Aquarium lids

[RobM]

Hey,
I have a new aquarium coming this week and an external filter. I will need to create a lid for it so was just wondering how everyone goes about theirs?
How do you make your aquarium screen lids? How do you get pipes and wires through without leaving escape routes? anything else?

 

[Azhael]

I make all my lids with wood and mesh. I cut the pieces of wood from a bar to fit as neatly as possible with the plastic rim of my tanks (not all brands have these, so adjust to your particular kind of tank). Then i put some nails for stability and staple the connecting areas of wood, to create a resistant frame. I then cut a sheet of wire or fiberglass mesh and staple it to the frame (i always try to place each staple close to one another to create a more or less constant line and avoid gaps).
If you need to run cables or even a part of the external filter through the lid, you can either adjust the shape of the lid, make holes in the external perimeter of the lid to pass the cables through (always making sure they fit neatly), or even cut the mesh, run through the gap what needs to be run, and then saw the cut together again to avoid leaving any dangerous spaces.

 

[RobM]

Do you ever have problems with the wood swelling due to the moisture?

 

[Mac Myers]

I use one of these:
Zilla Fresh Air Screen Cover With Center Hinge - Accessories - Habitats & Accessories - PetSmart

It allows access and airflow. It fits well enough that it doesn't interfere with hang on or external filters. The only problem is that you have to use a little pair of wire cutters and plan your holes for tubing etc. :happy:

 

[luspin]

A few days ago I filled my new Juwel Vision 180 aquarium up the line and turned on the pump. When I went to put some decorations in the aquarium last night I noticed that the underside of the Hood/Lid, to include the lighting, was soaking wet.