Need advice on stand and canopy

b_braz · Dec 1, 2016

So I will be starting a build thread soon, but I need some quick advice. I want to build a new stand and I want to do a canopy. I'm gonna be running T5's on a 75gal acrylic tank. I will start with the stand. I'm a tall guy 6'2" anyways, but I'm also pretty broad thanks to the Army
So I'm thinking that I want a pretty large stand. Meaning the tank will sit high in the air. With the bottom of the tank basically coming up to the bottom of my rib cage. I want to do this so I fit in the stand to make it easier on myself doing maintenance in my sump, various equipment and running my plumbing. This way I'm not trying to reach into tight spots blindly. The next part is my canopy. I know I need to watch how high above the water level my lights are (par issue). But I also wanna make sure it's large enough so as to get into the tank without having to move my lights or take the canopy off. What's your thoughts?

Also canopy stuff, I want to install (I'm guessing here) wall plug in computer fans that will be mounted on the sides of the canopy to keep lights cool with a heat register or cold air return on the top of canopy (won't be able to see it) to allow heat to escape. I have a carpenter, painter (staining), and a licensed electrician lined up for this build. But they no nothing of the hobby. So they are gonna need hands held through this with me haha. But it's free labor and I have the opportunity to really make this 75 super clean and done right from the start. I pick this tank up on Saturday from Kansas City and expect to start a build thread that vary same day. If not 2mrw. But I really need to have the stand and canopy plans locked in by this coming Monday. Any advice or help in this brain storming would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, b_braz

His & Hers. 240 Reef · Dec 1, 2016

If it were me I'd make sure the top of the glass was just under armpit height. That way you can just walk up and reach down to the sandbed to place corals or tank maintenance without a stool. So measure from nipples down to floor minus the tank height and the rest would be stand.

Secondly my canopy made it impossible to reach the sand even while laying flat on my belly on top of the canopy. I would consider making the front of the canopy open up or make a floating canopy bolted directly to the wall.

Here's my floating canopy I just installed this week.

Bluefish9 · Dec 1, 2016

Here's my build. Not finished yet. I built it very tall because its going to be a whole feature wall. Yes it makes cleaning more difficult but I dont care. The view is worth it.

b_braz · Dec 2, 2016

So I'm gonna go with the top of the stand at 48in And the length at 4 1/2 ft long. The canopy I'm still at a loss. I like the floating canopy idea but I hate lights splash. I was given another idea on my local club forum of doing pulleys for my lights, that way I can still have the lights at an ideal height above the water surface, but just lift them when I need too for access. To address the issue of being able to reach the bottom of the tank, I don't mind using a step stool. And with the canopy being so large basically 36-48 inches tall, I just don't see an issue with being able to get into the tank.

b_braz · Dec 2, 2016

Bluefish9 said:
Here's my build. Not finished yet. I built it very tall because its going to be a whole feature wall. Yes it makes cleaning more difficult but I dont care. The view is worth it.