Aquarium hood: why it important, the bestsellers, and installation

Evaporation, fish jumping out of the water, and no fixtures for lighting: do you have these problems? How about your cat, are they on a fish hunting trip while you’re out? Relax! You can address all these problems with the use of an aquarium hood. And wait, there’s more. Aquarium hoods will make your tank look good, clean, and neat.

• Best hoods for different sized fish tanks
• Benefits of aquarium canopies
• How do I choose the right aquarium hood size?
• Best Aquarium Hood Review
  • H2Pro Fish Tank Glass Canopy
  • Aqueon LED Background Hood with LED light
  • Blue Spotted Aquarium Glass Canopy
  • Marineland LED Hood with day & night light
  • Tetra LED Aquarium Hood, low-profile
  • Aqueon Versa-Top Hinged Glass Aquarium Tops
• How to install an aquarium hood?
• Replacement and accessories
  • Canopy handles
  • Cover Support Holder (Lid Clips)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best hoods for different sized fish tanks

Model	Our rating	For tanks	Material	Light
	H2Pro Fish Tank Glass Canopy #ad	multi-sizes	tempered glass	none
	Aqueon LED Background Hood #ad	20″, 24″, 30″, 36″	Plastic	2 lamp sockets, 1 white LED lamp
	Blue Spotted Aquarium Glass Canopy #ad	multi-sizes	glass	none
	Marineland LED Light Hood #ad	20″, 24″, 30″	Plastic	day & night LED light
	Tetra LED Aquarium Hood #ad	16″, 20″, 24″, 30″	plastic	white day light
	Aqueon Versa-Top #ad	48″ x 18″	Glass	none

Benefits of aquarium canopies

The main function of an aquarium hood is to provide a barrier. From the inside, the aquarium hood prevents water from evaporation. Instead of evaporating, water will build up in the hood, eventually falling back to the tank. Likewise, while fish can still technically leap out of the water, they cannot breach out of the tank because of the barrier.

On the other side, aquarium hoods will make your tank cat-proof. Cats, as well as other pets, will have no more direct access to your tank.

Being a barrier does not mean it is fixed. That should not be the case for aquarium hoods. Through doors or panels, aquarium hoods provide easy access during feeding, netting, and cleaning.

Aquarium hoods also have functionalities, aside from serving as a barrier. An example of this is an aquarium hood with light that provides illumination directly above your tank. In effect, it will both brighten up your tank and bring out the colors of your fish. Some aquarium hoods can be customized, like installing an automatic fish feeder.

How do I choose the right aquarium hood size?

Measure the length and width of your tank, that’s the only way especially if you are buying online. When you have the actual dimension of your tank, look for an aquarium hood that perfectly fits the dimension of your tank, if not the nearest.

Reminder: if you want a perfect fit, your aquarium hood should be smaller by a centimeter. This allows the aquarium hood to sit on the horizontal support of your tank. Otherwise, if you choose the exact size (or bigger), the aquarium hood will not sit in place and may fall off.

Here’s a table guide for the correct aquarium hood size:

Best Aquarium Hood Review

H2Pro Fish Tank Glass Canopy

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: multi-sizes (read the below table)
• Main Material: tempered glass
• Light: none

Another versatile aquarium hood with lots of size choices is the H2Pro glass canopy. But what sets this aquarium hood from other brands is that, instead of using ordinary glass, it uses tempered glass.

Here are the specifications for each model of H2Pro glass canopy:

Aside from versatility, this aquarium hood has a simple design, yet is highly functional. It has clear plastic back strap that can be customized (through cutting) for lubricant installation as well as hose and other equipment insertion.

While this product is not classified as an aquarium hood with light, you can place any lighting system on its top. Even if the lighting system has a significant weight, this aquarium hood can securely hold it courtesy of its heavy-duty tempered glass material.

Aqueon LED Background Hood with LED light

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: 20″, 24″, 30″, 36″
• Main Material: Plastic
• Light: 2 lamp sockets, 1 white LED lamp

Black is black. If you want your aquarium top to be elegantly black, then this aquarium hood is for you. Made from black plastic, this aquarium hood adds to your tank’s neatness and overall aesthetics while preventing water evaporation.

Despite being a 1-piece aquarium hood, it has a full-length feeding door that allows you easy access without the need for removal during feeding or water change.

Another functionality of this aquarium hood is its lighting system. It has 2 LED Lamp Sockets and already comes with a 1-piece day white LED lamp. With this 1-piece LED light, your tank will significantly brighten up. But if you want more brightness, you can purchase another LED lamp with the same day white illumination or you can choose another color for light variation.

Blue Spotted Aquarium Glass Canopy

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: multi-sizes (see table below)
• Main Material: glass
• Light: none

The Blue Spotted Aquarium Glass Canopy is a highly versatile aquarium hood courtesy of its size variety. It has aquarium hoods compatible with 30 breeders, 40 breeders, 50-gallon, 65-gallon, or an  84-gallon sized aquarium (with or without center brace). These size variations are all compatible with tanks made by Aquarium Masters, Deep Blue, and more.

On top of versatility, this aquarium hood is durable and accessory-ready. Each model has 2 glass panels that can open individually when installed and has its own canopy handle. Aside from the center hinge that joins the 2 glass panels, this aquarium hood also has a 2-inch thick plastic backstrap that can be carved or divided to accommodate the entry of air pump tubings, heaters, and other tank equipment.

Marineland LED Hood with day & night light

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: 20″, 24″, 30″
• Main Material: Plastic
• Light: day & night LED light

The Marineland LED Light Hood is a dome-shaped aquarium hood that has a built-in LED light bar. As for its canopy, it is made from a black plastic material that can be opened through its hinged attachment. Once opened, it will fully expose the surface waters of your tank providing easy access during feeding and cleaning.

While opening the canopy, you will see its LED light bar installed on it. When you close back the canopy and turn on the LED light, you will be surprised by how bright the illumination is. It has 2 light modes: the standard daylight mode and the night mode which emits blue light.

This aquarium hood comes in different sizes to fit a variety of tank sizes. Here are the specifications for each model of Marineland LED Light Hood:

Tetra LED Aquarium Hood, low-profile

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: 16-inch #ad, 20″, 24″, 30″
• Main material: plastic
• Light: white day light

If you don’t want a dome-shaped aquarium hood, yet still have a lighting system, then you may consider the Tetra LED Aquarium Hood. Primarily made from black plastic, the aquarium hood has a low profile, lays flat on top of your aquarium, and is without the bulging structure of a dome-shaped hood.

Underneath the low-profile hood is the LED lighting system, that when turned on, mimics natural sunlight. This aquarium hood is available in many sizes for choice.

Aqueon Versa-Top Hinged Glass Aquarium Tops

• Check on Amazon #ad
• For tank: 48″ x 18″
• Main Material: Glass
• Light: none

Made from a 2-piece 3/16 crystal clear glass, this aquarium hood will perfectly fit and neatly match your glass tank while keeping your fish safe from going overboard and prevents evaporation to occur.

When you open the hood, it provides sufficient space where you can easily insert accessories, like a fishnet. The glass panels are also notched in all corners providing space for air hose insertion.

You have to take note that it needs a middle bracket for center support, especially if you are planning to place something (with significant weight) on top of it.

How to install an aquarium hood?

Installing an aquarium hood is relatively easy. However, installation differs between types of aquarium, lighted units, and the number of panels used.

For 1-piece aquarium hoods, all you need to do is unpack the product from its packaging and place it directly on your tank. For a 2-piece panel aquarium hood, you need to join the panels together using the provided hinges. Just a caution: do not lubricate the hinges as the lubricant that you will apply will contaminate your tank.

For a rimless aquarium, you need to install lid clips on the tank that will act as a base support for your aquarium hood. Once you place the aquarium hood in the tank, you may need to adjust or create a small space (particularly on the back strip side) for air pump hose insertion.

For an aquarium hood with light, you may need to attach the lamp (if it is not yet attached) and test if it is working before you place it in the tank. In this way, you will avoid electrocution in the event the lighting system fails.

On cleaning and maintenance, the aquarium hood doesn’t really need frequent cleaning and maintenance. However, we advise that you clean the internal structures of the aquarium for possible mold growth using a dry clean cloth. You can do this simultaneously during a water change.

Replacement and accessories

Canopy handles

Aquarium Masters 2 Pack Glass Canopy Handles #ad

Most of the handles in aquarium hoods are either embedded in the plastic canopy or, in the case of glass panels, slightly protruding. The reason for this is that most manufacturers want a low-profile aquarium hood with fewer protruding surfaces that adds up to its overall aesthetics. In effect, you usually have a small handle.

With the Aquarium Masters Glass Canopy Handles, you are provided with a large and sturdy handle. All you need to do is apply adhesive and it will neatly stick to any glass canopies. This handle has been proven to be in good use with the Aqueon and Marineland glass canopies.

Cover Support Holder (Lid Clips)

Pveath Universal Glass Cover Support Holder #ad

Rimless tanks are fast becoming the preferred aquarium for newbie and veteran aquarists. However, the top design of the rimless tank does not allow the installation of an aquarium hood. If you are using this type of tank, do not worry as you can still have an aquarium hood, provided that you install a support holder like the Pveath Universal Glass Covers Support Holder.

With varying lengths to choose from (6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm), this lip clip is compatible with any rimless tank and aquarium hood. Made from durable acrylic plastic, all you need to do is attach the lids and it will act as a sturdy support for your aquarium hood. Just take note that this product only comes with 8 lid clips. You may need more lid clips for larger tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aqueon hood light not working, what should I do?

Detach the lamp from the socket. Check if there is corrosion build-up. If there is no corrosion, try it with another lamp and see if it works. If it works, then focus your attention on the lamp. Look for any flaws, damage, or try putting it in another socket. If it doesn’t work, then the lamp itself may be the problem. Also, check for damages to the electrical wire and plug. And lastly, if you are unsure what to do, consult an electrician just to be sure.

How do I install an aquarium hood in a rimless aquarium?

Rimless aquariums do not have horizontal supports where the aquarium hood sits on top. You need to install universal lid clips that will become the top horizontal support. After installing the lid clips, you can now easily place the aquarium hood on top of it.

Can I use an automatic fish feeder with an aquarium hood?

Definitely YES you can. But you need to create a space in the aquarium hood for this type of equipment. Creating a space for an automatic fish feeder requires you to make a hole in the aquarium hood. In the case of glass panels, you can use a diamond cutter or a small hacksaw for aquarium hoods made of plastic.

How do I measure my fish tank for a hood?

Determine the length and width of your tank. From that measurement, choose an aquarium hood that is smaller by a centimeter for a snuggle fit.

Can I cover my fish tank with a towel at night?

It is not recommended to use towels in exchange for aquarium hoods as a cover or lid. Instead, you can use towels (or blankets) for side insulation.

How do you cat-proof a fish tank?

The aquarium hood is the best cat-proofing device that you can have. Aside from this, you can place tables, chairs, and other objects away from the tank. In this way, cats cannot use them as a leaping platform.

Enjoy and happy fish keeping!