DIY Aquarium Hood

Fish tank hoods are used to keep your fish safe. When you have a hood on your tank, your fish are unable to jump out of the tank. The hood also keeps unwanted materials, such as dust and insects, out of the tank's water. Also, they reduce the amount of water that evaporates, reducing the amount of water you will have to add to your tank regularly. Unfortunately, fish tank hoods can be expensive when purchased from the store. If you want to save a little money, you can make your own hood at home with just a little effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Wood
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Nails
  • Wood screws
  • Plywood
  • Large metal hinges
  • Stain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the measurements of the top of your fish tank using a measuring tape. Add a half inch to both the width and length of your tank. This will allow your finished hood to rest over the edge of the tank instead of on top of it. Cut two pieces of wood that match your length measurement and two pieces of wood that match your width measurement from 3/4 by 4 inch wood. Sand down the edges with sandpaper.

    • 2

      Place your wood pieces on your work surface in a rectangular shape. Keep the width pieces parallel from one another and the length pieces parallel. Rest one of the length pieces onto one of the two width pieces. You will still have a rectangle, only now one of the pieces is on top instead of flush. Leave the other three pieces in a normal rectangular layout with the corners flush. Placing the one piece on top allows for a gap for the wires of your tank equipment to run, once assembled.

    • 3

      Attach all four pieces of wood in this rectangular configuration using wood glue and nails. Wood screws can be substituted for the nails, if you prefer.

    • 4

      Cut four 1/2-inch cubes from wood. Place one cube in the middle of each strip of wood. The cubes should be centered on the strips of wood and approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the strip. They should be placed on the inside of the wood and will hold the completed hood in place on your tank. Use wood glue and nails to attach them.

    • 5

      Use the measurements from Step 1 to cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood to match the measurements. Sand the edges as necessary.

    • 6

      Use wood screws to adhere two large metal hinges to one of the length edges of the plywood. The hinges should be evenly spaced.

    • 7

      Place the plywood on top of your constructed rectangle. The hinges should be on the backside, which is the side with the gap. Attach the hinges to the back of the rectangle using wood screws.

    • 8

      Stain or paint your finished hood to protect it from water damage. Allow it to dry completely before placing it on top of your fish tank.