Border At Top Of Tank

[Fishy_7]

I received me new T5 light unit yesterday and as a result, had to do away with the hood.

I have since noticed how rubbish the top looks as I can see everything above the water line (from the front perspective). I want to add a border around the front and sides but not sure what to use? I think something in black will be nice.

Anyone give me any suggestions and what adhesive to use?

Thanks.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

should be able to build a border quite easily from something like mdf, get some nice decorative beading/coving if you want it fancy or just plain black for a more modern look

i'd secure all the sides of the border with screws/nails and then use some mastic or something to stick it to the tank. not sure what would be best though, have to be not water soluble and aquarium safe

 

[Fishy_7]

should be able to build a border quite easily from something like mdf, get some nice decorative beading/coving if you want it fancy or just plain black for a more modern look

i'd secure all the sides of the border with screws/nails and then use some mastic or something to stick it to the tank. not sure what would be best though, have to be not water soluble and aquarium safe

Thanks. Would involve painting the MDF black first? Sorry if that sounds daft but I have little experience with DIY and materials.
Will aquarium glue bond mdf to class?

Thanks.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i'd get your bits of wood together in the square and all fixed together, then paint it on the outside, then affix it to the glass

i don't know what would bond wood to glass safely tbh, aquarium silicone maybe?

 

[promithius]

aquarium silicone dosent take to well to wood. you COULD do it, but you'd have to use liberal amounts, and hold it/clamp it until it drys

 

[DevUK]

or you could add a lip around the inside top of your wooden frame, using some beeding and it would sit on the top of your tank then Would have to make sure it didn't interfear with your luminaires feet though.

 

[indigo]

gonna have to be a wet blanket and say proceed with caution, a friend of mine had someone make a complete hood for her tank out of wood, did a fab job, fitted a treat, she came down in the morning and due to the wood swelling and contracting with the water it cracked her tank!

i notice that the hood of my tank is quite loose, takes 2 of us to lift it off, i like the suggestion of making a lip for it to sit on the top of the tank rather than making it too tight fitting and siliconing it off.

good luck

 

[Fishy_7]

or you could add a lip around the inside top of your wooden frame, using some beeding and it would sit on the top of your tank then Would have to make sure it didn't interfear with your luminaires feet though.

At the moment, there is no frame, it is simply glass to the top. The tank was a cheap one (for the size), so nothing except 4 glass sides and the 4 pieces at the top for holding the condensation tray.

 

[Biff0r]

2" black PVC tape pick up from any electrical shop, long as you take your time can look really good!

 

[Fishy_7]

2" black PVC tape pick up from any electrical shop, long as you take your time can look really good!

Sounds