Canopy or no canopy??

luz_blue · 10/16/2011, 02:23 PM

Okay, so I bought a custom ELOS tank setup from a guy & spent the last couple weekends refinishing the stand. Now I have a dilemma over whether to keep the canopy or not.

Option 1: Existing canopy with 250W halide + 2 x 34W VHO.

Option 2: No canopy w/ 24" vertex illumina

What's your vote?

sneaton · 10/16/2011, 02:29 PM

with the canopy gets my vote

spieszak · 10/16/2011, 02:33 PM

can you keep the heat down (without a chiller) with the canopy?

luz_blue · 10/16/2011, 02:42 PM

Yeah, the canopy has a vented top and the reflector has a heat outlet for a 4" fan to run on. I live in Vancouver, Canada so heat isn't a huge concern except for a couple months in the summer.

sneaton · 10/16/2011, 02:43 PM

i have a couple fans that do the job....only have t5s though

STEELERFAN747 · 10/16/2011, 02:43 PM

(jmo) Looks better with the canopy but you need to make sure you could keep the temp down. How high is the canopy and is it completely closed or does it have ventilation?

rcmania · 10/16/2011, 02:51 PM

canopy

Reefing Newbie · 10/16/2011, 02:52 PM

I say with the canopy, but would it be possible for you to go with LEDs? They would run much cooler and probably won't need to worry about them overheating your tank...

Hands · 10/16/2011, 02:53 PM

Canopy. Hello Vancouver, from Victoria.

Anthrax15 · 10/16/2011, 02:53 PM

I've gone from canopy with a 250w MH w/ PCs and a Tek 4bulb but now went topless. Looks much nicer and makes the tank look bigger in a sense. Only thing I dont like is the glare from the light but it makes the tank feel much more open.

luz_blue · 10/16/2011, 03:03 PM

I don't think I'll have too much trouble keeping the temp down. My place stays pretty cool even in the summer & the canopy does have a "grate" on top to let the heat out. I'll also run a fan through there just to be sure. I'm surprised I didn't get much grief for putting a canopy on a rimless ELOS tank ...

NatureNerd · 10/16/2011, 04:35 PM

My reef is in an area of the home we all use. The glare from my old MH lights would have been too annoying, so I have a canopy that looks almost exactly like the one shown. I really like having it.

Now that I use LED's, heat is not an issue. Before, I used two ultra-quiet 5" fans in push/pull configuration to remove the heat from the canopy. So if heat is not an issue, my vote is for the canopy.

Palting · 10/16/2011, 04:44 PM

Canopy.

I have an easy chair/recliner by my tank. The glare from the MH lights is too distracting, not to mention painful to the eye, without a canopy. And I only have 150 watt lights.

Tim gixxerman · 10/16/2011, 06:23 PM

With

Bnortz · 10/16/2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatureNerd

My reef is in an area of the home we all use. The glare from my old MH lights would have been too annoying, so I have a canopy that looks almost exactly like the one shown. I really like having it.

Now that I use LED's, heat is not an issue. Before, I used two ultra-quiet 5" fans in push/pull configuration to remove the heat from the canopy. So if heat is not an issue, my vote is for the canopy.

Bnortz · 10/16/2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NatureNerd

My reef is in an area of the home we all use. The glare from my old MH lights would have been too annoying, so I have a canopy that looks almost exactly like the one shown. I really like having it.

Now that I use LED's, heat is not an issue. Before, I used two ultra-quiet 5" fans in push/pull configuration to remove the heat from the canopy. So if heat is not an issue, my vote is for the canopy.

well said

my2girls · 10/16/2011, 06:36 PM

I've done both myself too. I find it much easier to work on the tank without the canopy.

However, hanging lights is a pain in the arse for me.

It kinda is a crime to put a canopy on a rimless tank. I know, I'm no help.

MrLeemr · 10/16/2011, 06:53 PM

I say no canopy also, rimless tanks look so much better without them.

myram · 10/16/2011, 07:15 PM

Canopy looks better to me. It also "contains" the light and keeps it from lighting up the entire room.

Steve

RotaryGeek · 10/16/2011, 07:40 PM

I have had both canopy and no canopy and I actually like the canopy more. As long as it perfectly matches the stand and you can control the heat then that's what I prefer.

TexasMike · 10/16/2011, 09:37 PM

My vote goes for the canopy. How tall is the canopy? Getting ready to build one and want to make sure I make it tall enough. -Thanks

ocmikep · 10/16/2011, 10:10 PM

I think the canopy is a more complete look...even though it is a nice rimless.

pbnj · 10/16/2011, 10:11 PM

Just my two cents, but for me, open-canopy tanks look like ongoing biology experiments.....I say canopy all the way.

TheFishTeen · 10/16/2011, 10:16 PM

Seriously people?

THIS IS A RIMLESS TANK!!!!!

No canopy. It would be a complete waste to put a canopy on a tank like this in my opinion.

cody6766 · 10/16/2011, 10:42 PM

The light spillage could suck, but I'd go with no canopy. It's a rimless tank and should be shown off. If you don't like the rimless look then toss the canopy on, but I'm a fan of rimless tanks. The canopy would the way to go if you had a black rim to hide as it does look nice with it. You're really asking us to choose between filet and ribeye...it's not a fair proposal! haha

10/16/2011, 02:33 PM	#3
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	can you keep the heat down (without a chiller) with the canopy? __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

10/16/2011, 02:43 PM	#6
STEELERFAN747 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Miami Fl. Posts: 1,252	(jmo) Looks better with the canopy but you need to make sure you could keep the temp down. How high is the canopy and is it completely closed or does it have ventilation? __________________ First they said "practice makes perfect", then they told me "nobody's perfect", so I just stopped practicing. Current Tank Info: 46g, 22" rimless starphire ReefSavvy cube, Speedwave DC 790 return pump, Custom acrylic sump/fuge, set of Tunze 6055 PH's with multi controller 7095, Cadlights PLS-100 skimmer, Apex controller, Tunze osmolator & Maxspect Razor 120w led light fixture

10/16/2011, 02:51 PM	#7
rcmania Im So Confused! Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 439	canopy __________________ Roll Tide! Current Tank Info: 220G Tall DSB SPS DT/3 Sol Blue/ 75 Gallon Sump in basement with Reeflo return/ 2 Mp40W/ Profilux Controller. 65G QT

10/16/2011, 02:53 PM	#10
Anthrax15 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 1,837	I've gone from canopy with a 250w MH w/ PCs and a Tek 4bulb but now went topless. Looks much nicer and makes the tank look bigger in a sense. Only thing I dont like is the glare from the light but it makes the tank feel much more open. __________________ Everything in moderation. 5D Mk1\|17-40 F4\|50 F1.8\|85 F2.8\|100 F2.8\|70-200 F4 Current Tank Info: 60g Cube

10/16/2011, 04:35 PM	#12
NatureNerd Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 877	My reef is in an area of the home we all use. The glare from my old MH lights would have been too annoying, so I have a canopy that looks almost exactly like the one shown. I really like having it. Now that I use LED's, heat is not an issue. Before, I used two ultra-quiet 5" fans in push/pull configuration to remove the heat from the canopy. So if heat is not an issue, my vote is for the canopy. __________________ Reef tanks since 1987. Current tank: 75g SPS dominated reef tank set up in 1996 Last edited by NatureNerd; 10/16/2011 at 04:41 PM.

10/16/2011, 02:29 PM	#2
sneaton Moved On Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: indianapolis Posts: 742	with the canopy gets my vote

10/16/2011, 02:42 PM	#4
luz_blue Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 28	Yeah, the canopy has a vented top and the reflector has a heat outlet for a 4" fan to run on. I live in Vancouver, Canada so heat isn't a huge concern except for a couple months in the summer.

10/16/2011, 02:52 PM	#8
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	I say with the canopy, but would it be possible for you to go with LEDs? They would run much cooler and probably won't need to worry about them overheating your tank...

10/16/2011, 02:53 PM	#9
Hands Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 13	Canopy. Hello Vancouver, from Victoria.

10/16/2011, 03:03 PM	#11
luz_blue Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 28	I don't think I'll have too much trouble keeping the temp down. My place stays pretty cool even in the summer & the canopy does have a "grate" on top to let the heat out. I'll also run a fan through there just to be sure. I'm surprised I didn't get much grief for putting a canopy on a rimless ELOS tank ...

10/16/2011, 04:44 PM	#13
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Canopy. I have an easy chair/recliner by my tank. The glare from the MH lights is too distracting, not to mention painful to the eye, without a canopy. And I only have 150 watt lights. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

10/16/2011, 06:23 PM	#14
Tim gixxerman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lynchburg,VA Posts: 204	With __________________ Currently a 75gal. with 29gal fuge/sump. The fish mated pair of maroon clown's,1 blue chromis, Coral Beauty Angelfish,Foxface,six line, and Tomini Tang. With Softys and LPS. Current Tank Info: 75 mixed, 30 fowlr

10/16/2011, 06:36 PM	#17
my2girls Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Hartford, CT Posts: 2,293	I've done both myself too. I find it much easier to work on the tank without the canopy. However, hanging lights is a pain in the arse for me. It kinda is a crime to put a canopy on a rimless tank. I know, I'm no help.

10/16/2011, 06:53 PM	#18
MrLeemr Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mass Posts: 54	I say no canopy also, rimless tanks look so much better without them. __________________ 33 long, 40b, 30b, 150 in the works.

10/16/2011, 07:15 PM	#19
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	Canopy looks better to me. It also "contains" the light and keeps it from lighting up the entire room. Steve

10/16/2011, 07:40 PM	#20
RotaryGeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 713	I have had both canopy and no canopy and I actually like the canopy more. As long as it perfectly matches the stand and you can control the heat then that's what I prefer. __________________ 125 w/ 30 gallon sump. ASM G3 w/ Sedra 9000 and gatevalve. Two Little Phishies 550 phosban reactor. 3x150w XM 10k MH, 2x 96w PC.

10/16/2011, 09:37 PM	#21
TexasMike Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Clear Lake, Tx Posts: 165	My vote goes for the canopy. How tall is the canopy? Getting ready to build one and want to make sure I make it tall enough. -Thanks

10/16/2011, 10:10 PM	#22
ocmikep Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Foothill Ranch, CA Posts: 59	I think the canopy is a more complete look...even though it is a nice rimless.

10/16/2011, 10:11 PM	#23
pbnj Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 381	Just my two cents, but for me, open-canopy tanks look like ongoing biology experiments.....I say canopy all the way.

10/16/2011, 10:16 PM	#24
TheFishTeen Registered Member. Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,677	Seriously people? THIS IS A RIMLESS TANK!!!!! No canopy. It would be a complete waste to put a canopy on a tank like this in my opinion.

10/16/2011, 10:42 PM	#25
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	The light spillage could suck, but I'd go with no canopy. It's a rimless tank and should be shown off. If you don't like the rimless look then toss the canopy on, but I'm a fan of rimless tanks. The canopy would the way to go if you had a black rim to hide as it does look nice with it. You're really asking us to choose between filet and ribeye...it's not a fair proposal! haha __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI

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