How to Build a Canopy for Fish Tanks

A canopy for a fish tank provides comfort to the marine or reptile life, protection and a bit of decor to your fish tank. You can get canopies installed with lighting or filtration systems by a professional, but building a canopy without electrical purpose is simple and can be made for any size fish tank. These canopies can be constructed as a sturdy painted wooden base that opens and shuts over the tank.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape Two wooden boards, measured to fit vertically on tank (these will be about half the size of the other two wooden boards) Two wooden boards, measured to fit horizontally on tank Large sheet of plywood Saw 1-by-1-inch wooden square rods White and black paint Paintbrushes/roller Gloves Rubber siding or molding, if desired Protective eyewear goggles Two metal hinges Screwdriver and screws Hammer and nails, or nail gun

1. Measure the fish tank. The measurements will determine the size of the wood you will buy to construct the wooden canopy. Measure the two sides of the tank that run horizontally and the two sides that run vertical (the vertical sides are usually about half the size of the horizontal ones). Decide how large you would like the canopy to be. A usual size has the canopy's wood lid at least six inches from the top of the water in the tank.

2. Build a rectangular box a little bit larger (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch) than the top of your fish tank. Visualize it as a wooden box top that is going to just slip right over the the top of tank. Set one of the two longer boards up on its edge and nail each of the two smaller boards on either of its sides. Opposite the first longer board, place the other longer board lying down flat on the tops of the two smaller boards. Nail this securely. This board is attached differently because it is the board over the back of the aquarium, and keeping it higher than the others provides a place for the cords and tubes to go through if necessary.

3. Use a screwdriver or nail gun to attach 1-by-1-inch square rods to the inside of each of the wooden planks. Secure them in the middle of each board, about 3/4 inch from the bottom edge of the boards. On the board that will lay over the back of the tank, secure the square rod vertically from the middle of the board. These rods will be what anchors the canopy around the tank.

4. Trim the plywood to make the canopy lid. Make sure it is an inch bigger around the the outside dimensions of the wooden box. If desired, attach rubber siding or molding around the edges of the lid to create a more airtight container and block light.

5. Paint the wooden canopy whatever color you desire. Usually a simple black helps provide a professional or contemporary look. If you paint the inside of the lid, it is important to be careful of what colors you use. It is most beneficial to use a white paint to maximize light reflection. Design the outside of the box how you desire, with pictures, patterns or just a solid paint color. Let it dry.

6. Attach the hinges to the back of the plywood lid, and attach to the box. Set the canopy on top of the fish tank to make sure it fits correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• When attaching the square rods in Step 3, the distances may vary and you may need to use larger rods or glass putty to help secure the canopy. If desired, you can add lighting to the inside of the canopy lid with a couple of extra steps. Fish tank canopies can have a variety of add-ons such as drawers, fancy lids and compartments. This model is the simplest form of a canopy you can create.
• Always be cautious when working with power tools or sharp objects

Resources

• Help for a DIY Aquarium Canopy