DIY Canopy Options

[wardworld]

I've just purchased a 120 gal w/ stand, but I need to build the canopy. The tank is 24x48x24. What I'm wondering are what things folks would put in a canopy if they could design it from scratch. For example:
1. Ideas about lid openings
2. Functional additions (feeding doors, etc.)
3. Anything you would definitely do/not do
Thanks, I'm trying to pre-think as much as I can before cutting. My motto tends to be measure twice, cut once, go buy another piece of wood from Home Depot, so I want to plan this carefully.
-Daryl

 

[marino420td]

I just finished my canopy for this same tank. Here is a picture

Doors on the front and both ends for feeding, placing corals, cleaning, etc. The doors on the ends are very useful.

The entire front flips up for total access to the tank. This is handy when you have a large piece of rock to place. It also came in handy when installing my closed loop plumbing. This picture is during the construction stage, but you get the idea.

Open top and open back for ventilation. Lumenarc Mini reflectors keep the light in the tank.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[familyreefer]

hood

hood

Another thought is to not over build it. There is no weight to support other than lights. I over built mine and it takes two people to lift it off (Not often fortunately) Now that I have 3 MH and 2 72" VHO actinics in it with 4 ballast on top I hope I NEVER have to take it off!

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[wardworld]

Great...thanks for the thoughts and the pics...they really help.

 

[PL-Reef]

heres a shot of mine. i used furiniture grade red oak ply for the sides and top, and solid oak for the face frame and door. i have the door hinge up with euro hinges and stay there with a brass hinge support.

and heres a shot of th t5s and one of the MH installed

 

[wardworld]

plreef, et al,
I'm debating on the front swinging up (or sideways) vs. the entire top hinging up. It seems like the front hinging is popular. Do any of you have any trouble accessing the tank for cleaning, feeding, water changes w/ that type of set-up?