with tank temp and lighting temps.

I have a tank almost the same size 72x29x24. I see your point for cleaning or doing anything in the bottom of the aquarium really. I just rely on the magnet and my CUC. I live in Florida where the AC is always cranked down so I have more problems keeping it warm enough. I built my stand and canopy and I purposely designed it for lots of air flow, and when the temp does start to creep up I have Apex controlled fans hidden in the hood.

 

[Billldg]

Another problem I, personally, had was getting enough room for the lighting. I like the look of a canopy, but, I will not have one on my upgrade.

I am originally from Miami, so I feel your pain on the heat.

 

[IKD]

I have a tank almost the same size 72x29x24. I see your point for cleaning or doing anything in the bottom of the aquarium really. I just rely on the magnet and my CUC. I live in Florida where the AC is always cranked down so I have more problems keeping it warm enough. I built my stand and canopy and I purposely designed it for lots of air flow, and when the temp does start to creep up I have Apex controlled fans hidden in the hood.

Similar for me. I’m getting a taller canopy on my 8’ to have room to work in the tank as needed.

My decision was based on a spouse telling me it needed a canopy to match the house LOL.

 

[Caseyoidae]

I went the floating route because I had a lot to stuff in there. I love the look of open and mounted leds and have that on my frag tank but the screen top kinda kills all that extra money for a rimless look. Gotta have my jumpers!

 

[K7BMG]

I like floating lights.
A canopy IMO just makes aquariums seem overly big.
People often are amazed by the large size over the tank itself.

 

[mindme]

I'm rimless on both my tanks. I do like the look for the canopies, but they cause too much heat and restrict airflow. If not for that, I would go with a canopy.