Tank hood missing, what use instead?

mom2thebest2

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so if not I'm sorry, and if you tell me where it's more appropriate, I will move it... We recently moved and apparantely our hood got lost. We just set up the tank (55 gallon, tall) and realized we have no hood. The light is fine, but what can we use instead of a hood? (We've looked online at local stores and can't find anything large enough to fit our tank.) No fish in it since we just filled it tonight but I don't the water evaporating. Any ideas what we can cobb job or suggestions as to where we can find a hood? Thank You!

tanker

Have you tried ringing up your local stores? The aquarium shops here manufacture tanks and hoods. If any of your stores manufactures, they might be able to do you a made-to-measure hood.

mom2thebest2

I haven't since it's so late here. (10PM) I will in the morning though thank you!

badxgillen

you can have acrylic custom cut...or DIY a window frame with plastic 1/2"-1/4" mesh..

Byron

If you still have the light fixture, the least expensive option would be a plain glass tank cover; these are made for the standard tank sizes, and if the local stores don't have them, you can get them online. The glass sits down inside the tank frame on that little lip that runs around the tank, and the light fixture rests on the tank frame itself, above the glass cover (not on it). I use this on all my larger tanks. The glass tank covers are very inexpensive (compared to the complete hood) and the front panes slide back for feeding, etc.

Blaxicanlatino

use a glass cover. what it is is flat glass panels that fit over the tank. If you still have the light fixture, then simply place it on the desire location on the glass cover. thats probably the cheapest way to go i think

mom2thebest2

Thank You! I went to Petsmart and they didn't have the right size cover . Any suggestions as to a site that may have it?

Byron

No other fish stores in your area? If not, online there are several places, though I have not used them myself. Drs. Foster & Smith have good reviews, but I am going from what I have read. I'm assuming you are in the USA. Here's their site:
Fish Supplies: Fish Tank & Fish Care | FosterAndSmithAquatics.com

Big Al's is another online source in North America. I only have their Canadian site (I'm in Canada), but Google them and you will find it.

Measure the tank frame inside to be sure; if it is a fairly standard size, you should have no trouble. A 55g is normally 4 feet by something, but I think you mentioned a tall 55 tank? That will be different.

mom2thebest2

Yes I am in the US. Petsmart seems to be the only petstore around me, unfortunately. It is a 55 tall, and I think that's where I am running into trouble. I will check out those sites you recommended, thank you much!

tanker

Non-fishkeeping suggestions: Did you insure your contents while moving? If so, check your policy. If you didn't have additional insurance, check your contents policy to see whether it covers your stuff while being moved. Did you have professional movers do your move, or did you do it yourself? If you had movers do it, contact them to see if they are insured against losing your stuff. If you have any insurance to cover the loss of your hood and the hood can't be replaced, your insurance might cover the cost of a replacement tank.

Otherwise, you might also be able to get a glass top cut by a glazier in your area.