How do canopies work?

So this is probably a stupid question, but how do canopies over fish tanks work? Do you have to take the whole thing off to feed your fish? Or to do a water change? Can I put things on top of it like house plants? What is the purpose of a canopy? Do you like having one?

The reason I'm asking is because I'm looking to upgrade one of setups and came across this tank and stand on Craigslist. I've never seen a canopy in person and am hoping to solve this mystery before going to an ATM and driving to a strangers house an hour away

 

The hood is just a fancy top to a tank that hold the light and covers the tank, I'm sure there is a feeding port incorporated in the lid somewhere. Myself I dont like them, there big, unsightly and cumbersome. It really boils down to how big the tank is and how much there asking, if the price is right, myself I would trash the lid and go with a glass lid.

 

Looking at the photo, it appears that the top section is literally for cosmetic reasons only. Three or four pieces of wood/particle board fixed together to give a boxed appearance to match the cabinet.

For feeding/maintenance I would think its slide it right off or lift it off to expose the normal plastic hood underneath.

Tbh it looks like a DIY cabinet and top trim fixed to a standard basic aquarium and frame to make it look better...whether it is or not won't be known til you stand beside it and open the cabinet doors and lift off the trim on the top.

 

Thank you both! I've never seen a canopy in person and usually trying to get questions answered any craigslist postings is like pulling teeth.I tend to get much better answers on Fish Lore so thank you

 

Good luck and let us know how you do.

 

All canopies are different.

Most are hinged where the front 1/3 or 1/2 folds upward and back giving you access to the tank.

The glass lids can remain place.