Plexiglass Aquarium Projects

Plexiglass is a transparent plastic that's used for a variety of construction projects. Fish hobbyists can use plexiglass to build or improve their aquariums. Creating your own fish tank, building a sump or overflow box, and designing an island from the material are some aquarium projects you can do with plexiglass.

  1. Aquarium

    • One do-it-yourself plexiglass projects is to build your own aquarium. Start by deciding how large you want your tank to be. Think about the fish that will be housed inside of it, and how large they grow to be. Larger aquariums will require thicker plexiglass sheets. For example, a 13-inch-tall tank should use 1/4-inch-thick plexiglass, while a 20-inch-tall aquarium needs 1/2-inch-thick material. Assemble the four sides of the aquarium, as well as the bottom pane, using an adhesive such as acrylic cement. Allow it to cure and test for leaks before putting any fish inside.

    Overflow Box

    • An overflow box is a system that helps drain aquarium water from the display tank into a sump located below. These boxes are one aquarium project you can create with plexiglass. An overflow box system operates with one filter box resting inside the tank's water, while the other filter box is attached on the outside. They are connected with a J tube. Use plexiglass and acrylic cement to create these two four-walled boxes as well as the joint connecting them.

    Sump

    • A sump is an extra tank that allows you to circulate more water throughout your aquarium. It usually sits below the aquarium and is not part of the display. Create a sump for your tank as a plexiglass project. Design and construct a sump the same way you would an aquarium, using four sheets for walls and one as a base. Attach the pieces with an acrylic cement. For added filtration, create chambers in your sump. These additional walls can house different filtration media, such as ceramic rings, that help make your tank's water healthier for the fish and plant life.

    Aquarium Island

    • Add some dimension inside your tank by creating an island out of plexiglass. This extra shelf will create a habitat for animals that like to venture out of the water, such as mud-skippers, fiddler crabs and turtles. Measure your tank to see how large an island you'll need. Consider creating an island that sits in the middle of the tank and has four walls extending down through the water. You can also make an island by attaching a shelf that's wedged between three of the tank's existing sides.