DIY Tank Cover

Aquarium setups can end up costing a lot of money. Fortunately, you can make some of the tank accessories yourself. The tank cover for your aquarium is a good example. With a little time and effort, you'll not only save money, but you'll also be able to customize it exactly the way you want it. You can choose how you want it to fit on your tank, and you can also choose the size and type of screen you use for the cover.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Aluminum screen framing material
  • Hacksaw
  • 4 screen frame corners
  • Spline roller
  • Roll of spline
  • Screen material
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of your aquarium with a tape measure.

    • 2

      Subtract the length of your corner pieces from both the length and width of the aquarium measurements. For example, the average corner piece is 3/4 inch, so you would subtract that from each corner. Use your tape measure to mark off these lengths on your aluminum screen framing material.

    • 3

      Cut the aluminum screen framing material with a hacksaw to match your predetermined measurements. The aluminum screen framing material, along with all the other supplies for this project, can be purchased at any home improvement store.

    • 4

      Attach the corner pieces to the aluminum screen framing material to make the frame for your tank cover. The corner pieces snap right into place.

    • 5

      Stretch your screen or netting material over the frame. You can choose from many different types of screens and netting. Some people use metal screens, some use plastic screens and some use bird netting. If you choose a metal screen, make sure it's aluminum so it won't rust.

    • 6

      Press spline into the groove starting in one of the corners of the frame.

    • 7

      Push the spline deeper into the groove using a spline roller as you work your way around the entire frame. As you work around the frame, make sure that your screen material stays taut. When you get to the final corner, snip the spline with your scissors, and then press in the last of the spline.

    • 8

      Cut the excess screen material from around the frame with your scissors.