55 Gallon Custom Canopy Questions

[Jakers88]

I'm going to be constructing my custom canopy within the next week or two, but my main question is the back of the canopy, should I just not put a back on it or leave parts open for my add-ons? I'm going to be having a HOB protein skimmer and I think its going to be getting in the way, also do I cut out notches for this and light cords or should I just leave the back up ended or just make the back of it smaller? This is a major stop for me and I'm not sure on how to go about it doing it. Should I figure out a new way to do the back of the canopy or do I need to find a new skimmer? I don't want to go to a sump/fuge unless its a necessary.

 

[ccCapt]

My canopy is open in the back with just screen stapled on. There are pics in my build thread. It works real nice.

 

[Jakers88]

Yea but by having the back open-ended like that isn't it bothersome or kind of an eye-sore to see the light coming out of the back? I'm going to be ordering a T5 fixture in the next day or two 48" T5HO T5 Aquarium Light Cichlid T-5 Reef Lighting - eBay (item 330250470407 end time Aug-05-08 21:51:02 PDT)
Not sure how I'm going to mount it inside the canopy but I'm just afraid with the back being open too much light will be illuminating the wall that the aquarium is next too...