Pendants and Canopies

Blutowski · 05/23/2006, 06:15 PM

I've started to spec my first tank, and as an exercise I am researching pendant halied systems. I have seen photos of what appeard to be an open top aquarium setup in order to accomodate the pendants. Is air born particles a potential hazard?
I assume using a glass top would minimize the lights effectiveness. The other option I would assume is to carve up your canopie. Water is still exposed but you would get at least some coverage.

What is the general concensus?

Thanks in advance.

tkeracer619 · 05/23/2006, 06:35 PM

I have an open top inside a canopy. The canopy itself is open top, with slats(if you can picture a redneck 87 camaro with the sun visor back window). Thats were i found the inspiration.

I still have gas transfer but it keeps the light and fish in.

redhawk44cb · 05/27/2006, 07:14 PM

Many people keep open top tanks with pendants. Any dust or other particles that settle on the water's surface should be taken care of by a skimmer (especially if your tank is drilled for overflow).

Canopies are usually used with retrofit lights, not pendants, from what I have seen.

I do believe that a glass top would decrease the effectiveness of the light as well as trapping heat.

If you go with an open top/pendant setup, you'll have to take care when selecting fish. Some fish (such as firefish) are known jumpers, and require a covered tank.

05/23/2006, 06:15 PM	#1
Blutowski Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Memphis Posts: 69	Pendants and Canopies I've started to spec my first tank, and as an exercise I am researching pendant halied systems. I have seen photos of what appeard to be an open top aquarium setup in order to accomodate the pendants. Is air born particles a potential hazard? I assume using a glass top would minimize the lights effectiveness. The other option I would assume is to carve up your canopie. Water is still exposed but you would get at least some coverage. What is the general concensus? Thanks in advance.

05/23/2006, 06:35 PM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I have an open top inside a canopy. The canopy itself is open top, with slats(if you can picture a redneck 87 camaro with the sun visor back window). Thats were i found the inspiration. I still have gas transfer but it keeps the light and fish in. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

05/27/2006, 07:14 PM	#3
redhawk44cb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Henderson, Tennessee Posts: 118	Many people keep open top tanks with pendants. Any dust or other particles that settle on the water's surface should be taken care of by a skimmer (especially if your tank is drilled for overflow). Canopies are usually used with retrofit lights, not pendants, from what I have seen. I do believe that a glass top would decrease the effectiveness of the light as well as trapping heat. If you go with an open top/pendant setup, you'll have to take care when selecting fish. Some fish (such as firefish) are known jumpers, and require a covered tank. __________________ "Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any." -Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 20 gal lps/softies, 30 gal LR cure tank, 2.5 mantis