Best Aquarium Hoods

If you’re an aquaristics enthusiast, then you already know that it’s not enough just picking out a pretty fish tank, populate it with a goldfish or two, and call it a day. To truly create a magnificent aquarium that will impress everyone who sees it and give you peace and joy every day, you’ll need to put in a lot of effort, time, and money. You will need to carefully pick out the type of fish and the breeds you want to keep. Are you interested in lovely freshwater tropical fish, such as the stunning Bettas or cute Guppies? Or do you prefer marine species more, such as clown fish or Yellow Tang?

Picking the Right Aquarium Hood

So, how do you choose a perfect hood for your fish tank? Is there any difference between hoods, lids, canopies or do all these aquarium covers offer the same benefits? PetGuide.com’s experts have prepared extensive resources on fishkeeping that will help anyone from seasoned aquarists to beginner hobbyists. Our informational guides and reviews help you choose the best model of aquarium hoods for your own fish tank, making sure that the cover you end up buying fits both your tank and your budget.

When it comes to aquarium hoods, plastic aquarium covers are considered to be the most common. There are two reasons why plastic aquarium hoods are so popular: they’re budget-friendly and their roof-like shape makes them ideal for housing aquarium lights. Instead of having to deal with complicated installations of lightning or fitting a custom-made lid on their fish tank, a lot of owners opt for plastic aquarium hoods that come with the lights already attached, meaning all you have to do is simply place them on your tank.

However, these hoods tend not to be as durable as their pricier counterparts, and they won’t help with evaporation and maintenance. In case your needs are simple and your aquarium is not too big or complex (like reef tanks), plastic hoods will do the job well enough. Granted, you will have to pay special attention to the specifications of each of the models, as the light fixture quality and dimensions will be different with every brand- thankfully, PetGuide.com is here to help with our in-depth reviews of plastic aquarium hoods. We can ensure both your wallet and your fish will be happy with your choice!

Role of an Aquarium Hood

In reality, the most important role aquarium hoods have is to keep your fish safe. Contrary to the popular belief, aquarium hoods are not installed as to keep other animals out of the tank (such as a curious kitty or a silly pooch), but rather to keep fish in it. A lot of people who are new to fishkeeping are not aware that fish, especially freshwater species such as Bettas, are prone to jumping out of the tank. Additionally, less than ideal living conditions or illnesses can actually make your fish suicidal, leading them to jump out of the aquarium. By installing aquarium hoods over your fish tank, you will prevent your prized aquatic pets from ending up as a dried jerky treat on your living room carpet. Having that in mind, any type of hood will do the task that is the most important, but keeping fish in the tank is not the only quality aquarium hoods should have.

For instance, aquarium hoods made out of glass are an excellent choice if you want to combine elegant appearance and functionality. The clear glass lid will prevent your fish from venturing out of the tank, yes, but it will also maintain water at an optimal level for a longer time, minimizing the need for cleaning. Glass lids prevent evaporation as they sit tightly on the tank’s top, and this will make maintenance that much easier. Additionally, the aquarium lighting won’t be exposed to water, which will increase the lifespan of your bulbs significantly. Of course, there are downsides to glass aquarium lids, as well: be sure to read more about these fish tank covers on PetGuide.com before you make a final decision.

Price vs. Function

Ironically, the aquarium hoods that are usually the most expensive ones are also those who are the least functional. Wooden aquarium hoods or canopies, as they’re also called, are used only for aesthetic purposes, as they’re usually custom made to complement the aquarium stand or the furniture in the aquarium room. While it’s undeniable that aquarium canopies are stunning and add visual interest, they are not a necessity- but rather a luxury. If you want to splurge on your little aquatic empire, PetGuide.com has selected the most stylish canopies to review.

Creating and maintaining an aquarium is not always easy. Thankfully, fishkeeping resources at PetGuide.com will make sure that your experience with aquaristics goes as smoothly as possible. From comprehensive buying guides on everything from aquarium itself to help to pick out the perfect inhabitants for your new tank, our experts have you covered. Additionally, once you pick out all the equipment and products you need for a thriving underwater ecosystem, our guides on aquarium care will help you keep your plants and fish healthy and happy with their new living environment.