How to Build an Aquarium Out of Wood

Aquariums can be very expensive to purchase and set-up depending on the size of the tank. An alternative to store-bought aquariums are wooden aquariums that you can build yourself. The cost of materials for these aquariums is far less than the cost of purchasing a retail aquarium. Wooden aquariums can be built in any size to fit the area where it will be installed, the size of the fish inhabitants and the amount of water that you wish the aquarium to hold. The following steps will provide directions for building a 140 gallon aquarium which measures 96 inches in length, 24 inches in width and 16 3/4 inches high.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 foot by 8 foot, 3/4 inch AC exterior plywood (2)
  • 94 inch by 14 inch, 1/4 inch glass or Plexiglas (1)
  • 2 inch drywall screws (240)
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Circular saw
  • Drill with Phillips screwdriver bit
  • Sandpaper
  • Caulking gun
  • Paintbrush
  • Epoxy
  • Waterproof wood glue
  • Auto body putty
  • Putty knife
  • Epoxy paint
  • Non-toxic silicon caulking
  • Paper towels
  • Glass cleaner
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure, mark and cut the following pieces of plywood using the circular saw: one bottom panel measuring 24 inches by 8 feet, one back panel measuring 16 inches by 8 feet, two pieces measuring 3 inch by 8 feet to be used for the upper and lower face frames, two pieces measuring 3 inches by 10 inches for the left and right face frames, two end panels measuring 16 inches by 22 1/2 inches, a top brace measuring 12 inches by 22 1/2 inches. Measure and cut a piece of glass or Plexiglas measuring 94 inches by 14 inches. Sand each piece of cut plywood on all sides to smooth rough edges and flaws.

    • 2

      Lay the bottom panel on a flat surface and apply a layer of waterproof wood glue along each edge. Align the back panel, end panels and one face frame against the appropriate edges. Brace all of the upright pieces using heavy objects. Attach the back panel, end panels and face frame to the edges of the bottom panel with the 2-inch wood screws. The screws should be spaced 3 inches apart and screwed flush with the drill. Wipe off any excess glue with paper towels. Remove supports as edges are secured.

    • 3

      Apply a layer of waterproof wood glue along the edge of the end panels. Align the top of the upper face frame with the top of the end panels. Align the edges of the left and right face frame with the edges of the end panels. Attach the pieces together with screws spaced 3 inches apart. Wipe off excess glue. Allow all glue to dry overnight.

    • 4

      Fill all cracks, holes and indents with putty using a putty knife to spread the substance. Smooth the putty with the surface. Allow the putty to dry overnight. After it has dried, sand the putty with sandpaper.

    • 5

      Spread a thin coat of epoxy paint on all of the exposed areas of the plywood using a paint brush. Allow the paint to dry overnight and sand all of the surfaces smooth with sandpaper. Apply three more coats of epoxy paint allowing each coat to dry overnight and sanding after drying is completed.

    • 6

      Turn the tank face down on a flat surface. Scuff the epoxy around the interior of the face to prepare a bonding area. Apply a 1/2 inch silicon bead to the rough area. Slide the glass or Plexiglas inside the tank to lay flush against the face. Press the edges of the glass onto the face to remove bubbles and spread the silicon. Apply silicon around the edges of the glass. Apply silicon bead to all of the interior corners and edges. Wipe off excess silicon. Clean the interior and exterior of the glass with glass cleaner and paper towels.

    • 7

      Turn the tank right side up. Center the top brace between the end panels so that it spans from the front panel to the back panel and is flush with the inside edge. Attach the pieces together with 3 screws on each end.

    • 8

      Apply a silicon bead to all of the corners and edges. Slide your finger along each beaded area to smooth bead and remove gaps and bubbles. Wipe off excess silicon. Allow the tank to dry for 48 hours before adding fish or water.