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DIY Light Panel Cover for Aquarium Racking

• Feb 11, 2025
• Anshika Mishra
•   5        0      0

If you are just done building your aquarium racking. But now, when you switch on the light, it bounces back. It's a common issue with racking. It's not a big deal if you just have a giant breeder setup or a fish store. 

However, most people don't like the look of spewing out the side of the tank because you have that gap between the top and bottom. So, start playing around with the idea of a cover. You can opt for plywood and put little hinges so they stay within the woods or paint.

But if you don't like the idea of plywood around fish aquariums because it can get wet and moldy, then go for polycarbonate. While the polycarbonate is a little expensive, you'll never have to change it. So, at least, it'll be a one-time deal. 

Building a DIY Light Panel Cover  

Here, you need to use screws with super small heads. This way, you can use the screws to just studs enabling you to hold the piece of polycarbonate on. It's nothing new because people have used this idea with doors on aquarium stands forever. You can pop it off. 

Begin with putting the screw into the wood and then hang out only enough to where the thickness of the polycarbonate hangs itself on there. These will work as the studs to hang the polycarbonate sheets. You can also take it off and on easily. 

Next, to prevent the light from bouncing back, black it out. Vinyl sheets will be the best option for giving a nice, symmetric look. However, the quality of the Vinyl is a big deal. So, spend a few extra dollars to get a decent brand. 

Now, with everything ready, put on the covers. Also, an extra tip: put the screw in an upward angle to point it out so that the covers don't fall off on their own.

Build Your DIY Cover

It's an incredibly easy method that will also give you easy access to all the tanks. Plus, it'll not be heavy on your wallet. The project can be easily done within $30. The most expensive item for the covers will be polycarbonate, which comes around $50 for a 4X8 sheet.