Canopy: Yes or No?

[DIYreefer]

I voted canopy.

I can't stand light spill, and I sleep easier knowing that my fish cannot escape (my canopy is fully enclosed except for the top 1" in the back). I built stand/canopy to match the cabinets in the rest of the house.

 

[shakacuz]

i don’t mind not having a canopy. doesn’t hurt my eyes or mess with anything else in the room(reptile tank or TV). however i do have a mesh lid to stop jumpers and what i don’t like is the salt creep on the mesh from time to time..

 

[dvgyfresh]

Weird, undersized skimmer perhaps? Overstocked for a newish tank?

Not sure of skimmer have to ask , but it’s all enclosed not too many fish either for size of tank just a weird instance lol immediately after taking the hood off the orp rose to normal levels, something to do with new tank + dry rock + enclosed, probly bacteria and fish competing for 02 not too sure

 

[JGT]

Listening to all this makes think.. and have double wired ceiling hung ATI T4 Radion set up - how about shades/curtains....

People on R2R actually 3D print shades for lights to cut down on the ambient light into the room. Gotta believe they work pretty well...but still not as good as a canopy.

 

[JGT]

Few pics of my canopy and light elevator motor.

 

[Utubereefer]

Build details, please?!

Ok so….1-I bolted a 2x3 to the studs on the wall.
2-I made a sturdy frame built out of 2x3 just about the size of the tank.
3-I bolted an anchor point to the wall to attach the chains to.
4-I screwed hinges into the frame attached the chains to the front of it then screwed the other side of the hinges to the piece bolted to the wall.
5-Add Velcro to pvc board and your done!

 

[Bob Weigant]

I voted open but a screen top would be needed for those who are bent on jumping out. Im sure you already knew that

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I voted open but a screen top would be needed for those who are bent on jumping out. Im sure you already knew that

Yes, I'll be using a mesh top to avoid jumpers either way.

 

[flagg37]

I would call this a light mount, not a canopy. That being said, can you provide the build details?

It’s a bit difficult to explain in detail, but the basic idea is the wood portion of the mount is attached to the studs in the wall. The aluminum U channel is attached to a hinged flap of the wood. When it is in the up position it exposes a hole to pass the wires down the inside of the wall. I wish I had more pictures to show it better.

 

[polyppal]

Closed canopies look great but always end up being a mold magnet for me - open top with a lid is the way to go

 

[vetteguy53081]

Ive always been a canopy person and likely always will be
Im liking that glass setup pictured.

 

[chimbo84]

I just bought a reef ready 120 that came with an enclosed canopy but it is not tall enough to fit my lights (Hydra32s). Any suggestions on how to modify it?

 

[54Dutchman]

canopy for the many reasons mentioned, enclosed to keep livestock in, fans for heat management, light mounting easier and hinged sides for access (not doors).
The inside of the canopy can be finished to resist moisture (they make plywood tank sides.

 

[sfin52]

Glass tops

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I just bought a reef ready 120 that came with an enclosed canopy but it is not tall enough to fit my lights (Hydra32s). Any suggestions on how to modify it?

Nice stand & canopy! What's the height of the canopy?

 

[Nate Chalk]

No canopy.
Spill light is cool, neighbors will think you’re growing weed.

 

[DJ Lone1]

I'm planning out my new tank (yep, it's gonna happen, y'all!!), and I'm trying to decide on if I should go with a canopy or an open top. What do you guys think? Also, what are the benefits of a canopy beyond just the aesthetics? Btw, feel free to post any alternative ideas (i.e. I'm also considering a floating canopy as a possibility).

I'm planning out my new tank (yep, it's gonna happen, y'all!!), and I'm trying to decide on if I should go with a canopy or an open top. What do you guys think? Also, what are the benefits of a canopy beyond just the aesthetics? Btw, feel free to post any alternative ideas (i.e. I'm also considering a floating canopy as a possibility).

I cut a hole in my canopy

 

[DJ Lone1]

Nice stand & canopy! What's the height of the canopy?

 

[DJ Lone1]

I cut a hole on top, the made cut pyramid, light is on very top, plus keeps light in tank and not lighting up entire room.

 

[Bruce Burnett]

I am open top on small tank with net. A full canopy always looks nice and hides waterline. Makes a great piece of furniture. It also makes access a pain unless you can tilt or lift it out of the way. If you have to remove it on a big tank requires help and then your lighting is gone. So if I were ever to do it again it would have to have a lifting system to get it a couple feet above tank for maintenance.