10 Gallon or Nano Tank Lids at The Dollar Tree?!?!

If you need a replacement or temporary lid - especially for a nano tank or 10 gallon - I'm going to show you a cool hack to get it at the Dollar Tree!
Check out our cool new merch here! www.primetimea...
If you want more unique ideas check out my Instagram: @thesmallscape
If you want to see some of my more traditional aquascapes check out
Aquascapes by Joanna at Prime Time Aquatics: / @primetimeaquatics
As always, thank you for stopping by! Joanna :-)
#fishtank #fishkeeping #aquarium

[@tic857]

I made a lid from the dollar tree, the glass from the picture frames are thin and shatter easily. A better option are the large acrylic frames and either cut or heat then to size. They look good and fit onto the rim.

[@pattiespetitetanks6181]

Yes I think this would be wiser

[@darthlobster]

I needed a lid for my 5.5-gallon rimless tank, totally standard size but it didn't come with a lid, so I actually just went to Home Depot and got a piece of Plexiglass that happened to be just about right and some command hooks, some to put on the inside so it didn't knock off so easily and one large one to put on top so I could lift it up. Then I cut some holes for the filter and light to sit so it was very very snug and nobody would jump out (as it originally was housing a betta). I think all told it was $14 and while it's definitely kind of premium, it came out very snazzy and I'm glad I did that. I recently moved it into the kitchen which is a high traffic area in my house and everyone comments on how it's one of the nicest tanks they've ever seen haha.

[@betterthantelevision]

Instead of duct tape, you could buy a stainless steel hinge and glue it to each frame.

[@thesmallscape]

Heck ya!!

[@fishmanc5357]

Beat me to it 😁👍🏻

[@kendracrippen]

90% of the time I regret coming to KZbin comments. This is not one of those times 🙂 Great tip and I am currently in a pinch

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Good morning and happy Saturday!! I'm your twin today, because I have on my "Scape, Gaze and Repeat" shirt!!🌿😍💚 Time for us to go shopping at the Dollar tree again 😁 That is a great idea especially when you don't have a lid!!🙌 My daughter was making fun of me the other day because everything she brings into the house I'm always saying oh I could use that for the aquarium 🤣❤️ thanks for sharing I hope you're have a great weekend!!🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@thesmallscape]

Ahaha!!! Oh ya, we’d be dangerous together. Lol! Sometime we will have to hit a dollar tree and thrifting spree so fun - all plant and aquarium doodads haha! Enjoy your weekend 😊😊😊

[@psychedelichippocampus6226]

great Idea! especially for people who use their tanks with side view instead of long view, most traditional lids won't open from the end.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes!😃

[@alisapizza4776]

This is actually really helpful, thank you!

[@davefromiowa3843]

You could use black duct tape, and a velcro hanging kit for a handle.

[@notsure9802]

Yeah, and there are tons of patterns and colors for duct tape at the craft store

[@marivonne16]

Was going to suggest the same thing, black duct tape would tie in with the picture frame nicely. With it coming in colors and patterns, it could be matched with whatever color picture frames people get.

[@slamboy66]

My wife's work had a broken Corona shield I cut to size and used clear mounting tape for hinge.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, I’ve heard of that! 👍 nice

[@sl789s]

This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@bunnyviperaquatics2108]

That’s BRILLIANT, & as usual, you’re a DOLL! Thank you so much for the cool ideas; keep ‘em coming!!

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks! 😆 I will try 😃

[@martyborst5645]

Greetings Joanna. Great idea! 👍🌿🐟🐠 Sincerely, Marty Borst

[@artscrafts4685]

Such a good idea! Thank you!!

[@lamkins2276]

Great tip! I have a 6-gallon bookshelf I need a lid for. Dollar Tree, here I come.

[@TheAusisa]

Awesome tip Joanna as always!

[@shesellsfish]

Nice hack. I've done this, it works wonderfully well when you have to have a lid to stop the would be jumpers. Hope ya'll had a great Saturday. 👍💓👍

[@audrameyer9558]

Happy Saturday! 💗 the tips as always. I love the look when the frame is kept on.

[@thesmallscape]

Happy Saturday, Audra! Ya, it looks pretty darn good 😌

[@SweetGumMinis]

This is a great idea. I have a 10 gallon terrarium that I need to be pretty much enclosed tight and I've been rigging it currently with a broken top from my 50 gallon tank. It's not currently in use (plans to change that in motion). Anyway, I've been debating whether to cut the glass to make it fit but with your idea I think I may go that route and try to fix the old 50 top for the 50 again. We'll see. Love the ideas.

[@thesmallscape]

Great, hope something works out 😃

[@pattiespetitetanks6181]

Clear shipping tape ... great idea

[@cyn6432]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mikepowers7444]

Great idea thanks from a new fan!

[@ErikWhyRock]

5k!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooooooray!!!!!! Congrats!!!!

[@thesmallscape]

Why, thank you so much! ☺️ !

[@MrGrombie]

I had an old frame that was getting dusty.... I took it out of the frame and it fits my 10g darn nice. Only like 2” off the depth. But length wise makes it perfect to feed too.

[@thesmallscape]

Nice to hear!

[@MrGrombie]

@@thesmallscape Your video gave me ideas lol TY

[@Cichlid_4_ever]

Joanna just a heads up that glass will break fairly easy especially with kids I’ve tried a couple times great tip is to double the glass I siliconed a piece of the glass stacked so it’s a little more solid on the glass.

[@thesmallscape]

Great tip, yes - or like others have suggested, just stick with acrylic 🙂

[@rachelmurray8970]

Great idea 💡

[@trevorgregori9667]

Awesome idea 💡.

[@jeanniechristy3885]

Great ideas thank you!

[@lynnbonica4342]

A smaller size piano hinge would work, too. I believe you can even get them in black. If you've ever seen those long hinges that hold the top on..on a jewelry armoire? That's them. Lowe's would have them.

[@thesmallscape]

Sweet idea!!

[@DeaconBean]

Oh mai! ❤❤❤ YOU MIGHT BE A SAINT. 🎉🎉😂❤❤ OR A POPE! GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU.

[@dakotabrowning5286]

So cool!! Thank you ma'am(:

[@thefishwitch2137]

Great idea!

[@therineo7839]

As always thank you and you guys be safe traveling

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you so much - we will 😊

[@IsabellaM._]

What a terrific idea🙂

[@thesmallscape]

☺️!

[@theresaabshire711]

Love your hacks !

[@faedoyle4147]

BRILLIANT ❤️❤️

[@Shelzbells]

Thats a great hack......I have been in a pinch needing a lid before too, and I never thought of this. Thanks for a great idea.

[@thesmallscape]

That’s great to hear, hope it comes in handy someday ☺️

[@melissafoster1228]

You are pretty darn amazing at this stuff. Hats off and thumbs up Lil’ Miss Bubbly. 👍🏻

[@thesmallscape]

😂 Lol!

[@punittripathi79]

Awesome idea

[@raventhomas3998]

Good hack!! I have a square glass on my 20hex. Not an exact fit but keeps the fish in!! plus the open corners are good for airline and feeding. 👍😁

[@creekpeep]

Thanks. You made me giggle 😊

[@richarddobrensky7566]

Really great hack thanks

[@naegwut]

Love it

[@twunderaquatics1770]

Grest idea!!!! Love it!

[@josephposada1830]

You are wonderful

[@thesmallscape]

Lol !

[@TripleJAquatics]

Another great one. Thanks

[@farmert9679]

Great info. Great idea.

[@BeeKayCee911]

THANKS ⚘️

[@sharronmiller451]

Awesome!!

[@trekabe9745]

New subscriber here from Colorado...great idea for a lid....love your videos🙂

[@thesmallscape]

Awesome!! Yippee 🥳 Thank you for watching them!

[@jenxu2]

Great idea! I just broke a nice glass lid....this fix fits my budget!

[@thesmallscape]

🙌😃

[@aoaquatics4005]

LOL as long as it works right haha! 😅 it keeps the fish from jumpin out so I’d say try it if you have too! Great video. I should do a hack video, 🤔I have some tips for the community. Thanks for the inspiration 🔥

[@thesmallscape]

Lol! I think all hobbyists have some tips to share - absolutely!! ☺️

[@artificialfrontiers4603]

I don't doubt that this works in a pinch, but hear me out. When I used to work in department stores these picture frames used to come in broken all the time. They are not tempered glass and shatter very easily. I can imagine someone would close the lid and send very sharp glass fragments all over the substrate of their tank and have to basically collect the fish before they consume or get cut by it and start the whole tank over again. Also, if you go without the rims you will cut yourself eventually. It's very sharp. I had to wear gloves to unpack these things from the shipping box. I like the idea but way too dangerous.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh yes, always be careful around glass!

[@FootyHerper10]

Great idea!!

[@Father9]

Bit late to this one but two picture frames make a great frame for a DIY lighted background. I currently have mine joined together with duct tape haha

[@mossvirago4488]

Ma'am you just saved my butt, I had to get a temp tank for toad quarantine and the closest place to buy a lid is an hour away and closed, but you know what is a block away? The dollar store. THANK YOU

[@aquarialife8418]

Love it 💕

[@larryhenry719]

Awesome hack

[@allisonwendell9942]

This isn't a fun hack. This is a freaking amazing Hack!!! I bought a five gallon tank, Lifegard Full View Aquarium. For the life of me I can't understand why they included such an annoying piece of glass AKA the lid. It covers the entire tank, no feeding area. So you literally have to lift the entire lid (which is heavy) to feed your fish or to do maintenance. Honey I'm on my way to dollar tree to get me some frames I can fashion for this tank. I will use hinges like someone suggested. Thank you for this!

[@debbiebowling1999]

Amazon has clear hinges you can use with glue that I got cheep.I tried looking for pic frames for square 10 gallon tanks and cannot find

[@sharonlewis6258]

Great ideas

[@thesmallscape]

☺️!

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Great idea! My lids are fine, but if I ever break them, now I know what I can do.

[@r.c.brousseau9655]

Good idea - but I would use black duck or gorilla tape for a better match with the black picture frames.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes excellent ☺️

[@zalphinian]

I have been trying to figure out a cheap lid for a tote I'm using for a QT set up, since the lid it came with was blue. I'll have to do some measuring and see if I can get creative now!

[@karenaubrey5737]

Good Morning

[@marivonne16]

With which type of light configuration would this work best?

[@christopherstaples6758]

I am actually kinda amazed how your using chrome shelving , are the shelves not held up by a small plastic groove ? or have you drilled the shelves in place to rule out a possible failure ?

[@AlysonGreeneOfficial]

I wish I had thought of this when I cracked one of my lids during water changes. 🙄

[@thesmallscape]

I missed it, dang. 😆

[@LadyTroubadour]

This is a year old vid but I'm just finding it now- finally need to admit that my ten gal terrarium isn't doing so hot lidless, the moisture loss is too fast. But I wanted to comment anyway because even on the low cost and low effort end you can still make this look nice for certain aesthetics- at Dollar Tree they ALSO have decorative duct tape- solid colors, or with some shine/pattern. If you buy a roll of that and apply it not only as a hinge but also around the edges you have a nice cheerful colored border on your lid now. Amazing if you have a spot where you have a lil tank to brighten a room, and if it's a kid's terrarium/aquarium, they'll probably love having it a nice color and being able perhaps to decorate the tape further with stickers or idk, their name or their plant's name or their fish's name written on the tape in marker. XD

[@jamesparadigm]

💚💚💚

[@Ann__333]

Clear packing tape looks better. Its almost invisible. Clean the glass with a razor blade first. It holds for years even with the humidity of a heated tank.

[@nicoleanne312]

Any tips for a hexagon 20 gallon? I'm thinking about getting the mesh from Amazon but I would like to see if I have other option first

[@Rubysrescue]

I would wrap the glass panel with some kind of clear laminate/contact paper. The glass is super thin and can easily crack!

[@Milquetoast702]

Genius ty

[@janecourtenay3676]

Brilliant idea! I have make-do plastic container lids on my betta tank ... this is a much better idea (pardon the pun!). Love it! 💓

[@thesmallscape]

Haha - it may work out much betta for you 😂

[@swimforward1700]

Wonderful hack😊 I just need to figure out what would work for my 5 1/2 gallon 🤔

[@brianawashington393]

Me too

[@wrs8895]

Are those still our Amazon Basics stands? And are they supporting a 20 gallon? I want to use one from HDX @ Home Depot (Sand stand and weight) for a 10 g and 6 g, but want to make sure they will last and not sag!

[@cherylbelott]

Happy Saturday Joanna 😊 I recall this tip from your past video and I ended up doing something similar. It’s been working great! Always nice to save some cash! Thanks! 👍🏻 🐠 Have a great weekend! PS. I’m heading to a state park today and may finally get to stop off in Port Washington! 😃 Any good places to definitely check out for a quick bite or shop?

[@thesmallscape]

Hi! Oh yes, it’s an oldie but a goodie! Thank you, getting ready for our trip. Ooh - I hope you get to go there! Ok, I just posted a pic on Instagram - it’s the sign out front of the cute little shop I usually go to. Combo craft mall/ thrift store/ etc. also for coffee - Smith Bros is a must. Food if you like Mexican, Beanies is really fun. I always love Cousins though. Chocolate Chisel for pricey ice cream. Enjoy!! 😃

[@cherylbelott]

@@thesmallscape Thanks so much! Great suggestions. I can see I won’t be able to hit everything in one day! Darn. Lol 🤣 Maybe we can meet up there one day. Have a fantastic trip!!!! 🐠 🐟

[@ReneesZooTube]

Instead of duct tape, you could use the clear gorilla tape and it would look a little nicer.

[@thesmallscape]

Ooooh - great idea!!

[@billlooker2689]

I have sunlight sheets 10x2 foot cut any size you want

[@simplycurlyde]

Nice. I have several nano tank bowls. Do you have any ideas what I can use for lids?

[@thesmallscape]

Hmmm...no but your question will certainly cause me to think of some!

[@Daniel-sg8xv]

I wish we had a dollar tree in Hawaii :(

[@markhunter2244]

Wow 5k subscribers, with nice hacks like this it want be long before you hit 10k 🤓

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks, Mark! At least by 2025 👍🥳

[@johnwood738]

Nice idea,was out early feeding animals and working in garden before it gets hot we are in for a heat wave. Looking at Grimmie’s tank and not seeing him. He has been acting a little of the last couple of days water tests fine tank mates are doing. good the way the plants came on he could be hiding . Fingers crossed!

[@thesmallscape]

Ok yes. Hope he’s hiding. Clear Bob does that sometimes and scares me.

[@johnwood738]

@@thesmallscape I hope he has just been off lately, didn’t know what else to try after testing water and tank mates are fine. Remember an old Aquarium Co Op video on tannins helping Bettas so got some from lFS and trying that.

[@pleasestop1154]

E600 would be helpful instead of the unsightly tape

[@Discotheque2002]

What size would I need for my 5 gallon?

[@thesmallscape]

Hi! You’d have to measure the top, they’re all very different. 🙂

[@elizabethG633]

If one is going to use the frames, why not just buy a set of small hinges and attach with little nails or gorilla glue, that way no fighting with tape not stretching or bunching up. I would do that and then cover with a thin coat of aquarium silicone.

[@thesmallscape]

Yessss!!!

[@jaylopez7753]

That's killer. I like that.

[@FirstLast-numba1]

have you tried just using plastic wrap?

[@f4ujmb]

Google living hinge !👍

[@MridulSinghMusic]

I've done this before!

[@thesmallscape]

Woohoo!

[@sergeiz.5815]

Maybe use hinges instead of duct tape? Will look a little better 😉

[@thesmallscape]

That would be great!

[@theirishman8455]

Or use black duct tape. Electrical tape is black and has a lot of give….the wheels are turning!

[@thesmallscape]

Go for it! 😆😆

[@davefromiowa3843]

Sweet ijdea

[@darrylmoore5847]

Hopefully I will not have to use this hack, but it is good to know just in case.

[@gfamily1943]

I must have no imagination. I walked all through my dollar store and couldn't find anything to work as a background 🙃

[@thesmallscape]

Hi! It takes practice and a slightly odd mind 😊 - Dollar store backgrounds..let’s see here... I just did a video on 3D vinyl tiles they have, poster board or acrylic paint. Those are the main ones. 🙂

[@gfamily1943]

@@thesmallscape Is there anyway you can do a video about aquascaping layout? Its the only thing I'm struggling with. There are so many tutorials but no one breaks down how they knew which plants go where and what they'd look like in contrast to different substrates. Example: I just redid my substrait to a pure white and then realized that the bright green of my plants creates a bit of an eyesore. So now I'm trying to figure out what stock would look appealing. Think I'm going to go with more darker plants but I know nothing about rocks and driftwood types. I think videos breaking down the types and look of these things are lacking... or maybe its my algorithm. Anyways how do you get from an idea to a decently scaped aquarium without buying a crap load of stuff?

[@SierraPrecursora]

Duct tape comes in black

[@feralon9570]

Thanks for the tip! I will be making a trip to the dollar store this week. I will have to take my list of ideas from The Small Scape with me.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh how funny!! Yayyy!! Might want to wait until Wednesday (😉)