How to Build a Rimless Aquarium

Aquarium building is a challenge best met by the experienced hobbyist. It takes skill, precision, and a good bit of patience to successfully complete the task. Many good aquariums are available from commercial sources; however, you might prefer to build a custom aquarium to fit the available space in your room.

Things You'll Need

  • Yardstick or measuring tape
  • 2 Assistants (minimum)
  • 5 Panes of glass, professionally cut
  • Thick cardboard, cut to fit the bottom of the aquarium (optional)
  • Silicone sealant
  • Silicone sealant gun
  • Jute twine
  • Scissors
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Instructions

  1. Measuring the Space

    • 1

      Measure the total area in which your tank will be placed. Jot down the measurement of this area on your paper.

    • 2

      Determine how much space will be needed for the stand you will be using and any other add-on or option that you will be using for your tank.

    • 3

      Determine the final length, height and width of your future aquarium. Be aware that an aquarium with sides taller than 14 inches will require walls thicker than 3/16 inch (5mm) to support the weight of the water it will hold. Record the dimensions of the base (length times width), the two long sides (length times height) and the two end pieces (width times height).

    • 4

      Order glass of the appropriate thickness and precise dimensions from a professional glass cutter or glazier. Ask that glass be finished with polish grinding, also called mirror finish. It is more expensive, but will prevent you and your assistants from being cut by the glass edges later.

    Assembling the Aquarium

    • 5

      Clean the glass pieces prior to assembling it. Use non-chemical cleansers, such as vinegar, to do so. Chemical cleanser residue can kill your fish.

    • 6

      Lay the cardboard on a flat surface. Center the aquarium base on the cardboard.

    • 7

      Apply silicone sealant around the edges of the base piece, a slight distance from the actual edge of the pane. The other panes will rest upon this one, so be certain to apply the sealant no farther in from the edge than the width of the side panes. Apply the sealant in a single, smooth ribbon, using your index finger as a guide.

    • 8

      Select one of the long side panes. Apply sealant to the vertical edges of the pane, a slight distance in from the vertical edge. As with the bottom pane sealant application, apply the sealant in a single, smooth ribbon to ensure a secure fit with adjacent panes.

    • 9

      Lower the long pane onto the bottom pane. The side to which the sealant has been applied should face the inside of the tank. Have one of your assistants hold this pane in place in a position tilted slightly from perfectly vertical. The top of the pane should be held tilted away from the center of the base.

    • 10

      Have your second helper lower the first side piece into position. This piece should be held in a perfectly vertical position.

    • 11

      Lower the second side piece into position. Have the first helper return the back piece to vertical, fitting it neatly against the edges of the two side pieces. You should now have a three-sided box, with the front and top of the cube missing. Ensure that all of these pieces are aligned edge-to-edge with each other prior to proceeding.

    • 12

      Apply sealant to the vertical edges of the final pane, a slight distance in from the vertical edge. Apply the silicone sealant in a single, smooth ribbon to ensure a secure fit with adjacent panes.

    • 13

      Place the final pane on the sealant along the edge of the bottom pane. Hold the pane slightly off vertical, its top edge tilted away from the center of the aquarium. Once the pane has been seated on the sealant, tilt the final pane forward until it meets with the end panes.

    • 14

      Wrap the jute twine around the sides of the formed aquarium. Tie it tightly enough to ensure a tight seal along all vertical edges. Use more than one twine wraps if the tank is tall or if the walls seem unstable. Use heavy twine or thin rope for larger tanks.

    Finishing

    • 15

      Run a finger along each edge to remove excess sealant that may have bubbled out. Using a finger will help determine if the panes are misaligned.

    • 16

      Realign the sides as needed by pressing them gently with your finger.

    • 17

      Smooth out the sealant that has been compressed to the interior of the tank, using your finger as above. Remove excess sealant as necessary.

    • 18

      Apply fresh sealant to the inside of the tank, along all of the inside edges and corners. Use your finger or a rounded tool to smooth out the sealant in the form an arc. Remove any excess sealant.

    • 19

      Apply fresh sealant to the outside edges and corners of the tank, along the joints. Smooth the sealant and remove any excess silicone.

    • 20

      Realign panes as needed. Allow to dry for two days before filling.