Canopy or no canopy?

puffy_fish

puffy_fish

Member
I purchased a used tank and it came with a nice canopy. However, I am struggling on how to fit all the lights I want with reflectors in this canopy. Also, I think without a canopy some of the heat would escape and cause me to use the chiller less. What do you all think is best?
Any insight is appreciated!!!
 
bobtail107

bobtail107

Member
I really like the looks of the canopy. It hides allot of the stuff you don't want others to see. But it does raise allot of other concerns too. It is gonna be a personal preference thing on your part I think. You can put in some fans to help with the heat. Do you have some pics of the canopy? Good luck..
 
puffy_fish

puffy_fish

Member
Not the best picture. But this was it before I cleaned it up good. It has two doors on the front and the top opens too. There just isn't much room for lights because I want to but MH and T5 lighting in.
 
puffy_fish

puffy_fish

Member
Does anyone know if you suspend over the tank if you typically still need a chiller? I know it depends on the set-up, but I figure this would allow some heat to escape up.
 
lexluethar

lexluethar

Active Member
Originally Posted by PUFFY_FISH
Does anyone know if you suspend over the tank if you typically still need a chiller? I know it depends on the set-up, but I figure this would allow some heat to escape up.
It really just depends on how many lights you put on the tank and what temperature you keep your house at. Generally if you have MH then you will need either a chiller or just a few fans. I would keep the canopy, and use it to hide the fans.
 
jtrzerocool

jtrzerocool

Active Member
a canopy is all personal preferance...you can hide all of your equipment but you loose the ease of sticking your hand and moving somthing...
 
groupergenius

groupergenius

Active Member
I have Current Outer Orbit on my 90 that sits on the legs that come with it. It is also suspended by the hanging kit so I can move it up out of the way so I can get in the tank. My only dislike is the light is kind of blinding as you look into the tank. I actually prefer the 18" tall canopy I made for my 120.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I use a six tank rack system. I use lights that have been put on the underneath of the top aquarium.
I would use the canopy. I would not fit the typical reflectors in it, HOWEVER, I Would get some tin sheets and

[hr]
it into the top of the canopy and then install the lights. Make sure you use an icepick to make holes before you try to

[hr]
tin. :)
 
puffy_fish

puffy_fish

Member
I was looking at possible using the Lumex reflectors because they are supposedly some of the best and dramtically increase the amount of light. Your idea sounds good and cheaper.
 
J

jrthomas40

Guest
man you cant put lights under that thing with some 4 inch fans on the side??...

 
J

jrthomas40

Guest
forgot to mention those are 36" vhos and there is 2x 250w hqi in the center between the 2x95w vhos....and i sure do need to get matching fans....lol
 
puffy_fish

puffy_fish

Member
My tank is at my dad's house for storage, but I will have to see. I will post better pictures later. I bought it cause it was a good deal...I have been doing a lot of research and figuring out what I am going to do. I figure that tank won't be up and completed for a year or so. Getting stuff ready and buying gradually. The tank came with 2 x 250 MH lights, chiller, sump, canopy, 175 gallon reef ready tank, stand, powerhead, fans, and a ton of extras. I got it all for $900 which I thought was pretty good. Now I am just figuring out what I am doing with everything.
 
J

jrthomas40

Guest
wow that is a really good deal...the lights i have on with the ballast and bulbs cost me $600 alone
 
earlybird

earlybird

Active Member
Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
Im an open top tank guy... I like the easy access and I dont think having and OPEN top is an eyesore..
I'm witcha, and when I say I'm withch, I'm witcha. Ha kudos goes to the first to name that movie.
 
J

jrthomas40

Guest
Originally Posted by earlybird
I'm witcha, and when I say I'm withch, I'm witcha. Ha kudos goes to the first to name that movie.
white men cant jump??
 
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