How to Build a 90 Gallon Fish Tank

If the selection of 90-gallon aquariums at your local pet store does not suit you, you can build your own at home. Building your own aquarium is a relatively simple project that can be completed over the course of a weekend without any special tools or skills. Custom acrylic aquariums look nice and last for years.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 sheets 1/2-inch thick cell cast acrylic, 48 inches by 24 inches
  • 2 sheets 1/2-inch thick cell cast acrylic, 19 inches by 24 1/2 inches
  • Books
  • Masking tape
  • Silicone aquarium sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a plastic dealer in your area or online to buy your acrylic. Ask the plastic dealer to cut the acrylic sheet in the sizes you need. Most dealers will perform this service for free with your purchase. Do not attempt to cut it yourself unless you have experience cutting acrylic.

    • 2

      Leave the protective paper on your acrylic until you are finished with your project so that you do not scratch or dirty it.

    • 3

      Place one of the larger sheets on a clean, flat surface. Set the other two large sheets perpendicularly along the long edges of the base sheet, resting the sides upon the base. Use the books to hold the sheets in place for the time being.

    • 4

      Place the two smaller sheets upright vertically oriented at either of the open ends of the long sheets. These side sheets should be resting upon the table, capping the three long sheets. The tops of these side sheets should be flush with the tops of the long side sheets.

    • 5

      Use the masking tape to secure all of the acrylic sheets into place. Make sure that they fit snugly together and do not wiggle. There should be no gaps between any of the sheets.

    • 6

      Peel the protective paper back from the edges of the acrylic sheets so that you do not accidentally glue it into your tank. Use the aquarium sealant to seal the seams of the tank together. Make sure that you apply the sealant liberally and that there are no gaps in your application. This sealant will make your tank water proof.

    • 7

      Allow the sealant to dry for a minimum of 48 hours, or as directed on the package. Your tank is now ready to be decorated and inhabited.