How to Make a Lid for a T5 Lighting Aquarium

Whether the old lid for your aquarium was destroyed in an unfortunate accident or simply doesn't support enough lighting fixtures, making a replacement lid for a T5 lighted aquarium can be done in a day. The new lid can be customized to handle more lighting, accommodate more over the back accessories and be painted in whatever color you need to match the decor.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood pieces, 4 3/4 inch-by-4 inch
  • Circular saw
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • Finishing nails
  • 3 plywood pieces, 8 inch-by-3/4 inch-by-3/4 inch
  • 5/8-inch plywood
  • 150-grit sanding sheets
  • Electric drill with Phillips-head driver
  • Piano hinge
  • Countersunk self-tapping screws
  • Primer
  • Paintbrush
  • Metallic silver spray paint
  • Wood trim
  • 4 T5 lighting fixtures or 8 T5 lighting locking clips and 8 pre-wired waterproof T5 end caps
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and width of your aquarium. Add 1 inch to each measurement.

    • 2

      Transfer the length and width measurements to the 4 3/4 inch-by-4-inch plywood pieces and cut to size with a circular saw. The number of pieces of plywood you will need is determined by the total tank perimeter.

    • 3

      Attach the two shorter sides and one of longer ones with wood glue and finishing nails to form a U shape with the 3/4-inch sides facing up. Turn the fourth piece so that the 4-inch side is facing up and attach it to the upper edge of the inside of the shorter boards to create a complete rectangular top. This arrangement allows the back of the tank to remain accessible for over the back filters and heaters.

    • 4

      Glue the four 8 inch-by-3/4 inch-by-3/4-inch pieces to the inside of the box that was just created, 3/4 of an inch above the bottom of each of the three vertical boards. These pieces will rest on the top of the tank to hold the canopy up.

    • 5

      Transfer your rectangular box measurements to the 5/8-inch plywood and add 1/2 inch to each measurement. Cut out a single piece for the top of the canopy.

    • 6

      Sand the rough edges of each of the cut boards with 150-grit sandpaper.

    • 7

      Attach one side of the piano hinge to the 5/8-inch with countersunk self-tapping screws; this eliminates the need for pre-drilling.

    • 8

      Attach the other side of the piano hinge to the back of the horizontal board at what will be the back of the lid. Also use self tapping screws for this.

    • 9

      Flip the box over so the bottom of the lid is facing up. Prime and paint the inside of the box and bottom of the lid. Use metallic silver spray paint for the final coat.

    • 10

      Attach molding against the outside of the canopy flush to the overhanging edges of the 5/8-inch plywood top. Moldings will prevent light from seeping out through any of the cracks. Secure the molding with bold wood glue and finishing nails.

    • 11

      Flip the lid over and arrange your four T5 fixtures or eight T5 lighting locking clips and eight pre-wired waterproof T5 end caps on the underside of the lid. Secure them in place with countersinking self tapping screws or the double sided adhesive provided with the locking clips.

    • 12

      Flip the box over and set it on top of your tank.