Filling in tank cover holes?

[TPIRman]

Hi there --

New to the board, so I hope you will entertain a newbie question. I recently set up a 10-gallon tank and got a standard black hood with a built-in lighting fixture. The hood had cutouts for the filter, heater, and air hose, which I took advantage of. However, the filter and heater are both smaller than their corresponding holes in the hood. What is the best way to fill in these gaps?

The fellow at my LFS said that he usually just cuts plastic out of butter tubs and silicones or duct tapes them on the top. That will work, but I was wondering if there were a more aesthetic solution that people use. The LFS guy also said that nylon mesh was a possibility?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[Captain Hook]

Do you mean the open part of the tank at the back of the hood? If so, I just leave it open. It probably allows a bit more evaporation but I don't worry about it.

Interesting idea covering the gap tho, never thought of even trying it.

[sprite42]

Plastic canvas works wonders. You can get at Walmart in the craft section. It is about 80 to 90 cents a sheet. It is very easy to cut and fit.

I use it for everything from tank dividers to betta bowl covers.

Hope this helps!

[MSmith]

I got weatherstripping at home depot--you know the flexible stuff you can put at the bottom of a door and cut it to fit. It works really well.

[TPIRman]

CH -- I plan to add a hermit crab to the tank once it is settled down, and I need to block the gaps in the hood to keep him from escaping!

I think I'm going to try the plastic canvas idea, sprite. Sounds like an elegant solution -- I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for your ideas!

[bozco]

I use black window screen. Stops the air from getting stale and keeps my jumpers in.