DIY Acrylic Aquariums

While most aquariums are made from glass, acrylic aquariums can have some advantages. Acrylic does scratch easier than glass, but it's also stronger and can be shaped easier. Acrylic also is ideal for large aquariums because of its strength and flexibility. Using acrylic for a Do-It-Yourself aquarium is ideal because of the minimum amount of special equipment and the ease of construction.

  1. Materials and Equipment

    • Have all the materials and equipment on hand before you begin your project. You'll need acrylic sheets at least 1/4 inch thick. Carefully measure for the size aquarium that you want to build and have the sheets pre-cut to get the best fit. To assemble the tank, you'll need acrylic solvent and a syringe with 18-gauge needle. You'll also need sandpaper, clamps and wood planks.

    Preparation

    • The acrylic sheets will have a protective film that you will need to peel back from the edges that you will be bonding first. Sand the edges without rounding them and clean the areas for the best bonding. Clear the area of any debris and lay down a blanket or sheet on a flat area to assemble the aquarium.

    Assembly

    • Carefully place two pieces together, forming a right angle with the vertical piece on top of the horizontal piece and use the wood planks to hold the acrylic in place. With the syringe, apply a steady stream of solvent into the joint, taking care not to spill it or it will mar the surface. Let the solvent cure for at least 24 hours. Carefully, turn the fused sections so that you can attach another side, and support with wood planks. Continue this process until all four sides and the bottom are attached.

    Finishing

    • Let dry for at least 48 hours and partially fill to check for leaks. Drain and apply solvent to the leaking areas, and repeat the process until no leaks are detected. You can use wood, plastic or metal trim on the outside to match it to your decor, but anything that comes in contact with the water should be nontoxic.