How to Build a Custom Glass Aquarium for Fish

Building a custom glass aquarium for fish requires careful planning, taking into account the weight of both water and glass. Water weighs about 10 lbs. per gallon and glass that is 1/4 inch thick weighs about 3 lbs. per square foot, according to the Glass Association of North America. Taller aquariums require thicker glass walls. Aquariums are generally built using plate or annealed glass rather than tempered glass because of the way tempered glass breaks. Using plate or annealed glass also allows you to cut your own glass, as tempered glass is cut to size before it is tempered.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass
  • Silicon-carbide sandpaper
  • Glass cutter (optional)
  • Acetone
  • Paper towels
  • Tape
  • Silicone
  • Silicone gun
  • Razor blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the pieces of glass to the size required for the aquarium. See Resources for an aquarium size calculator.

    • 2

      Lay the pieces out on a flat work surface. Place the bottom in the middle and each side around it in the appropriate place--front, back, left side and right side.

    • 3

      Clean all the edges with acetone to improve the grip of the silicone.

    • 4

      Cut about 20 pieces of tape and stick them where they are easily accessible when working on the aquarium. Stick two pieces on each side of the bottom of the aquarium facing up in preparation for attaching the sides.

    • 5

      Squeeze a line of silicone about 1/4 inch wide along the front side of the bottom and set the front side into place on top of the silicone, lined up along the front edge.

    • 6

      Holding the glass in place, run an index finger along the silicone seam on the inside of the tank so it fills the angle. Extra silicone that squeezes out the front can be cut with a razor blade once it cures.

    • 7

      Lift the two pieces of tape up and fold them against the front panel to help hold it in place. Support the front panel with a box or have a friend hold it in place.

    • 8

      Squeeze a line of silicone along the edge and bottom of one of the side panels and set it into place against the front panel and lined up on the bottom panel. Smooth the silicone along the inside angles.

    • 9

      Fold the bottom tape up and place two pieces of tape toward the top and bottom of the front panel, folding it around to the side panel to help hold it up. Provide support to the side panel as well.

    • 10

      Repeat Steps 8 and 9 for the other side panel.

    • 11

      Apply a line of silicone to the back bottom and edges of the side panels and fit the back panel in place. Run a finger along the inside angles to smooth the silicone into the angle. Apply the tape on the bottom and sides to help support the panels.

    • 12

      Leave the silicone to cure for at least 24 hours. Trim the excess with a razor blade once it is dry.