Monday, October 31, 2011

Why Aluminium Aquarium Hoods Are Crucial For Fish Tanks

By Jill Kaestner


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 generally designed to offer an fascinating finish to a fish tank, but more than these, they're highly functional: they stop foreign objects from falling into your fish tank and they also stop hyperactive fish from leaping out of the tank. They're essential in making sure the water in your fish tank does not evaporate.

More than this, they hold the lighting for your fish tank. Aquarium hoods will also keep away curious pets like cats and children who may reach into the tank for the fish.

In addition, they keep away air pollutants that would likely harm your fish. Many folks don't think of dust and smoke, but these, in tiny concentrations of water as could be found in a fish tank, can turn fatal. The proven fact that they are kept out also means that there is less cleaning needed.

It's easy to get your aquarium hood custom built or you can purchase the 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 be more costly.

Aquarium hoods can be made from different materials; wood plastic or metal. They may also be made of a mix of these. The number one factor when deciding is how well the hood will fit with existing dcor, because it's the only part of the fish tank that might not mix "all of the rest is all transparent.

Each aquarium hood finish has advantages as well as drawbacks:

Wooden aquarium hoods are good because they are able to be made to match lots of different dcor 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 particularly if the wood wasn't dried out well and water dealt with. The moisture that is coming from the tank alone will damage aquarium hoods unless they're of the very highest quality.

Plastic hoods are lighter and are often cheaper, but just like with many things plastic, you lose the cultured appeal. They also are not as strong as wooden hoods and might crack or chip. They are the best for saltwater fish tanks though, because they do not absorb moisture or suffer corrosion. They are also easier to handle if you want to modify lighting.

Lastly, metal aquarium hoods will be usually aluminium. It can be manipulated to give a good finish, and is good for saltwater fish tanks because aluminum is corrosion evidence.

Dependent on how much you are prepared to pay, it is easy to get an aquarium hood with different features "extra lighting, concealed switches and feeding hatches.

For established tanks, you have to know what the scale of your tank is before you purchase. And remember that in this example, the measurements are exact and not the capacity of the tank.

Aquarium hoods aren't solely to enhance the looks of your tank. They have many other extraordinarily practical uses, so as you set up your fish tank, make certain to get one.




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