How to Chain Multiple Aquarium Tanks Together

Fish tanks make beautiful additions to any home. From the common rectangular tanks to spherical tanks and polygonal tanks that sit in corners, there's virtually no end to the variety. Some may wish to take it one step further and chain multiple tanks together, creating an enormous environment that will not only add a unique touch to your aquarium set up but give your fish much more room to explore. Chaining tanks, however, is not a simple process, and requires much patience and care.

Things You'll Need

  • Two empty fish tanks
  • Acrylic translucent tunnel at least 3" in diameter
  • Glass circle cutter
  • Vaseline
  • Measuring tape
  • Washable marker
  • Aquarium sealant
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Instructions

  1. Cutting the Circle

    • 1

      Measure the exact diameter of your translucent tunnel.

    • 2

      On the side of the first tank, mark the location where you wish the tanks to connect.

    • 3

      Make an identical mark on the second tank and make sure the heights of the marks are perfectly even.

    • 4

      Place the suction cup of the glass cutter over the mark on the first tank.

    • 5

      Lube up the head of the cutter with the Vaseline.

    • 6

      Set the radius of the circle to be cut according to the diameter of your acrylic tunnel. To do this, simply halve the diameter of the tunnel. If it is 3", then you need to set the radius to 1 1/2".

    • 7

      Press down on the cutting head and spin the circle cutter until it has scored a perfect circle, then remove.

    • 8

      Gently press down on the circle until that portion of glass pops out, leaving you with a perfect hole.

    • 9

      Repeat steps 4 through 8 with the second tank.

    Making the Connection

    • 10

      Place a ring of aquarium sealant around the hole made on the first tank.

    • 11

      Put the acrylic tunnel in place, matching its circumference with the circumference of the hole in the tank.

    • 12

      Apply more sealant to the edges of the connection, all around the acrylic tunnel. Make sure there are no gaps.

    • 13

      Moving the tank, not the tunnel, repeat steps 1 through 3 with the second tank.

    • 14

      Let sit until the sealant has dried and clean up any excess.