How to Make a Bigger PVC Aquarium

The trick to using PVC as part of your aquarium design is drilling the glass of the aquarium. You can use PVC to create a larger aquarium by adding pipes from one aquarium to another and/or to a sump. Sumps are external containment systems connected to the aquarium's water system. They provide an area for filtration devices. However, the sump does not have to be hidden; if you construct it properly it will look like an extension of the main aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 glass aquariums
  • 2 wide-diameter bulkheads
  • PVC pipe at least 4 inches in diameter
  • 2 male pipe threads
  • Saw
  • PVC primer
  • PVC glue
  • Teflon tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan your design using scale drawings. This step is critical as mistakes can cause the glass of the aquariums to shatter. Make absolutely sure the aquariums will be perfectly level and the PVC connector will be at the same height on both aquariums. Any twisting or prying forces will shatter the aquariums.

    • 2

      Drill a hole in each of the aquariums using a diamond grinder. This can be very tricky. To help ensure you don't break the glass, use the drill on its lowest speed, use very gentle force on the glass and keep the drilling area wet to prevent dust and heat build up. Make sure the bottom edge of the holes you drill are the exact same distance from the bottom of the aquarium. Uneven heights will cause the glass to break when they are attached.

    • 3

      Screw one of the bulkheads into the hole drilled in one of the aquariums. The rubber washer should be on the inside of the aquarium. Hand tighten the bulkheads; tools risk stripping the plastic threads.

    • 4

      Cut the PVC pipe to the desired length then glue to the MPT ends. Prime the PVC with the purple primer and let it cure for a few minutes. Then spread the glue on both the pipe and the inside of the threaded end. Let the glue cure according to the instructions on the can.

    • 5

      Tape the threads with Teflon tape and screw one threaded end of the PVC into one of the bulkheads. You won't be able to screw both in at the same. The Teflon tape will help prevent leaks through the threads.

    • 6

      Screw the outer end of the second bulkhead to the other end of the threaded PVC. Use the Teflon tape on the threads.

    • 7

      Insert the end of the bulkhead into the drilled hole in the aquarium and screw on the washer of the bulkhead. Remember, the rubber washer goes on the inside of the aquarium. Hand tighten.

    • 8

      Fill up the aquariums with water and test for leaks. Watch them carefully for the first several days. The wide PVC should be enough for fish to swim through from one aquarium to the other.