How to Build Large Home Aquariums

Creating your very own large home aquarium allows you to pick the exact size desired. Most aquariums only come in a handful of sizes, designated for particular types or quantities of fish and water. However, creating your own model allows you to build any size aquarium. A homemade aquarium requires little time and only a few materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • T-square
  • Wax pencil
  • Ruler
  • Glass sheets
  • Glass cutter
  • Silicone sealant
  • Heavy book
  • Cardboard strip
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a measuring tape to measure the sheets of glass panel to the desired length. For the rectangular tank, you will need to make four sides and a bottom for the tank, so make sure there is enough glass available. The front, back and bottom panel should all three be the same length. The two shorter side pieces should measure the same as each other. Mark the measurements with a wax pencil and ruler, making a straight line, so you will know where to cut. Use a T-square to ensure the corners of the glass are all square so there will not be any leaks.

    • 2

      Employ a glass-cutting tool to create a couple of notches along the marked lines where the glass needs cutting. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this, so none of the glass shards penetrate the skin or eyes. Snap the glass apart once all the notches are made. Use a file to remove any small slips of glass on the edge lines. This will assist in making the edge of the glass straight and smooth.

    • 3

      Smear a layer of fish tank sealant along one edge of the piece of glass that will be the bottom of the tank. Set one of the adjacent side pieces of glass up and press it against the bottom edge with the sealant. Place a heavy book up against the side panel on either side, so it can stand up until the silicone sealant dries. Repeat this process with the other three sides of glass, placing something heavy against the glass both inside and out to ensure the sides remain vertical.

    • 4

      Remove any excess sealant from the edges of the bottom panel where the glass sides were placed. Use a T-square to ensure each corner is perfectly square. Place additional sealant up and down the joints where each panel of glass meets. Do this inside and outside the aquarium. Make sure there are no bubbles or gaps in the sealant, because this may cause leakage.