DIY aquarium top

[roxbury003]

Not sure really where to start... I want to make a top for my aquarium and am open to ideas etc.

I really don't have much in the way of tools or wood shop stuff.

 

[Esquare]

What are your objectives?
· Do you want complete enclosure (prevent carpet diving)
· Are you just wanting to hide a light fixture
· Are you trying to match furniture
· etc

 

[roxbury003]

This is the tank (Pardon the white out, cell phone camera)

Try and match the bottom without too much weight at the top. Also have it hide my light fixture.

I would like a complete closure, yes.

I want to be able to add a few small fans, although my light fixture doesn't get too hot. However, I was looking at doing some DIY LED work for the four corners inside, angled down. (THats down the road though)

 

[Esquare]

Since you have limited tools available, one option would be to purchase some plywood from Lowes or Home Depot and have them cut it to size at the store. Then assemble at home and use molding to cover the joints.

The easiest way to do the doors would be to take 2 picease of plywood cut to size and band them with a veneer and paint.

This process isn't the best but with limited tools it should work.

 

[roxbury003]

Thanks, I will see what I can come up with.

 

[Esquare]

Look into a Kregg Pocket Jig. They used to sell just the small jig seperate from the whole system. It is a great little jig to make pocket holes for strong joints. Use the pocket hole joinery for the joints and the molding to cover up the edges or you can just band all of the edges with iron on veneer. If you need help with design, let me know what size tank and how high the lights will be suspended or how tall you want the canopy to be.

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

You can build a canopy/eggcrate the back, window screen framing, or simply eggcrate, but will lose some light..

 

[roxbury003]

Thanks guys! I'll keep you posted as I move forward.

 

[TACoraled]

You can build a canopy/eggcrate the back, window screen framing, or simply eggcrate, but will lose some light..

Per Tim's suggestion, I used screen for the back of my canopy for ventilation (and to keep my wrasses in the tank).

 

[roxbury003]

Ta, That looks heavy? Also I have glass lids that are already cut for the top of my tank... Do you think those are good enough. It helps quite a bit for evaporation.

 

[wallacefan]

i use lexan it works great i evaporate less than 5 gal a week

 

[MMyuki]

Here is a nice screening I did for my 75, its from another forum I am on.. (Its my thread)

http://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/382927/another-new-guy-to-the-hobby-need-suggesstions/360

Its no canopy but it does keep the fish in!

 

[TACoraled]

It's not too heavy, just awkward to lift/move with just one person. I made it so the front folds up, or you can use the doors on the front for access.

I'll be honest, when I first started my tank everyone told me not to use the glass covers. I didn't believe them and used them anyways as, like you said, it made for less evaporation. Unfortunately, it also limited my CO2 exchange at the surface so my pH levels were all over the place. Once I removed them and placed egg crate on the top, the pH levels were back to good levels.

I'm not telling you what to do, just sharing my experiences.

 

[roxbury003]

Thanks guys!