Which canopy to buy?

[Clownfish2]

If you use a canopy or plan to get one, which one would you get: top lift, front lift, or roll top?

I’m considering the 12 inch height front lift. I’m planning to run LEDs possibly a T5 hybrid. Thanks!

 

[Chibils]

I've never had a roll top, but I could never go back to top lift after opening a front lift canopy. It just gives you so much better access, especially on taller tanks.

 

[Biglew11]

I currently have a toplift with t5 hybrid, can't stand the thing, it,s a pita for tank cleaning

 

[Montiman]

I would not get a top lift. Far too difficult to access IMO. My favorite has always been a tall canopy with front opening doors but it appears that isn’t an option.

 

[neiltus]

I would decide on the t5 hybrid before buying a canopy to enclose it. Maybe run your t5 hybrid for a heating or cooling season and see where your at before masking it.

 

[Montiman]

I would decide on the t5 hybrid before buying a canopy to enclose it. Maybe run your t5 hybrid for a heating or cooling season and see where your at before masking it.

I will disagree with this.

From when I sold custom aquarium furniture I can tell you many people planned on adding a canopy later. However, with woodworking the match will never be as good if the stand and canopy are not made at the same time. If you know you want a canopy I would get it from the beginning. The most versatile canopy will be a tall one with front opening doors. I normally do 18in tall. This will give you enough space for whatever lighting you like and let you work on the tank below the lights with plenty of space.

 

[Clownfish2]

I appreciate everyone’s perspectives. I’ve been looking at Planet Aquariums. They have a 9 and a 12 inch height. Wish they had even a higher one than 12.

 

[Chibils]

I will disagree with this.

From when I sold custom aquarium furniture I can tell you many people planned on adding a canopy later. However, with woodworking the match will never be as good if the stand and canopy are not made at the same time. If you know you want a canopy I would get it from the beginning. The most versatile canopy will be a tall one with front opening doors. I normally do 18in tall. This will give you enough space for whatever lighting you like and let you work on the tank below the lights with plenty of space.

Do you have any pictures? Front access doors seem useful, but when I envision it it seems very limiting.

 

[Montiman]

Here is the only picture I could find of a front opening canopy at the moment. I would prefer the canopy be taller. There are also some videos from Mr Saltwater tank where he uses this style of canopy on most of his builds I have seen.

 

[Montiman]

Here is a reefbuilders article about the display tank at AquaticArt. This tank uses the canopy type I prefer.

Aquatic Art’s 500 Gallon Reef is Built on Sound Principles [video] | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

If you want to see a great example of a thriving, successful reef tank with proven results, and no tricks or gimmicks, we’ve got just the video for you. Leading up to ReefStock Australia in a few…

reefbuilders.com

 

[Chibils]

Thanks MontiMan! Those seem like they would give good access to the front, but not as good as a flip top one.