How to Build a Tank Topper for Rodents

A glass aquarium tank makes a conducive and comfortable environment for a pet rodent. However, pet rodents have the ability to escape from glass tanks if they are tall enough to reach the top rim, which is why having a tank topper is a necessary addition to the traditional aquarium tank habitat. Tank toppers are usually made out of a mesh metal wire so that the rodents have a well ventilated environment. Making a tank topper yourself is cheaper than buying one at the pet store, and allows you to customize the topper the way you want it.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • 10 mm ventilated metal wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Tape measure
  • 4 wooden dowels
  • Wood glue
  • Handsaw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dimensions of the glass tank that you already have. Find out the width and length, and add one-eighth of an inch to the total width and length. The tank topper will have to fit snugly over the rim of the tank, which is why you want it to be slightly bigger.

    • 2

      Use a tape measure to size the 10mm metal wire based on the dimensions. Cut out the metal wire with wire cutters.

    • 3

      Measure the wooden dowels so that you have two dowels that are the same length as the topper and two dowels that are the same width of the topper. Cut the dowels with a handsaw. The dowels will act as the frame that surrounds the sheet of metal wire, which allows you to handle the topper safely without getting cut from the metal.

    • 4

      Set the four pieces of wooden dowels being used for the frame on the working surface. Apply wood glue to the dowels and set the metal wire topper on top of them. Hold down firmly so that metal and the wooden dowels connect. You can also set a heavy rock on top of the four areas where the metal is being glued to the wooden dowels if you cannot hold it in place yourself.