I was using a piece of seran wrap on the top of mine but found it to be 1. unsightly 2. too close to the tank and the leaves of the plants were touching it 3. hard to keep tight enough to allow sufficient light in. So, I made a lid this weekend that I am pretty pleased with, and thought I would share. It is real easy to make and reasonably priced I think:
I used strips of balsa wood- found at craft stores (Rag Shop, Joanne Fabrics, Michaels in my neck of the woods). I paid Ū.49 for a 36 inch strip. The strip is maybe 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick, although you can get it in all sizes. I choose balsa cause it is easy to cut to size with a box cutter. This strip was just the perfect size for my container which is not a fish tank, but rather a table top greenhouse type. I wanted the edges of the top to lay on the top edge of my terrarium to give some added height for the plants inside. You might want yours to be more of a lid on a box and go down over the sides. Anyhow, I measured and cut the strip into four pieces that would fit around the top.
I then used straight pins to hold the pieces together to form the box. Again Balsa is soft that the pins push in pretty easy. Then used a wood clue on the seams to seal the ends. Laid on wax paper for a while to let the clue dry.
This makes the frame, I then used the window cover plastic and the double sided tape that comes with the plastic. This was the most expensive thing Ŭ.00 for 3 sheets of plastic and a roll of tape. Bought at K-Mart or Walmart. The tape went on the outside edge of the balsa wood frame then the plastic over top. Then used the hairdryer to shrink the plasitc to a tight fit around the frame. Make sure the plasitic is the type to shrink.
The finished product is crystal clear. The humidity in my tank went to 75% immediately the temp has stayed at 75 degrees without a problem. The florsent light sits on top and plenty of light gets inside. If you want to add ventilation, I think once the plastic is tight, you could make slits in it (I would probably cut out the four corners) I have not done this so can't say the plastic will stay tight when cut (although I think it will) if not then I would use another piece of balsa at the corners to make a triangle L\ and cut in between.
If you would like to see it, I can take a picture if someone would tell me how to post it. Anyhow, thought there might be some interest , hope someone might find this useful. Linda ö¿ö
I used strips of balsa wood- found at craft stores (Rag Shop, Joanne Fabrics, Michaels in my neck of the woods). I paid Ū.49 for a 36 inch strip. The strip is maybe 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick, although you can get it in all sizes. I choose balsa cause it is easy to cut to size with a box cutter. This strip was just the perfect size for my container which is not a fish tank, but rather a table top greenhouse type. I wanted the edges of the top to lay on the top edge of my terrarium to give some added height for the plants inside. You might want yours to be more of a lid on a box and go down over the sides. Anyhow, I measured and cut the strip into four pieces that would fit around the top.
I then used straight pins to hold the pieces together to form the box. Again Balsa is soft that the pins push in pretty easy. Then used a wood clue on the seams to seal the ends. Laid on wax paper for a while to let the clue dry.
This makes the frame, I then used the window cover plastic and the double sided tape that comes with the plastic. This was the most expensive thing Ŭ.00 for 3 sheets of plastic and a roll of tape. Bought at K-Mart or Walmart. The tape went on the outside edge of the balsa wood frame then the plastic over top. Then used the hairdryer to shrink the plasitc to a tight fit around the frame. Make sure the plasitic is the type to shrink.
The finished product is crystal clear. The humidity in my tank went to 75% immediately the temp has stayed at 75 degrees without a problem. The florsent light sits on top and plenty of light gets inside. If you want to add ventilation, I think once the plastic is tight, you could make slits in it (I would probably cut out the four corners) I have not done this so can't say the plastic will stay tight when cut (although I think it will) if not then I would use another piece of balsa at the corners to make a triangle L\ and cut in between.
If you would like to see it, I can take a picture if someone would tell me how to post it. Anyhow, thought there might be some interest , hope someone might find this useful. Linda ö¿ö