How to Make a Circular Plexiglass Fish Tank

A circular fish tank offers unobstructed views of your fish and can be positioned anywhere in a room. Plexiglass is the material of choice for building your own tank. Plexiglass is cheap and flexible. You'll build one for much less than a commercial tank.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch-thick Plexiglass
  • Strip heater
  • Metal clamps
  • Acrylic sheet the diameter of your final fish tank
  • Silicone sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy Plexiglass sheets from a local hardware or building supply store. Tanks with a height of 20 inches or less may use the thinner sheets. Taller tanks should be built with thicker Plexiglass to withstand the increased water pressure.

    • 2

      Plug in the strip heater to let it warm up. Apply it to the Plexiglass sheet. The heater will slowly warm the Plexiglass and allow you to bend it. It may take several minutes for the strip heater to affect the Plexiglass.

    • 3

      Slowly and gently bend the Plexiglass into a circle. Don't force it to bend. If it is not flexible, apply the strip heater to the sheet for a longer period of time.

    • 4

      Clamp the sides of the Plexiglass sheet together once you have achieved a circular shape.

    • 5

      Apply the silicone sealant between the two clamped sides of the Plexiglass sheet. Follow the sealant's manufacturer's directions regarding the setting time. Once set, remove the clamps and reseal again.

    • 6

      Set the circular Plexiglass in a vertical position, and place it on the acrylic sheet. Seal the bottom of the Plexiglass to the acrylic using the silicone sealer. Wait for the sealant to dry, then fill the fish tank with water.