iloveengl

Hi,

My problem is that my 55 gallon tank has the TINIEST rim (about a 1/2 down from the top) and NO support bar in the center.

***My current thought is to trim to size & screw together some strips of 2x4 that will rest on top of the tank like a normal aquarium rim, and some shorter "feet" so that it doesn't slide off the tank. This should allow me to rest my hood much more securely.

Please please please give me any critiques of my plan or other suggestions you have for creating a sturdier rim and for creating a central support bar.

P.S.
The hoods that came with the tank seem to rest well enough on the little rim, but I have an eight pound naughty kitty who keeps jumping to the top, and I just know that those hoods/the rim is not strong enough to support much of this abuse. I'm really worried that one of these days, she's going to send the hood crashing and electrocute herself and start a fire! !!!

RussG

Why not make a canopy? There's a few plans in this DIY or you can find other ideas online also.
Good luck!

iloveengl

*Slaps palm to forehead* Of course! That's a great idea. That will be a much simpler project AND I can cut the exact holes I want for the HOB filter and create hinged openings AND I don't have to worry about naughty kitties breaking plastic hoods.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I found some easy step-by-step instructions for creating a basic hood that should do quite well for my needs.
http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/diy...ybasiccano.htm