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my new tank is 66inches by 18 inches...

where online/uk can I get a hood (custom built or standard) to fit it?

Thanks for the help,

Anita.

Thats not really a size that you'll be able to pick up easily. Custom made will cost a fortune and you'd be better off building your own. It's not that difficult if you have the tools (and a 'handy-person' works even better) but a router, rip/jigsaw and plane will create a hood with little expense.

I agree with building your own hood, it will take some time but it would be cheaper. If your not really handy, you could go to a local glass shop and have them cut a piece of glass to the dimensions you need. That would probably be the least expensive and quickest way to cover your tank.

On my strange shaped tanks I have successfully used a material available at the hardware store called egg crate.
It is used under flourescent lighting in buildings, but I use it as a hood. You can cut plexiglass and place it on the eggcrate and instant hood!

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The calming qualities of a good aquarium are irrefutable

I built a canopy for a friend's tank a couple of weeks ago and all I used was a tenon saw, square thingy and screwdriver. Admittedly it was nowhere near as big as 66...but I expect the basic idea could be scaled up?

thanks,

I have decided to build my own ;-)

If i were to make it out of MDF what could i treat it with to make it waterproof - would varnish be ok or would it be bad for the fish?

Anita.

I used regular wood varnish on mine - seeing as it is desinged to be, well, waterproof, it can't escape into the tank water. Just make sure it is absolutely dry before you put it on the tank. Even if it feels hard, wait till it has stopped smelling of varnish. The one I made was for a friend, I think she waited about a week after I gave it to her before she started using it.

And reason for wanting MDF? I have a vague suspicion plywood is better but I really don't remember why. Hopefuly someone more experienced will have an answer. I used 5 mm ply for a 20" hood and it worked fine.

I'd go with the MDF. It's as hard as real wood, it's stonger, and it's fairly cheap. Plus, it doesn't warp as easily as real wood and plywood. I don't know about which stains to use, but I'd definitly make sure it is a water based stain, not oil based.