DIY Glass Aquarium Plans

Building your own aquarium saves money and lets you make it to your own specifications. Premade aquariums are subject to substantial markups because they are purchased in specialized stores, and they only come in standard sizes. Take your time during both the planning and construction process to avoid costly errors, taking into account the capability of different thicknesses of glass or acrylic to withstand the weight of the water at different heights.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil and paper
  • Ruler
  • Glass
  • Glass cutter (optional)
  • Carborundum stone or silicon carbide sandpaper (optional)
  • Non-toxic silicone sealant (100% silicone)
  • Electrical or duct tape
  • Paper towels
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

  1. Design

    • 1

      Decide what size and shape you want the aquarium. The size will help determine the thickness of the glass or acrylic.

    • 2

      Determine the best material to use for your aquarium. Glass and acrylic are two options, and each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the location and your specific requirements.

    • 3

      Calculate the safest thickness for the walls required for the size of the aquarium and the material you have decided to use. For example, 1/4-inch-thick plate glass is safe to use in aquariums up to 55 gallons with walls up to 14 inches high.

    • 4

      Sketch a scale model picture of the aquarium, using the ruler for accuracy, to help calculate the exact size of each piece of glass. The glass for the front, back and bottom should be the same length from left to right and the front, back and two sides should be cut to the same height. The two sides should fit inside the front and back, however, so take the thickness of the glass into account when calculating their size so everything fits correctly on the bottom piece.

    Construction

    • 5

      Cut the glass or acrylic to the correct size for the aquarium using a glass cutter, and smooth the edges with the carborundum stone or sandpaper. You can also have it cut at a glass store and they can smooth the edges for you.

    • 6

      Arrange the pieces of glass or acrylic on a flat surface so the bottom of the aquarium is in the middle with the sides around it in their final positions, in preparation for lifting them into the vertical position.

    • 7

      Clean the edges of the glass or acrylic that will be sealed together with silicone to improve the silicone's ability to adhere to the material.

    • 8

      Stick two pieces of tape on each of the four sides of the bottom side of the bottom of the aquarium so the sticky side faces up, ready to be folded up against the sides of the aquarium as you set them in place. Stick about 16 pieces of tape to a surface nearby in preparation for attaching them to the sides to hold them in place.

    • 9

      Squeeze a thin (about 1/8 inch) line of silicone along the front edge of the bottom panel of the aquarium, just under 1/8 inch away from the edge. Try to make sure no bubbles form in the silicon.

    • 10

      Lift the panel into a vertical position, and set it in place on the line of silicone on the bottom piece of glass or acrylic, pressing it down slowly and gently. If you do not have an assistant to hold it in place, prop it up with a heavy object. Wrap the tape up over the front from the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 11

      Run your finger along the inside edge of the aquarium to smooth the silicone into the angle along the front panel, and clean your finger with a paper towel.

    • 12

      Apply another line of silicone on the bottom edge for one of the sides, then along the inside edge of the front panel, and set the side panel slowly and carefully into place, making sure it lines up the first time. Pulling it off the silicone and setting it back down can create bubbles, which may cause a bad seal.

    • 13

      Fold up the two pieces of tape on the bottom edge and apply two pieces to each side, after you set them in place, to help hold everything together.

    • 14

      Draw your finger along the inside corner of each seam to smooth the silicone into the angle, and wipe your finger clean with a paper towel.

    • 15

      Repeat steps 8 through 10 for the other side panel and the back panel.

    • 16

      Allow the silicone to set for the manufacturer's recommended time period, or even longer for a better seal.

    • 17

      Trim the silicone along the outside edges with the utility knife once it is fully cured.