How to Build Saltwater Fish Tanks

Although they have a reputation for being harder to take care of than freshwater tanks, having a saltwater fish tank in your home can be a dream come true for any fish enthusiast. Building one yourself is a relatively simple project, and a good way to connect with your passion.

Things You'll Need

  • 6 glass panes (measurements depend on the size of the tank)
  • Silicone-based glue
  • Painter's tape
  • Glass cutter (optional)
  • Acetone
  • Soft cloth
  • Plastic or glass pegs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide how big you want the tank. A general rule with saltwater tanks is "the bigger the better" because saltwater fish thrive in a larger environment. Smaller tanks, strangely enough, are also more difficult to take care of than larger tanks because of strict requirements of the water's chemical composition. It's easier to keep the balance consistent inside a larger environment than it is inside a small tank.

    • 2

      Cut (or purchase) six pieces of glass fit to your chosen dimensions: four sides, a base and a lid. For a typical rectangular setup, the front and back panels will need to be the same width and height, and the two side pieces also need to match each other. The thickness of the glass will depend on the size of the tank; the bigger you make it, the thicker it needs to be. The base must also be wide enough to accommodate the width of the other pieces when formed into a rectangle. If you don't have experience cutting glass, purchasing the glass from a supplier is a better idea. If you will be cutting your own, cut a notch in each corner of the lid to make room for electrical cables or pipes.

    • 3

      Clean the glass panes with acetone and a soft cloth. The glass needs to be free of smudges or debris before you can safely glue the panes together.

    • 4

      Glue the sides together with a silicone-based glue. Silicone is key: when it dries, it will provide a watertight seal between the panes that's non-toxic, protecting the fish and resisting corrosion from the saltwater. Line the edges of the base with the glue, then glue the bottom side of each side pane to the base. Press firmly to prevent air bubbles from forming. As you glue each pane to the base, connect them to each other to form the rectangular shape and glue the sides together.

    • 5

      Dip your finger in water, then run it across each line of glue on the inside of the tank to smooth the edges into a concave shape. Hold the sides together with safe-release painter's tape on each corner. This tape is safe for glass surfaces, as it doesn't leave residue behind.

    • 6

      Attach glass or plastic pegs to the lid to make it more convenient to lift, either by gluing them on or drilling a hole and inserting them directly.

    • 7

      Let the tank dry for at least 24 hours, but 48 hours is preferable.