How to Make a Fiberglass Aquarium

Building your own fiberglass aquarium offers several benefits. You can construct an aquarium of whatever size you like, usually for less than what you would pay for a comparably-sized prebuilt aquarium. A fiberglass aquarium is more durable than one made of glass. The weight of the water and the tank's frame puts a lot of strain on the bottom of a traditional glass aquarium. Also, a fiberglass aquarium allows you more flexibility with its shape. You can construct your own fiberglass aquarium to take advantage of these benefits but remember, it will take quite a bit of work.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood
  • 2-inch galvanized wood screws
  • Epoxy
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Disposable paint brushes
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Glass
  • Silicone sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what size aquarium you want. Because the measurements for your wood pieces, fiberglass cloth, and glass are going to depend on the size of your aquarium, you need to figure the measurements you want the finished product to have before you start purchasing supplies.

    • 2

      Purchase wood to act as the frame of your fiberglass aquarium. Oak, poplar, or plywood are all good choices. You can purchase large sheets of the wood you want and cut them yourself with a table saw, or pay an extra fee to have the lumber store cut the wood to your specifications. Remember to leave room in the front piece of wood for the glass.

    • 3

      Assemble the frame. Hold the pieces of wood together using clamps. Make sure the corners and edges are properly lined up then begin screwing the pieces together using 2-inch galvanized wood screws.

    • 4

      Laminate the fiberglass. Mix the epoxy according to the instructions on the container. Mix only 2 cups at a time to ensure the epoxy is thoroughly mixed. Use brushes to coat the interior of the frame. You should do about three coats. Cut your fiberglass into pieces that fit your frame. Place each piece of fiberglass where you want it and coat with more epoxy. After the epoxy sits for three to four hours, trim off any excess fiberglass and add another four coats of epoxy. Apply the coats of epoxy at for at least four hours -- and up to several days -- apart.

    • 5

      Sand the aquarium's exterior and paint it any color you desire. Make sure to let the paint dry completely before moving to the next step.

    • 6

      Install the glass. Have the glass prepared for you. Apply a layer of silicone sealant along the front bottom edge inside your aquarium and place the glass onto it. Use the sealant along all of the edges.