How to Build a Fish Tank Hood

A fish tank hood serves several important purposes. It keeps your fish from jumping out of the tank and prevents other things, such as dust and insects, from getting in. It mininimizes evaporation, which means fewer water additions for you. Finally, it makes it easy for you to feed your fish. Fish tank hoods and canopies are available at your local fish supply store, but they can be expensive. Luckily, with a little effort, you can make your own hood at home for little money.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 4 planks of wood
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Wood cubes
  • Saw
  • Hinges
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the top of your fish tank, using measuring tape. Record the width and the length. Add 1/2 inch to both measurements. Adding to your measurements will ensure that the finished hood will sit over the fish tank and not on top of it.

    • 2

      Cut your wood into four strips, two pieces for your length measurement and two pieces for your width measurement. The wood should be 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches wide.

    • 3

      Place one of your long boards and one of your short boards perpendicular to one another. They should be on their edges and the finished shape should be an L. Make sure the edges are flush.

    • 4

      Hammer nails through the end of the boards to secure them together. Use screws if you prefer.

    • 5

      Place the second short board parallel to the first, on the other end of the long board. Make sure the edges are flush. Attach as in Step 4. You should now have a three-sided rectangle.

    • 6

      Place the second long board so that it rests flat on top of the two shorter boards. Make sure the edges are flush and then use nails to fasten it to small boards. You are using a different method to attach this board because this will be the back of the hood. You want some space on the back of the hood for the wires of the fish tank equipment to feed through.

    • 7

      Attach four separate 1/2-inch wooden cubes to the inside middle of your boards about an inch from the bottom of the board. Make sure each cube is placed at the same height. Use nails to attach them in place. The finished result should have one cube on each board.

    • 8

      Place the hood onto your fish tank to ensure that the cubes hold the hood in place. Remove the hood and place it back on your work surface. If the cubes are not secure, add additional nails as necessary.

    • 9

      Trim a piece of plywood to equal the measurements calculated in Step 1, using a saw.

    • 10

      Place two large metal hinges on the long edge of your plywood. They should be evenly spaced from the edge of the board. Attach them to plywood, using screws.

    • 11

      Rest the plywood on top of your hood. The hinges should be on the backside of the hood. Attach the hinges to the back side of the hood, using screws.

    • 12

      Place your completed hood onto your fish tank.