DIY Acrylic Bow Front Aquariums

Acrylic aquariums are lighter than glass tanks of the same size and tend to withstand shock better. These aquariums are also less likely to crack or break during handling. Bow fronted acrylic aquariums are particularly attractive, and these tanks can be constructed by the average hobbyist. Making an aquarium from acrylic has the advantage that very little equipment is required. Be aware that acrylic scratches more easily than glass does, so care is required when building your aquarium. The resulting tank will certainly be worth the effort, as the bow front is quite unique.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 (base) piece of 0.31-inch thick acrylic, 47.24-inch-by-15.6-inch, precut with bow shaped front
  • 1 (front) piece of 0.31-inch thick acrylic, 47.24-inch-by-17.72-inch, precut with bow shaped front
  • 1 (back) piece of 0.31-inch thick acrylic, 47.24-inch-by-17.72-inch
  • 2 (side) pieces of 0.31-inch thick acrylic, 15.6-inch-by-17.72-inch
  • 1 tube acrylic solvent
  • Syringe with 18-gauge needle
  • Sandpaper
  • Clean cloth
  • 5 clean towels
  • Work bench
  • 6 pieces masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Peel back the protective film that is attached to each piece of acrylic. Sand down the edges of each piece of acrylic.

    • 2

      Wipe down each piece with a clean cloth and lay them on the clean towels. Fill the syringe with acrylic solvent.

    • 3

      Lay the bottom bow shaped 47.24-inch-by-15.6-inch piece of aquarium acrylic on a flat work bench (pushed up against a wall) and stand the back 47.24-inch-by-17.72-inch piece vertically on top of it.

    • 4

      Carefully tilt the back piece backward and apply a continuous stream of acrylic solvent along the entire joint area.

    • 5

      Position this fused section so that the vertical back piece of acrylic is flush against the wall, and using the six strips of masking tape, tape it to the wall. Leave the fused section to cure for at least two hours.

    • 6

      Position one 15.6-inch-by-17.72-inch side piece onto the base and fuse this to both the base and back piece. Repeat with the second 15.6-inch-by-17.72-inch side piece. Leave the fused four-piece unit to cure for at least another two hours.

    • 7

      Place the 47.24-inch-by-17.72-inch front piece in place and fuse with the acrylic solvent to both side pieces and to the base. Leave the finished aquarium to cure for two days.

    • 8

      Fill the aquarium with water overnight. Drain this water and refill with water to be used for your fish.