How to Build a Fish Tank Into an Entertainment Center

A small fish tank can look very attractive in a domestic entertainment center. Because the shelves in commercial entertainment center are not designed to hold the weight of a large aquarium, tanks that are destined to be placed into these units, should be of modest size. Nontoxic, 100 percent silicone is perfect for sealing all glass aquariums together and as no frames are required, the tank will have an attractive look to it. Although glass fish tanks of all shapes and sizes are readily available from pet dealers, it is quite possible for the hobbyist to build a glass and silicone tank to fit into his entertainment center.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 piece of 0.31-inch thick glass, 18 by 8 inches
  • 2 pieces of 0.31-inch thick glass, 18 by 10 inches
  • 2 pieces of 0.31-inch thick glass, 8 by 10 inches
  • 2 tubes of nontoxic, 100 percent silicone, 10 fl. oz.
  • Emery paper
  • Roll of masking tape
  • Work bench
  • Small bottle of acetone
  • Clean cloth
  • Scissors
  • Large towels
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that the shelf in the entertainment center on which the aquarium is going to stand is strong enough to hold the weight of tank filled with water and decor.

    • 2

      Use a spirit level to check that the shelf is level.

    • 3

      Wipe down the shelf with a clean cloth.

    • 4

      Measure the length and breadth of the shelf and cut a piece of 0.5-inch thick Styrofoam to fit exactly onto it.

    • 5

      Position the Styrofoam onto the shelf.

    • 6

      Sand the edges of each pane of glass, with a piece of emery paper.

    • 7

      Remove finger prints, oils from the glass cutter and any residual dirt from each pane, by wiping each pane with a clean cloth that has been dipped in acetone.

    • 8

      Lay the various panes of glass on the towels, on a clean and flat work bench.

    • 9

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the top edge of the long sides of the 18-by-8-inch base pane.

    • 10

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the side edges of the 8-by-10-inch front pane.

    • 11

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the bottom edge of the right hand 8-by-10-inch side pane.

    • 12

      Squeeze a continuous thin bead of silicone along the bottom edge of the left hand 8-by-10-inch side pane.

    • 13

      Position the front pane of glass on top of the base pane. Hold this pane in place with one hand and place the right side pane next to both the bottom and front panes. Secure the two panes together, by using two strips of masking tape on the outside of the tank.

    • 14

      Position the left side pane next to both the front and bottom panes and secure it to the front pane with two strips of masking tape, on the outside of the tank.

    • 15

      Run a continuous thin bead of silicone sealer along the top edges of the 18-by-8-inch back pane.

    • 16

      Seat the back pane on top of the base pane and secure to both side panes with two pieces of masking tape on each side, on the outside of the tank.

    • 17

      Run your finger along all the joins of the aquarium, to smooth out the silicone

    • 18

      Leave the silicone to dry for at least a day before you remove the tape. The tank structure will keep itself squared during the silicone curing process.

    • 19

      Fill the tank with water overnight to check for leaks. Drain the water and place your tank onto the shelf within your entertainment center.