| That lovely acrylic aquarium weighs a lot--about 10 | | | | cabinetry hides the components of the tank, yet |
| pounds per gallon of material, so it definitely needs a | | | | provides easy access to it for cleaning and |
| structure to support it. | | | | maintenance. |
| Creativity can be applied to structural supports as | | | | The aquarium canopy also keeps out dust, debris, |
| freely as for the aquarium itself. | | | | and flying insects, and reduces evaporation. |
| The structural support itself should be... | | | | Canopy considerations include... |
| 1) Solid. Avoid individual legs as these tend to be | | | | 1) Type of lighting. Hotter light sources need a taller |
| weaker. | | | | canopy to allow heat disbursement. |
| 2) Even. The surface on which the aquarium sits | | | | 2) Fan holes. Holes are cut into the canopy in the |
| should be even; using a level to gauge this is vital. | | | | back to allow for ventilation. Placement of these |
| 3) Wide enough to spread out the weight. Make sure | | | | holes for aesthetic reasons is necessary. |
| the structure spreads out the weight of the | | | | The finishing touches for your aquarium include |
| aquarium and is not too tall. | | | | decorations for the inside and outside of the tank. |
| Steel supports are a good idea for very heavy | | | | You can have... |
| aquariums. The steel beams are usually powder | | | | 1) Picture frames |
| coated to resist corrosion from humidity. | | | | 2) Driftwood |
| The structural support is often a wood cabinet. Many | | | | 3) Ships and other sea-going vessels |
| types of woods, finishes, decorative carving and | | | | 4) Underwater castles, volcanoes and mermaids |
| metal fixtures can be applied. | | | | 5) Artificial plant life |
| Believe it or not, fish will sometimes try to jump out | | | | Decorations outside the aquarium as part of the |
| of an aquarium, especially if they are stressed, so the | | | | structure can be wood carvings and inset photos or |
| canopy will prevent them from floundering on the | | | | other images. |
| floor. | | | | A prime consideration, of course, is that anything |
| An acrylic aquarium canopy or hood is a finishing | | | | that goes into the aquarium is not toxic to your fish. |
| touch on the aquarium. You want to see the beautiful | | | | Be careful that nothing you put in the aquarium |
| aquarium and aquatic life, not the wires and filters | | | | contains metal that will rust. |
| that keep it running! This additional part of the | | | | |