How to Mold an Acrylic Aquarium

Acrylic aquariums do not crack as easily as glass tanks do. They are also lighter than all-glass aquariums and are therefore popular among aquarists. Acrylic does, however, scratch easily, so care is needed when building and using this type of aquarium. Acrylic has the same index of refraction as water, so there is minimal distortion in these aquariums, and the size and color of your fish remain true. Although most pet dealers stock custom made acrylic aquariums, building an acrylic aquarium at home will help ensure that your tank is exactly as you require it to be.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 (base) piece of 0.31-inch thick clear cell cast acrylic, 24 by 12 inch
  • 1 (front) piece of 0.31-inch thick clear cell cast acrylic, 24 by 10 inch
  • 1 (back) piece of 0.31-inch thick clear cell cast acrylic, 24 by 10 inch
  • 2 (side) pieces of 0.31-inch thick clear cell cast acrylic, 12 by 10-inch
  • 2 oz. tin of acrylic solvent
  • Syringe with 18 --- gauge needle
  • Emery paper
  • Clean cloth
  • 2 large clean towels
  • 4 pieces masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a clean and level work surface that is against a wall.

    • 2

      Place two large towels on the work surface and lay the five pieces of acrylic on these. Remove the protective film attached to each piece of acrylic.

    • 3

      Sand the edges of each piece of acrylic, using the emery paper. Do not round the edges as this will weaken the join.

    • 4

      Wipe down each piece of acrylic with a clean cloth and lay them back on the towels.

    • 5

      Fill the syringe with acrylic solvent.

    • 6

      Lay the 24-by-12-inch base piece on the work surface and stand the 24-by-10-inch front piece vertically on top of it, along the front edge of the base pane.

    • 7

      Carefully tilt the front piece forward and using the syringe, apply a continuous line of acrylic solvent along the entire joint area. Lower the vertical front pane down, onto the solvent.

    • 8

      Turn this fused section and position the vertical front piece of acrylic against the wall. Tape the vertical piece to the wall, using four strips of masking tape.

    • 9

      Allow this fused section to cure for at least 3 hours.

    • 10

      Remove the four pieces of tape.

    • 11

      Apply a continuous line of solvent to the side-edge of the left hand side of the base piece. Apply a continuous line of solvent to the side-edge of the left hand side of the front back piece.

    • 12

      Position the first 12-by-10-inch side piece next to both the base and the left hand side piece and fuse this side piece to both the base and front piece.

    • 13

      Apply a continuous line of solvent to the side-edge of the right hand side of the base piece. Apply a continuous line of solvent to the side-edge of the right hand side of the vertical back piece.

    • 14

      Position the second 12-by-10-inch side piece next to the base and the right hand side piece and fuse this side piece to the base and front piece.

    • 15

      Leave the fused four-piece unit to cure for at least another 3 hours.

    • 16

      Apply a continuous line of solvent to the top-edge of the base pane, along the back length side. Apply a continuous line of solvent to the vertical front of the left hand and right hand side pieces.

    • 17

      Position the back piece in place.

    • 18

      Leave the finished aquarium to cure for two days.

    • 19

      Fill the aquarium with water and allow it to stand for 24 hours. Drain this water and move your aquarium to its stand.