DIY Plywood Aquariums With a Rock Background

Making an aquarium yourself, especially if it is large, can save you a lot of money over buying one. At first, it may seem like plywood is not a logical choice for an aquarium, but with a coat of fiberglass epoxy, it becomes a sturdy, waterproof and inexpensive material. To add more aesthetics to the project, a rock background can be included using simple cement and stones. The final result is a beautiful aquarium for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4 lumber
  • 1-by-2 lumber
  • Plywood sheets
  • Marine epoxy with fiberglass
  • Paintbrush
  • Silicon tubes
  • Non-toxic Portland cement
  • Rocks
  • Right-angle fittings
  • Screws
  • Glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct four flat rectangular plate frames out of 2-by-4s. Each plate frame will be a wall for the aquarium. There should be two smaller ones to make the sides of the aquarium, and then identical longer ones that will be the back and bottom. To make each frame, attach four pieces of lumber of the appropriate lengths together with right-angle wood fittings. Attach vertical supporting beams in the frame about every 8 inches using the same method.

    • 2

      Screw sheets of plywood over the frames. If multiple sheets must be used on the same frame, make sure the seam is as tight as possible. The finished plates will look similar to pallets.

    • 3

      Apply a layer of nontoxic Portland cement over the plywood plate that will be the back of the aquarium. Attach rocks in the desired arrangement and allow the cement to dry, firmly securing them.

    • 4

      Paint every plywood plate -- including the cemented plate -- with a generous application of marine epoxy with fiberglass. Marine epoxy is nontoxic in water, and varieties that contain fiberglass make the plywood more sturdy.

    • 5

      Construct a wooden box out of 2-by-4s that will make the frame of the aquarium. It is easiest to make two identical flat rectangles that will be the top and bottom of the frame. At each corner of the bottom rectangle, screw two boards together in a right angle to make the height of the frame. Once this is done, at each corner the top rectangle can be secured, completing the 3-D box structure. The plywood plates completed earlier will fit inside this box frame. Use additional 2-by-4s for supporting beams. Attach all of the boards with fittings on the outside of the frame.

    • 6

      Insert the plywood plates inside the aquarium frame. Secure them to the frame with screws. Apply more epoxy over the screws to prevent them from rusting.

    • 7

      Attach a strip of 1-by-2 lumber on the floor of the aquarium that is 1/4 inch away from the frame -- or the distance that is equal to the thickness of the glass. This will create a slot that will help hold the glass in place. Do this for the front sides of the aquarium where the glass will be as well. Use screws, and then cover them with sealant.

    • 8

      Secure the glass to the front of the aquarium. To do this, lay the aquarium so its front is facing down. Apply a thick layer of silicone in the glass slots in the front of the aquarium. Slowly slide the glass into the slotted frame, which is possible through the open side that is the top of the aquarium when it is upright. Since the glass is being attached to the inside of the frame, it won't be in contact with the ground. Gently push it down to ensure that all of the air bubbles in the silicone have been removed. Allow it to dry before testing the aquarium.