How to Develop a 3D Aquarium

Most aquarium layouts incorporate decorative elements only inside the aquarium. However, incorporating decorations and diorama backings outside the aquarium can greatly improve the aesthetics of a tank. A background diorama can greatly increase the depth of an aquarium while making it seem larger. A three-dimensional aquarium layout, with decorations inside and out, also makes for a dynamic display. In short, a three-dimensional setup makes a fish tank more visually interesting.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 1/2-inch thick, length of your aquarium
  • Jigsaw
  • Sandpaper
  • Hardboard
  • Hammer
  • Picture nails
  • Wood glue (optional)
  • Papier-mâché
  • Model paints
  • Aquarium decorations
  • Aquarium light
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your base out of plywood. The straightest edge of the plywood should face the aquarium. Cut the back into a gentle curve using your jigsaw. Sand the edge.

    • 2

      Cut out your backdrop. First, measure the curved part of your base with a measuring tape, then cut a piece of hardboard to shape. The hardboard should be the height of your aquarium and the width of the curve.

    • 3

      Attach your backdrop. To do this, nail the hardboard to the plywood base. Use at least one nail for every 6 inches of hardboard. When nailing the hardboard, alternate back and forth between both the left and the right of the joint.

    • 4

      Lay your diorama on its back. Since the back of the diorama is curved, you may need to brace it with books or blocks of wood. Then, build up the background of the diorama with papier-mâché. You can sculpt anything you can think of: a rock wall, fake driftwood, or even scenery. Use your imagination.

    • 5

      Incorporate aquarium decorations into your diorama. For example, you can incorporate cheap plastic aquarium plants into your background, attached to the papier-mâché. At the same time, a few small rocks or ornaments placed on the aquarium stand in front of the aquarium can enhance the three-dimensional feeling of this kind of layout.