How to Build Glass Aquarium Edges

Modern aquariums, built by gluing the edges of five panes of glass together, have largely replaced unattractive metal-framed aquariums with slate bottoms and pitch seals. Many manufacturers use non-toxic, 100-percent silicone to seal the glass edges of aquariums. Silicone can secure the thick glass of large, 500-gallon tanks. While glass aquariums are readily available from pet stores, it is quite possible to build a glass and silicone tank at home.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 glass pane, 1/3 inch by 16 inches by 37 inches,
  • 2 glass panes, 1/3 inch by 18 inches by 37 inches
  • 2 glass panes, 1/3 inch by 16 inches by 18 inches
  • 2 10-ounce tubes of 100-percent silicone
  • Emery paper
  • Masking tape
  • Acetone
  • Clean cloth
  • Scissors
  • 3 large towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand the edges of each pane of glass.

    • 2

      Wet a clean cloth with acetone. Wipe the glass edges to remove finger prints, oils from the glass cutter and any residual dirt.

    • 3

      Lay each pane of glass on the towels on a clean and flat work bench.

    • 4

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the top edge on both length sides of the 37-inch-by-16-inch pane. This is the base.

    • 5

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along both edges of the width sides of the 37-inch-by-18-inch front pane.

    • 6

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the bottom edge of one of the 16-inch-by-18-inch side pane. Repeat with the other.

    • 7

      Seat the front pane on top of the base pane. Support this pane with one hand and place the right side pane in position next to both the bottom and front panes. Secure the front pane to the right side pane with four strips of masking tape on the outside of the tank.

    • 8

      Position the left side pane next to both the bottom and front panes. Secure it to the front pane with four strips of masking tape on the outside of the tank.

    • 9

      Run a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the top edges of both width sides of the remaining pane.

    • 10

      Seat this back pane on top of the base pane and secure to both side panes with four pieces of masking tape on each side on the outside of the tank.

    • 11

      Smooth out the silicone sealer with your finger, running it along all the joins of the aquarium.

    • 12

      Leave the aquarium silicone to dry for at least a day before you remove the tape.