Alternatives To Hoods

[Captain Retardo]

I will set up a 10 gallon tank for some Corydoras Sterbai that I hope to get soon. I know what kind of filter and heater to get, but I am really running short on money and instead of buying a hood I will just put an incandescent lamp over the tank. But I really don't want to leave the tank open for fear of something bad falling into the tank and the Cories jumping out somehow. Is there something I can put on top of the tank so that is is covered. I was just thinking of putting some Saran (sp?) wrap (That stuff that you use to wrap food up and keep it fresh) on top of the tank and poking some holes in it so air can get in, also kind of cutting a "flap" so that I can open it like a normal tank hood.

Any other ideas? suggestions?

 

[Loko17]

You can get old shoeboxes and cut out the tops and bottums to fit the top of your tank and get a few and lay them on top, Did it for my 5.5 gallon tank and it works. Only thing to worry about is if theres a bubbler it will get on the cardboard and ruin it. Another alternative is some type of screening material, like the stuff on the screens outside of windows.

 

[Captain Retardo]

The problem with the shoeboxes though is wont they start getting wet and moldy from the humidity, and also My light wont penetrate them. But the screen idea intrigues me...

 

[starrynightxxi]

plastic canvas. saran wrap isn't worth the trouble and you'll probably find it sticks to everything except the tank

 

[OohFeeshy]

Just use a condensation cover. Nice and easy. Or sliding cover glass.

 

[Captain Retardo]

What is a condensation cover? Where can I get them? I can't order online...

 

[OohFeeshy]

http/www.gardensite.org.uk/aquatics/aqua...ondensation.php

Usually very cheap.

 

[Synirr]

My work has this sort of plastic cardboard alternative stuff that they have cut to size to use as a good on some of their tanks, it works great. I wouldn't know what that stuff is called though, unfortunately, or where to find it.

 

[Tommy Gunnz]

I am not sure where you live or anything, but I know that if you can find one of those 'mom and pop' hardware stores near you, (yea, I know they are almost extinct now) you can have them cut you a peice of clear plastic to your exact size. It is usually super cheap to do this and I know around my area, they dont even charge to cut it for ya. This would help keep the right things in your tank and keep the wrong things out as well. Oh, and the light would be able to get in there as well. I am some what confused as to how a shoebox cover would allow light in, and I am sure you are right about worrying over the mold and stuff.

Maybe you could have the hardware store cut a nice little hole in the plastic as well, big enough for your finger to lift it out for feeding and cleaning. That way it could sit right on the 'lip' of the tank frame and wouldnt be noticable.

In fact, I would almost think you could do this at a 'big box' hardware store like HOme Depot or something. Might be a little more expensive with them though since they are not as friendly as the 'mom and pop' types.

 

[Tolak]

http/www.gcca.net/howto/tank_covers.htm

I have this covering most of my tanks. No hinges or anything, just cut to size with a cutout if there is a filter.

 

[Loko17]

I like that one Tolak, thats what me and my dad are gonna go out and get tomorrow along with we're gonna try to find some meth. Blue and some aquari-sol.

 

[afireinside]

Hey CR, come over to my house. Remember my Oscar and Parrot Cichlids? The tank their in doesn't have a hood, I can't exactly remember what it is called, and if you want an opening, you make it yourself. They're really nice and easy to work with.

 

[blfoster]

You could get a piece of plexiglass cut. I'm not sure how much that would be.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Thank you very much for replying everyone!!! I'll look into all the methods and find the one that is easiest and cheapest for me!

P.S. OA- I'll talk to you more in-depth about it...

 

[voo]

I have overhead lighting on my small tank and i used a condensation tray.