DIY Aquarium Tanks From Plywood

Building a plywood aquarium can allow you the freedom to choose the shape and size while saving you money. An aquarium that is 96 inches by 24 inches by 16 ¾ inches will hold 140 gallons. Plywood should only be used on tanks less than 500 gallons. Tanks that are 500 gallons or more should be made from concrete.

Things You'll Need

  • Saw
  • Drill with screwdriver bit
  • Sandpaper
  • Calking gun
  • Silicone aquarium caulking gun tube
  • Paintbrushes
  • Gloves
  • Table
  • Scissors
  • Glass plate, ¼ inch, 94 inches by ¼ inches
  • 120 drywall screws, 2 inches
  • Waterproof glue
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Resin
  • Marine grade plywood, 24 inches by 8 feet
  • Marine grade plywood, 16 inches by 8 feet
  • 2 pieces marine grade plywood, 3 inches by 8 feet
  • 2 pieces marine grade plywood, 3 inches by 10 inches
  • 2 pieces marine grade plywood, 16 inches by 22 ½-inches
  • Marine grade plywood, 12 inches by 22 ½ inches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a well ventilated or open area to work in with a table to build the aquarium on.

    • 2

      Sand down any rough edges on the plywood.

    • 3

      Set the 24-inch by 8-foot board on the table; this is the bottom panel of the aquarium. Apply waterproof glue around all the edges of the plywood.

    • 4

      Align the 16-inch by 8-foot board along one of the 8-foot sides. This board is the back of the aquarium. Line the boards up flush with each other and make sure the edge is a 90-degree angle. Screw drywall screws every 3 inches along the edge where the back and bottom meet.

    • 5

      Place the 16-inch by 22 1/2-inch boards on the ends of the bottom panel. These boards are the ends of the aquarium. Screw these panels to the bottom panel with drywall screws at 3-inch intervals.

    • 6

      Lay one of the 3-inch by 8-foot boards flush with the bottom panel and the end panels. This is the lower face frame from the glass. Glue around the edges and screw it into place with drywall screws in the same manner as before. Apply glue to the sides of the other 3-inch by 8-foot board and place it flush with the top of the end pieces and screw it in place.

    • 7

      Line the 3-inch by 10-inch boards in between the top and bottom frames to create left and right frames for the glass glue and screw these pieces as well.

    • 8

      Cut the fiberglass cloth to fit the inside of the tank. Lay one piece on the bottom and paint a coat of resin on it. Continue to apply the fiberglass over the sides and apply the resin on all inside surfaces. Trim any fiberglass cloth that is overlapping the top. Allow the resin to dry overnight.

    • 9

      Place the glass on the inside of the tank and apply silicone caulk around all the edges. Press on the glass to push it into the silicone and remove bubbles. Apply a second layer of caulk that is smooth and rounded.

    • 10

      Screw the 12-inch by 22 1/2-inch board centered across the top of the tank to brace the sides.