How to Build Aquarium Hoods

An aquarium hood similar to the one described here (lighting not included)

An aquarium hood for a fish or reptile tank provides enclosure for the animals, as well as making them feel more secure. A hood can be constructed easily by creating a wooden box anchored to the aquarium, with a hinged lid. The hood should sit at least six inches above the tank's water level. Construction of the aquarium hood may require some woodworking skills, but not a lot of time.

Things You'll Need

• Protective eye goggles
• Gloves
• Saw
• Hammer
• Nails
• Four wooden boards, at least 2 inches thick and 6 inches wide
• Measuring tape
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Large sheet of plywood
• 1-by-1-inch wooden cubes
• Two metal hinges

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of the aquarium. To determine the size of the hood, measure the length and width of the top of the aquarium, which will end up being the measurements of the wood you use.

2. Put on the protective gloves and eyewear. Start building the hood box. It will be shaped like the tank, which is usually a rectangle. The measurements of the box should be about one inch larger than your aquarium measurements so it can slip over the top of the tank. Set one of the two longer boards up on its edge. Use the hammer to secure a nail into each of the two smaller boards on either of its sides.

3. Place the second longer board opposite the first one. Lay it down flat over the top of the two smaller boards and nail it on. This will be the part of the hood that goes over the back of the aquarium, providing more support, as well as a place for the aquarium pump and air cords to exit in order to be plugged in.

4. Create the anchors for the hood. These will secure the hood to the aquarium's side, so it doesn't just slip down the outside of the aquarium. Use a screwdriver to screw the 1-by 1-inch cubes to the inside of each board. Secure one cube to the inside of each board, directly in the middle, about one inch from the bottom edge of the board. To test that the cubes will anchor the hood, slip the hood over the top of the tank and make they are placed properly.

5. Create the lid of the aquarium canopy. Use the handsaw to trim the plywood until it is one inch larger around the wooden box's outside dimensions. Use the screwdriver to secure both hinges to one side of the plywood board.

6. Set the plywood lid on top of the hood frame. The hinges should be lined up with the longer back board of the hood. Use the screwdriver to secure the other side of the hinges to the back of the box. Place the hood on top of the aquarium to make sure it fits correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when working with sharp tools and materials. Make sure to wear the protective gear.