Creating A Custom Fish Tank Top Cover

Fish tank covers are essential to prevent fish from jumping out and ending up on the floor. They also prevent evaporation and can even make your tank look nicer. There are many ways to make a DIY fish tank cover, and it can be done very cheaply. You can use a variety of materials, including glass, acrylic, plywood, egg crate, or clear netting. The process is simple: take precise measurements of your aquarium, cut the material to size, and assemble. You can even add a light to your DIY fish tank cover.

Using acrylic or glass sheets

A fish tank top cover is essential for maintaining the stability of the tank and reducing evaporation. It also prevents fish from jumping out, objects from falling in, and keeps pets away from the fish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a fish tank top cover using acrylic or glass sheets:

Step 1: Measurements

Start by measuring the dimensions of your fish tank. Measure the length, width, and height of the tank to determine the size of the top cover. It is important to ensure that the cover will fit securely on the tank.

Step 2: Choose the Right Material

You can use either acrylic or glass sheets for the top cover. Acrylic is sturdy, durable, and waterproof, and has the same crystal-clear transparency as glass. It is also easier to cut and bond acrylic sheets together. On the other hand, glass lids are considered more effective and durable. They fit tightly and prevent evaporation.

Step 3: Cut the Sheets

Once you have chosen the material, cut the sheets to size. If you are using acrylic, mark the cutting lines directly on the protective film that covers the acrylic. Use a plastic-cutting blade or a table saw to cut along the markings. For glass, you can use a glass cutter to cut the sheets according to the measurements.

Step 4: Smooth the Edges

After cutting, use sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the sheets. Remove any sharp edges or corners that could cause scratches or harm. This step is important for both acrylic and glass sheets to ensure the safety of those handling the tank.

Step 5: Drill Holes (for Acrylic or Glass Sheets)

If you plan to use screws or suction cups to secure the top cover, drill holes on the edges of the sheets. Use a drill bit that is slightly larger than the screws or suction cups to ensure a proper fit. For acrylic sheets, you can also cut out sections for cords and other devices such as air tubes, filters, and pumps.

Step 6: Attach the Cover

Finally, attach the top cover to the fish tank. For glass lids, you can use clear mini hooks on the corners of the aquarium to serve as handles. For acrylic lids, you can use silicone or rubber strips to secure the cover in place. You can also use screws to attach the cover, ensuring that they are rust-resistant to prevent corrosion.

By following these steps, you can create a functional and secure fish tank top cover using acrylic or glass sheets.

DIY with plywood

A plywood cover is a great option for a fish tank lid. It is a straightforward process that requires measuring the fish tank's dimensions and cutting the plywood to size.

First, measure the length and width of your fish tank. For this project, you will need a piece of plywood that is the same size as the top of your aquarium. You can either buy a sheet of plywood and cut it to size or ask a hardware store to cut it for you. Make sure to leave a little space, about 3 inches, on the backside. This gap will be useful for feeding your fish without having to slide the lid.

Next, cut the plywood according to the measurements you have taken. You can use a saw or another cutting tool to cut the plywood. If you are not confident in your cutting skills, it may be a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of wood first.

Once the plywood is cut to size, you can attach hinges to create a lid that opens and closes. This will make it easier to feed your fish and clean the tank. You can also attach lights to the bottom of the plywood, facing towards the inside of the aquarium. This will help illuminate your fish tank and showcase your fish.

Finally, you can add any additional decorations or accessories to the plywood lid to personalise it. For example, you could paint it, add a handle, or include a feeding hole. Just make sure that any additions do not compromise the integrity of the lid or create gaps that your fish could jump through.

Egg crate and Styrene

Materials and Tools:

• Egg crate (white or black, available in lighting or home improvement stores)
• Styrene (clear, available in lighting or home improvement stores)
• Plastic ties
• Pliers
• Sharp knife or blade
• (Optional) Hinges and a handle

Steps:

• Measure the length and width of your fish tank's opening.
• Cut the egg crate to size, ensuring it fits perfectly over the tank's opening.
• Cut out spots at the back of the egg crate for filtration/hoses.
• At this point, you can choose to stop and use the egg crate as a simple cover. However, water can splash out, and if you have big fish, this may be a problem.
• To create a splash-proof cover, cut the styrene to the same length as the egg crate.
• Use a knife or drill to make holes in the styrene, just large enough for the plastic ties.
• Secure the styrene to the egg crate with the plastic ties. Place them randomly around the top for a secure fit.
• (Optional) Cut a small hole for feeding.

And that's it! You now have a cheap and effective fish tank cover that prevents evaporation and keeps your fish safely inside the tank.

Aquarium screen top netting

The first step is to select the right kit for your tank. There are different kits for rimless and rimmed tanks. Rimless tanks require a full-sized net top to span the full length of the aquarium, while rimmed tanks have more corners and frame sections to accommodate the trim and bracing.

Rimless kits come with full-length frame sections to span the total length of the tank, and only four corners are needed to complete the kit. Rimmed kits, on the other hand, come with more shorter sections of the screen frame and corners to fit the trim and bracing of traditional aquariums. The number of screen tops that can be made with a rimmed kit depends on the size of the kit. For example, a 2' rimmed kit can make one 2' x 2' net top, while a 4' rimmed kit can make two 2' x 2' net tops.

Once you have selected the right kit, you can cut the frame to size with a typical hacksaw or a saw with a metal blade. You can also cut the netting with a razor blade if needed.

In addition to the netting and frame, you may also need to purchase suspension clips or make your own brackets or magnets to suspend the screen top just inside the glass of the tank.

By following these steps, you can create a custom screen top netting cover for your aquarium, ensuring your fish stay safely inside while still enjoying the benefits of ample lighting.

Polycarbonate greenhouse panels

To make a fish tank top cover, you can use polycarbonate greenhouse panels. These panels are a great choice due to their strength, durability, UV protection, and insulating properties. They are also lightweight and easy to work with, making them ideal for DIY projects.

Polycarbonate is a popular material for greenhouse panels as it offers superior performance compared to other options. It is 200 times stronger than glass, yet it is lightweight, making it easier to handle and install. Polycarbonate panels also provide excellent insulation, creating a stable growing environment for plants. This is achieved through double-glazing, with two skins of polycarbonate that enhance thermal performance.

Another advantage of polycarbonate greenhouse panels is their ability to block 99.9% of harmful UV rays. This feature not only protects plants from excessive sunlight but also helps prevent the panels from discolouration and cracking due to UV exposure. To ensure long-lasting performance, it is recommended to choose panels made from raw virgin polycarbonate and avoid those containing recycled materials.

When working with polycarbonate sheets, it is important to note that they can be easily cut using a circular saw or a jigsaw with the appropriate blade. While polycarbonate is known for its durability, it should not be walked on as it may dent or scratch under the weight of a person. With proper care and maintenance, polycarbonate greenhouse panels can provide a long-lasting and attractive solution for fish tank top covers or greenhouse constructions.

Frequently asked questions