The Benefits of an Aquarium Hood

A aquarium hood is an underappreciated and underutilized part of your tank setup. It serves several functions, from protecting the fish from jumping out (which could kill them) to holding upper lighting and other equipment. Hoods are also useful to prevent items from falling into the water like food crumbs, pet hair and dust which can pollute the environment. In addition, they can help prevent light reflection and shield the lights from direct sunlight if your fish tank is near a window.

Glass aquarium hoods are the most popular choice, and are usually made of durable, scratch resistant glass and offer great visibility while still protecting the water. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Glass hoods also reduce the amount of water that evaporates and can save energy costs by reducing cooling requirements in the room.

Canopy lids are another option, and can be made from a number of materials including wood, plastic or metal. They are generally more expensive than a traditional lid, but can provide a more finished and built-in look to the tank that can complement the rest of your decor. They also reduce evaporation and humidity by allowing it to condense on the lid rather than being lost into the air, thereby saving energy costs.

In some cases, a tank may be sold with a canopy included in the price of the aquarium, but if it does not, you will need to purchase one separately. When selecting a canopy, it is important to make sure that it will fit the tank to avoid any unnecessary returns. Using a tape measurer to accurately determine the tank’s size is highly recommended and can be more efficient than guessing at its dimensions.

Aquarium hoods come in a wide variety of styles and prices, and vary by the type of tank, its stocking level and its location. The cheaper hoods tend to be more basic and only cover the top of the tank, while the more expensive options often include recessed or hidden lighting fixtures, feeding hatches and filter compatibility cutouts. Some hoods are even designed with LED lighting built in to create a shimmering effect on the water.