Unless you are purchasing a complete fish tank set, which already comes fitted with an aquarium hood, then you will need to acquire one separately.
Aquarium hoods are usually designed to provide an attractive finish to a fish tank, but more than these, they are extremely functional: they stop foreign objects from falling into your fish tank and they also stop hyperactive fish from jumping out of the tank. They are essential in ensuring that the water in your fish tank does not evaporate.
More than that, they hold the lighting for your fish tank. Aquarium hoods will also keep away curious pets like cats and kids who may reach into the tank for the fish.
In addition, they keep away air pollutants that would likely harm your fish. Many people don’t think of dust and smoke, but these, in little concentrations of water as could be found in a fish tank, can turn lethal. The fact that they are kept out also means that there is less cleaning required.
You can get your aquarium hood custom built or you can buy a standard sized one depending on the kind of fish tank you have and also on how much you are willing spend. A custom built one will cost more.
Aquarium hoods can be made of different materials; wood plastic or metal. They can also be made from a combination of these. The leading factor when deciding is how well the hood will fit with existing décor, because it’s the only part of the fish tank that may not blend – all the rest is all transparent.
Each aquarium hood finish has advantages as well as drawbacks:
Wooden aquarium hoods are great because they can be made to match lots of different décor and are sturdy, but they will eventually get wet and suffer water damage. They also tend to be a lot heavier than metal and plastic and may strain your fish tank in the long run. They also tend to warp especially if the wood wasn’t dried out well and water treated. The moisture that’s coming from the tank alone is enough to damage aquarium hoods unless they are of the very highest quality.
Plastic hoods are lighter and are usually cheaper, but just like with most things plastic, you lose the aesthetic appeal. They are also not as sturdy as wooden hoods and might crack or chip. They are best for saltwater fish tanks though, because they do not absorb moisture or suffer corrosion. They are also easier to handle if you need to modify lighting.
Lastly, metal aquarium hoods will be mostly aluminium. It can be manipulated to give a good finish, and is good for saltwater tanks because aluminium is corrosion proof.
Depending on how much you are ready to pay, you can get an aquarium hood with different features – extra lighting, hidden switches and feeding hatches.
For pre-existing tanks, you must know what the size of your tank is before you buy. And remember that in this case, the measurements are actual and not the capacity of the tank.
Aquarium hoods are not just to enhance the looks of your tank. They have many other very practical uses, so as you set up your fish tank, make sure to get one.