To canopy, or not to canopy???! (hanging canopy?)

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 07:45 AM

Hey guys, I'm torn between having a canopy or not on my new system. Mostly because I love looking down into my tanks, and I have LPS that I feed everyday. Canopies put a big hinderance on both in every way possible. So I have been tossing around some ideas to see what will stick. My inital thought is that I would just run some fixtures, combo fixtures probably. I dont have to have suplpemental actinic, for I'm a big Phoenix 14K fan (enough blue for me), but I would like the option to have moonlights, maybe a dimmable T5 and so on (down the road). My other thought is to run some Lumenarc type reflectors mounted up into a canopy that is hung over the tank, providing an area to look down into the tank, yet creating "blinders" from the light spillage of the reflectors so I'm not blinded when I look at my tank. I could also mount some T5 lights and some moonlights in it. I would require that theres enough room between the top of tank and bottom of canopy to make it worth my while. Another thought was to have almost a full canopy built, but have big panels (of starboard or something like that) that are easily removable to access top for viewing/feeding endevours.

Any thought, inputs, ideas are greatly appreciated! Lets see some pics!!!

Thanks!

rbursek · 04/29/2008, 07:51 AM

I have one and I did not make enough highth for easy axcess PITB, my friend does not and his life is so much easier to get into the tank.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbursek
I have one and I did not make enough highth for easy axcess PITB, my friend does not and his life is so much easier to get into the tank.

You have a hanging canopy with not enough height you mean? Any pics (trying to judge how high I would have to make it)?

*edit*

Thanks!!!

rbursek · 04/29/2008, 07:58 AM

No, it rest on top of the tank and I did not make it high enough and the lower half of the front panel swings up and I did not make that high enough for easy axcess.

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 08:10 AM

Have you thought about using Lumen Bright Reflectors and built a tall canopy? I can litteraly fit my whole upper body in my canopy for cleaning and reef adjustments. The LBs are great for concentrating the light into your aquarium and less spillage into the surrounding space. They also allow for more heat dissapation and more room in your canopy.

As you can see from these shots taken back in November, I have lots of room to move around above my aquarium.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbursek
No, it rest on top of the tank and I did not make it high enough and the lower half of the front panel swings up and I did not make that high enough for easy axcess.

Oh I see. I actually have a canopy already made for this tank (it came with it), but it has the same problem, but with dinky little doors as opposed to a panel like yours. Once lights are mounted into it, I'd have a hard time placing a frag on the top of my aquascape, let alone reaching to the bottom to feed some LPS.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 08:13 AM

Yes JR! Thats exactly what I'm thinking about! Do you keep any panels on the front too, or leave it open like that? If/when you leave it open like that, do you experiance much spillage, or do the lumens direct all light right down and into tank? (looks like the latter from the pic)

Also, it appears you have moonlights mounted along the back in your "canopy" there...are they still effective being higher off of the surface like that?

How high are the reflectors off of the surface?

thanks!

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 08:41 AM

There is a slight bleed but nothing like when I had the Lumen arcs in there. I do place the doors back on when I am done. They are held on by industrial velcro for easy removal. The bottom of the reflectors are about 13 inches off the top of the water.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 08:50 AM

Thanks JR!

One problem I face is that my tanks dimensions are 60"L x 44"W x 24"T, which could promote problems trying to access the center of the aquarium with ANY canopy style on it.

I'm leaning more and more towards just hanging pendants or combo fixtures (even with just multiple MH's), but I'm worried about quality of them and light spillage.

Quis · 04/29/2008, 08:52 AM

I made my own canopy so that I can open the entire top to do what ever I need to do in the tank.

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 08:53 AM

Any single reflector being Lumen brights or lumen arcs will be better and cheaper than any combo fixture IMO.

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 08:56 AM

You can also make the canopy were the side panels are accessable too.

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 08:56 AM

You can also make the canopy were the side panels are accessable too.

gpodio · 04/29/2008, 09:08 AM

I put my hanging canopy on chains so I can raise it during maintenance, although I must admit I have only raised it once to pull a large piece of rock out, otherwise I can do everything without touching it...

More pics here:
http://www.gpodio.com/180g_build.asp

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JRaquatics
Any single reflector being Lumen brights or lumen arcs will be better and cheaper than any combo fixture IMO.

I was thinking the same thing - and being cheaper AND better makes me really want to go for them! I've been big on running DE HQI bulbs, and found the CoralVue reflectors at reefspecialty, do you know anything about the CoralVue reflectors? I found a good priced retro kit, but dont know much about them. They resemble the LB and LA to me. Here is a link:

http://www.reefspecialty.com/product...roducts_id=233

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 12:02 PM

gpodio- AWESOME build! Thanks for the link too! I must say that this would be something I'm very interested in implementing, and could use the nice reflectors too. How high does the canopy hang above your tank?

How heavy is your canopy? I assume you have the hooks/I-bolts in the ceiling screwed into a stud?

How about light spillage? In the pics it seems your getting a little bit, but not much. I'm not worried about spillage as long as it doesn't interfere with vieweing through the main panels.

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 12:27 PM

Lumen Brights are made by coralvue.

stunreefer check out Tagareefs' tank on this thread he has the suspended and looks slick.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=27

gpodio · 04/29/2008, 12:45 PM

Actually that's an air duct covered in sheetrock so I had no studs to go off, just toggle anchors for sheetrock... (http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/2884229) scary I know but I put it to the test with a bunch of bricks on the canopy and it held without problems... The canopy is light overall, as you can see I built it light using thin plywood and a light frame, it's very strong however. I will measure to make sure tonight but I think it's about 6" from the tank's top and smaller all round so that I have a clear view of the reef from above the tank. It's very handy and I love not having to open or lift the canopy when needing access to the tank! Lately I've been thinking about lowering it but only by a link or two, I don't want to put myself in a position where I have to lift it regularly.

Light spillage only occurs with the actinics on, this is because they are so close to the lip of the hood, I just didn't have the room to place them next to the reflectors. But it's no big deal for me, the halides don't spill over but they do reflect off the water surface a little and make wavey patterns on the ceiling... great for those retro hippie parties ;-) None of it hinders the view from the front however.

Overall I think it's one of my better canopies yet. I am about to start another one, identical in design only it will sit on the tank and cover it entirely (different tank). Much better than hunting for those rare "straight" planks of wood at your local hardware store!

JRaquatics · 04/29/2008, 12:55 PM

Check out this pictoo posted by Marc Levenson(melev
). http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=37

It is at the bottom, this one is pretty impressive.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gpodio
None of it hinders the view from the front however.

This is the main thing that concerns me. I love having the light reflect off of the water surface and hit the ceiling, that doesn't bother me in the least...

Why are you considering lowering it? Create a bit more intensity throughout?

Thanks for the reply!

gpodio · 04/29/2008, 01:15 PM

We have a projector screen right next to the tank and the spill-over of the actinics gives it a blue cast that effects the picture a little. I usually turn off the actinics when I'm using the projector but I think an inch lower should contain most of it for me... The only thing that's stopping me is that I will loose a little spread of light on either end having a canopy that's shorter than the entire tank... I need to try it one of these evenings.

stunreefer · 04/29/2008, 01:21 PM

Here is the tank (G. Alexanders from the zeo forum) originally got me to start thinking fixtures and completely open topped:

I must say though JR that the links you provided for Tagareef's and the Melev link are both very interesting and are what I'm going for for sure! I'm shocked at how well Tagareef's LB's look "naked" mounted up in that old fixture!!!

stunreefer · 04/30/2008, 12:37 AM

OK JR, I'm definently leaning towards the LB's now! (only 30+ more page to read in that thread

) I think Tagareef's lighting looks unique, and is definently applicable to my new system.

(Tagareefs' reef):

I would implement a steel frame to hang the LB's from, and would be able to attach moonlighting (I love that crap - LOL) to the frame itself.

One of the main things that skewed me this route JR mentioned above, was the price! Here is a breakdown of what I am looking at price wise in comparison:

Giesemann Infinity - $1,600/each, I would require 2 = roughly $3,200

Current PowerPaq - $1,000/each, I would require 2 = roughly $2,000

Current SunPod PowerPaq - $300/each, I would require 4 = roughly $1,200

CoralVue Lumen Brite - $300/each, I would require 4 = roughly $1,200

FYI - my new display measures 60"L x 44"W x 24"H

I'm liking the CoralVues over my initial first choice, the Giesemann Infinity, for I would be saving $2,000, which is obviously substantial (thats a nice BK skimmer! lol).

The Current SunPod presents another choice within the same price range, but I just dont feel you get quality reflectors or ballasts (I know the bulbs they come with are crap) out of these things. Plus I have another thread running on the Current SunPods, and everyone is talking about doing mods (which I dont get into - I like turnkey!), starting with reversing the fans beacuse they blow air the wrong way. One person owns 4 (maybe 3 or 5, I dont remember) and hes had to change all the fans around after one started a fire!!!

So in short it appears I could get high quality ballasts, and bulbs initially, along with better reflectors than the Giesemann, for about 1/3 of the cost of the Giesemann. This would not allow me to have supplemental T-5s (unless I implement that into the frame I'll build), but I have not used (actinic) supplements for 2+ years now. I love my 14K's

.

I'm definently not 100% one way or the other yet though, so keep the input/ideas coming through, and lets see some other open-top-style canopies! I know I'm not the only one that hates working in, on or around those things.

Thanks again for all the input thus far!

04/29/2008, 07:45 AM	#1
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	To canopy, or not to canopy???! (hanging canopy?) Hey guys, I'm torn between having a canopy or not on my new system. Mostly because I love looking down into my tanks, and I have LPS that I feed everyday. Canopies put a big hinderance on both in every way possible. So I have been tossing around some ideas to see what will stick. My inital thought is that I would just run some fixtures, combo fixtures probably. I dont have to have suplpemental actinic, for I'm a big Phoenix 14K fan (enough blue for me), but I would like the option to have moonlights, maybe a dimmable T5 and so on (down the road). My other thought is to run some Lumenarc type reflectors mounted up into a canopy that is hung over the tank, providing an area to look down into the tank, yet creating "blinders" from the light spillage of the reflectors so I'm not blinded when I look at my tank. I could also mount some T5 lights and some moonlights in it. I would require that theres enough room between the top of tank and bottom of canopy to make it worth my while. Another thought was to have almost a full canopy built, but have big panels (of starboard or something like that) that are easily removable to access top for viewing/feeding endevours. Any thought, inputs, ideas are greatly appreciated! Lets see some pics!!! Thanks!

04/29/2008, 09:08 AM	#14
gpodio Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 895	I put my hanging canopy on chains so I can raise it during maintenance, although I must admit I have only raised it once to pull a large piece of rock out, otherwise I can do everything without touching it... More pics here: http://www.gpodio.com/180g_build.asp __________________ Giancarlo Podio

04/29/2008, 12:02 PM	#16
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	gpodio- AWESOME build! Thanks for the link too! I must say that this would be something I'm very interested in implementing, and could use the nice reflectors too. How high does the canopy hang above your tank? How heavy is your canopy? I assume you have the hooks/I-bolts in the ceiling screwed into a stud? How about light spillage? In the pics it seems your getting a little bit, but not much. I'm not worried about spillage as long as it doesn't interfere with vieweing through the main panels. Last edited by stunreefer; 04/29/2008 at 12:07 PM.

04/29/2008, 12:45 PM	#18
gpodio Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 895	Actually that's an air duct covered in sheetrock so I had no studs to go off, just toggle anchors for sheetrock... (http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/2884229) scary I know but I put it to the test with a bunch of bricks on the canopy and it held without problems... The canopy is light overall, as you can see I built it light using thin plywood and a light frame, it's very strong however. I will measure to make sure tonight but I think it's about 6" from the tank's top and smaller all round so that I have a clear view of the reef from above the tank. It's very handy and I love not having to open or lift the canopy when needing access to the tank! Lately I've been thinking about lowering it but only by a link or two, I don't want to put myself in a position where I have to lift it regularly. Light spillage only occurs with the actinics on, this is because they are so close to the lip of the hood, I just didn't have the room to place them next to the reflectors. But it's no big deal for me, the halides don't spill over but they do reflect off the water surface a little and make wavey patterns on the ceiling... great for those retro hippie parties ;-) None of it hinders the view from the front however. Overall I think it's one of my better canopies yet. I am about to start another one, identical in design only it will sit on the tank and cover it entirely (different tank). Much better than hunting for those rare "straight" planks of wood at your local hardware store! __________________ Giancarlo Podio

04/29/2008, 01:15 PM	#21
gpodio Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 895	We have a projector screen right next to the tank and the spill-over of the actinics gives it a blue cast that effects the picture a little. I usually turn off the actinics when I'm using the projector but I think an inch lower should contain most of it for me... The only thing that's stopping me is that I will loose a little spread of light on either end having a canopy that's shorter than the entire tank... I need to try it one of these evenings. __________________ Giancarlo Podio

04/29/2008, 07:51 AM	#2
rbursek Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: germantown,wi Posts: 2,339	I have one and I did not make enough highth for easy axcess PITB, my friend does not and his life is so much easier to get into the tank.

04/29/2008, 07:58 AM	#4
rbursek Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: germantown,wi Posts: 2,339	No, it rest on top of the tank and I did not make it high enough and the lower half of the front panel swings up and I did not make that high enough for easy axcess.

04/29/2008, 08:10 AM	#5
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Have you thought about using Lumen Bright Reflectors and built a tall canopy? I can litteraly fit my whole upper body in my canopy for cleaning and reef adjustments. The LBs are great for concentrating the light into your aquarium and less spillage into the surrounding space. They also allow for more heat dissapation and more room in your canopy. As you can see from these shots taken back in November, I have lots of room to move around above my aquarium.

04/29/2008, 08:13 AM	#7
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Yes JR! Thats exactly what I'm thinking about! Do you keep any panels on the front too, or leave it open like that? If/when you leave it open like that, do you experiance much spillage, or do the lumens direct all light right down and into tank? (looks like the latter from the pic) Also, it appears you have moonlights mounted along the back in your "canopy" there...are they still effective being higher off of the surface like that? How high are the reflectors off of the surface? thanks!

04/29/2008, 08:41 AM	#8
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	There is a slight bleed but nothing like when I had the Lumen arcs in there. I do place the doors back on when I am done. They are held on by industrial velcro for easy removal. The bottom of the reflectors are about 13 inches off the top of the water.

04/29/2008, 08:50 AM	#9
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Thanks JR! One problem I face is that my tanks dimensions are 60"L x 44"W x 24"T, which could promote problems trying to access the center of the aquarium with ANY canopy style on it. I'm leaning more and more towards just hanging pendants or combo fixtures (even with just multiple MH's), but I'm worried about quality of them and light spillage.

04/29/2008, 08:52 AM	#10
Quis Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 348	I made my own canopy so that I can open the entire top to do what ever I need to do in the tank.

04/29/2008, 08:53 AM	#11
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Any single reflector being Lumen brights or lumen arcs will be better and cheaper than any combo fixture IMO.

04/29/2008, 08:56 AM	#12
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	You can also make the canopy were the side panels are accessable too.

04/29/2008, 12:27 PM	#17
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Lumen Brights are made by coralvue. stunreefer check out Tagareefs' tank on this thread he has the suspended and looks slick. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=27

04/29/2008, 12:55 PM	#19
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	Check out this pictoo posted by Marc Levenson(melev ). http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...&pagenumber=37 It is at the bottom, this one is pretty impressive.

04/29/2008, 01:21 PM	#22
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Here is the tank (G. Alexanders from the zeo forum) originally got me to start thinking fixtures and completely open topped: I must say though JR that the links you provided for Tagareef's and the Melev link are both very interesting and are what I'm going for for sure! I'm shocked at how well Tagareef's LB's look "naked" mounted up in that old fixture!!!

04/30/2008, 12:37 AM	#23
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	OK JR, I'm definently leaning towards the LB's now! (only 30+ more page to read in that thread ) I think Tagareef's lighting looks unique, and is definently applicable to my new system. (Tagareefs' reef): I would implement a steel frame to hang the LB's from, and would be able to attach moonlighting (I love that crap - LOL) to the frame itself. One of the main things that skewed me this route JR mentioned above, was the price! Here is a breakdown of what I am looking at price wise in comparison: Giesemann Infinity - $1,600/each, I would require 2 = roughly $3,200 Current PowerPaq - $1,000/each, I would require 2 = roughly $2,000 Current SunPod PowerPaq - $300/each, I would require 4 = roughly $1,200 CoralVue Lumen Brite - $300/each, I would require 4 = roughly $1,200 FYI - my new display measures 60"L x 44"W x 24"H I'm liking the CoralVues over my initial first choice, the Giesemann Infinity, for I would be saving $2,000, which is obviously substantial (thats a nice BK skimmer! lol). The Current SunPod presents another choice within the same price range, but I just dont feel you get quality reflectors or ballasts (I know the bulbs they come with are crap) out of these things. Plus I have another thread running on the Current SunPods, and everyone is talking about doing mods (which I dont get into - I like turnkey!), starting with reversing the fans beacuse they blow air the wrong way. One person owns 4 (maybe 3 or 5, I dont remember) and hes had to change all the fans around after one started a fire!!! So in short it appears I could get high quality ballasts, and bulbs initially, along with better reflectors than the Giesemann, for about 1/3 of the cost of the Giesemann. This would not allow me to have supplemental T-5s (unless I implement that into the frame I'll build), but I have not used (actinic) supplements for 2+ years now. I love my 14K's . I'm definently not 100% one way or the other yet though, so keep the input/ideas coming through, and lets see some other open-top-style canopies! I know I'm not the only one that hates working in, on or around those things. Thanks again for all the input thus far! Last edited by stunreefer; 04/30/2008 at 12:44 AM.