How to Build Large Glass Aquariums

Glass aquariums make good homes for fish and exotic pets, such as lizards. Although you can purchase them from a pet store, ready-made aquariums can be expensive and you might have difficulty finding the correct size. An alternative to buying an aquarium is making your own. You will have to source your own materials and find somewhere spacious to build the aquarium. It might be useful to enlist a friend or family member to help. However, once you have everything you need, you could have a brand new glass aquarium within a couple of days.

Things You'll Need

  • Polycarbonate (plexiglass)
  • Silicone sealant
  • Caulking gun
  • Power saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Masking tape
  • Rope
  • Safety goggles
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure out four pieces of plexiglass: the base and four sides using your own dimensions. Remember the parts will have to fit together without any gaps, so you will need to make the side pieces shorter than the front and back pieces. Put on the safety goggles and place the plexiglass on a flat surface. Cut the pieces for the aquarium using the power saw. Sand the cut edges so they are smooth.

    • 2

      Lay the aquarium pieces out on a flat surface. Apply a layer of silicon sealant to all four sides of the base. If you want to affix the sides the aquarium to the outside edges of the base, you should apply the silicon directly to the edges. If you are going to join the sides to the top of the base, apply the silicon to the top edges.

    • 3

      Cut 36 strips of masking tape. Have them within easy reach for the next part of the building process. Join the front of the aquarium to the base by placing it directly onto the silicon sealant. Ask a friend to hold it in place and attach three strips of masking tape to the outside corner, with half the tape affixed to the base and the other half to the side you have just attached.

    • 4

      Attach the two sides in the same manner, sealing them with silicon and then attaching masking tape to the outside edges to hold the glass in place. Once you have the front and sides of the aquarium attached, repeat this process with the back.

    • 5

      Check each of the sides to ensure they are lined up accurately with each other and with the base. Do this immediately after applying the silicon because once it is dry you won't be able to change the position of the pieces. If they are misaligned, this could cause your tank to leak.

    • 6

      Cut the braces when you have attached all four sides. You will need to cut four blocks of plexiglass to sit inside the tank. These should be slightly shorter than each of the sides and will provide extra support. Apply a layer of silicon to the base of the tank where the brace will sit and place the brace on top. Repeat this process with the other sides, taping the braces in place if necessary.

    • 7

      Leave the tank for at least 48 hours to allow the silicon to dry. To make sure it is secure during this time, you can tie a piece of rope around the outside a few hours after gluing the sides in place.

    • 8

      Cut another piece of plexiglass for the lid. This should be slightly larger than the base so that you can use the overhang to lift it off the aquarium. When the silicon has dried, wash the aquarium to remove any dust, and it will be ready for use.