DIY hood

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You now have a basic frame so being gentle make sure it fits over your tank. The 5mm lee-way may be slightly more or less but it should fit over easily. Don't worry too much as long as this gap is between 2 and 8mm. If it is too small it may be a tight fit and if it is too large the rest supports will not work. Take the frame and put it back where you are working.

Using your old hood or by measuring where your equipment is, line up where the pipework and electrics enter the tank. Measure the distance between the water line and the top of these pipes. You are going to cut some access holes. This is the most difficult part of the whole hood build!!! However it is not in view (assuming your access is at the rear) so don't be too worried if it is a 'rough' job.

If your waterline is 25mm below the surface and the top of the pipework is a further 25mm then the entrances can be cut to approx 60mm height.

Mark out the areas to be cut on the inside of the frame and then tilting the front of the frame up line it up over the top of your tank to see if you have marked the right widths.

Find the largest drill bit you have (within reason) if it is a 25mm then measure 25mm from the top of the marked area and draw a line. Then draw a line 25mm inside the edges.

Where the 2 lines cross take the small (3mm) drill bit and drill through the marks. Using gradually larger drill bits drill through the same hole until you have drilled through with the 25mm drill bit. You should now have 2 holes inside the marked areas that meet the side and top of the area to be cut.

Take a hacksaw blade and cut along the outer lines until you have removed the access hole. Do not throw these pieces of wood away as you will be using them later.

Sand the frame all over gently to remove any splinters that may catch on something later. Be careful not to sand too hard.






















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