canopy plan for 20 gallon w/ HOB?

[Snorri]

I'm a newbie to fish keeping, and just got a 20 gallon tank. Problem is, my cat is big & curious and I'm worried he'll knock the lid off.

Does anyone have plans/recommendations for a diy canopy? I need space for a HOB filter and something sturdy enough for a 15 pound cat to land on.

Thanks!

 

[Rob909]

You could do a flush mount glass lid. There’s a plastic piece you put at the back and cut it to fit your HOB in it. The cat won’t be able to knock the glass lid off and a command strip hook works as the perfect handle to lift the front piece of glass.

 

[FESHMAN]

 

[Snorri]

Thanks for these! I've heard that glass can sometimes shatter under the impact of a cat landing on it. Does anyone have experience with that? Or happen to have plans for a wood canopy?

 

[FESHMAN]

Thanks for these! I've heard that glass can sometimes shatter under the impact of a cat landing on it. Does anyone have experience with that? Or happen to have plans for a wood canopy?

You can also use these polycarbonate panels instead of glass, they are used for green houses. Your cat has to lift for it to break these.

Also it's way easier to cut than glass

 

[kno4te]

I just got some glass sheets from Lowe’s cut to size. Works well for me and my needs.

 

[markstrimaran]

1/4" tempered glass will hold as many cats as you can stack.

 

[CarpCharacin]

Polycarbonate is the cheapest and easiest to cut.

 

[monkeybike]

I'd build a wooden canopy to cover the top and lights. Just get some 1x6 wood to build a surround and hinge a lid on top for access

 

[CarpCharacin]

I'd build a wooden canopy to cover the top and lights. Just get some 1x6 wood to build a surround and hinge a lid on top for access

But then the wood would have to be coated with something like polyurethane, because if you don't, the water will get inside the wood and cause it to swell.