How to Glue Glass to a Glass Aquarium Fish Tank

Sometimes it becomes necessary to learn how to attach glass to glass in your fish aquarium. The most common reason for learning this task is when cheap plastic braces on large aquariums break, necessitating the use of homemade glass braces to prevent the tank walls from bowing. Glass aquariums are often patched in a similar manner, affixing a smaller piece of glass over the cracked or damaged area. Gluing glass to glass in aquariums is not difficult, but needs to be done carefully to avoid further damage or unsafe seals.

Things You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Clean rag
  • Aquarium Silicone
  • Clamps or braces
  • Wood strips
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Drain enough tank water to drop the water line below the area that will be glued or patched.

    • 2

      Turn off any filters or power heads that may still be running if you will be doing the patch work on an operating tank. You do not want any splashing water or condensation to potentially ruin a seal.

    • 3

      Thoroughly clean both pieces of the glass to be glued using white vinegar and a clean, lint-free rag. Any particles of dirt or debris can compromise the seal, as can fingerprints and oils from the hand. Make absolutely certain that the glass is as clean as possible before progressing.

    • 4

      Apply a bead of aquarium silicone to both surfaces to be glued. You do not need an excessive amount---just enough to cover the surfaces thoroughly and without air bubbles.

    • 5

      Firmly press both pieces of glass together and affix clamps to hold the seal in place while the silicone sets up. You can use wood strips as a barrier between the clamps and the glass to prevent scratching. Be careful not to over tighten the clamps and crack the glass.

    • 6

      Allow the silicone to cure for a full 24 hours before removing the clamps, and 48 hours before submerging.

    • 7

      Scrape off any excess silicone that may have squeezed out using a clean razor blade.