DIY Aquarium Frame Tops

For many aquarium enthusiasts, taking care of a tank of fish is more than a hobby. It becomes a passion. You want to be sure your aquarium is well-maintained and properly equipped for the creatures living in it, and often this includes a fitted top or canopy for the tank. A good quality frame top can be expensive, and you don't want to buy a whole new aquarium for your set up if the lid cracks or breaks. Instead, build your own lid that will be sturdy, inexpensive and easy to repair.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • ¾ by 4 inch boards, equal to the perimeter length of your tank
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • 3 wooden rods, ¾ by ¾ inch
  • Wood Glue
  • 5/8 inch plywood board
  • 2 hinges, appropriately sized
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your aquarium's length and width very carefully. Cut the ¾ by 4 inch boards to be slightly larger than the measurements, so the frame will fit over the tank. Nail the boards together into a frame. The front and two sides of the frame should be positioned with the 4 inch side flat against the tank. Nail the back board horizontally, so that there is an open gap along the back of the frame.

    • 2

      Glue one of the wooden rods to the inside of each short side of the frame, about an inch from the bottom. These rods will support the frame when it is on the tank, so use adhesive liberally, especially if you have a large tank and frame. Position the third rod vertically in the back center of the back board of the frame and secure it there for extra support.

    • 3

      Cut the 5/8 plywood board to match the measurements of your frame, which will be slightly larger than those of the aquarium itself.

    • 4

      Use small hinges from the hardware store to attach the lid to the back board of the frame. If the tank is small, use only two hinges, but if it is large, use three or four.