How to Build Your Own Fish Tank?
Whether you’re a serious hobbyist, or just looking for a creative challenge, building your own fish tank can be an interesting challenge. This fish tank is designed to hold fifty gallons of water, which will get you started. As you get more experienced, perhaps you may want to try a bigger for more or bigger fish.
Tools
Razor blades, single edged.
Marker (washable, nor permanent).
Helper (you will need a helper for the project, to help hold the glass).
Materials
Paper towels
Acetone
Silicone sealant (non-toxic)
Duct tape
Sandpaper for use on the glass (silicon-carbide)
Glass panes: 3 panes 24″ x 28″, and 2 panes 24″ x 24″
Aerator pump
(Note: When you buy the glass panes, talk with an experienced glass maker and tell him or her that the panes are being used for a fish tank. The glass maker will then be able to use a special cutting technique to make the panes fit together better and be less likely to leak.)
Preparing the Glass for Assembly
Use the sandpaper to carefully and lightly sand the edges of the glass panes so that they are no longer sharp, but smooth.
Pour a small amount of acetone onto a paper towel. Use the paper towel to wipe down and clean the edges (up to about 1-2″ from the edge) of each pane of glass.
Cut off 15 snips of duct tape about 6″ long. Allow them to hang freely from the edge of the work table.
Assembling the Panes of Glass
Lay the glass out carefully on the work table so that it does not get scratched.
Label each pane so that you know which pane goes where. The 24″ x 24″ panes are for the left and right ends. The 24″ x 28″ panes are for the bottom, front, and back sides.
Place the duct tape, sticky side up, on the work table in front of you. Lay a 24″ piece, sticky side up, vertically to your left and right. Between each piece lay a 48″ horizontal piece at the top and bottom. You should have a 24″ x 48″ rectangle of duct tape before you.
Lay the bottom pane of glass on the duct tape so that ½ of the duct tape touches the bottom of the glass pane along the entire perimeter of the tape. Half of width of the tape should extend sticky side up, beyond the perimeter of the glass panes.
Apply a thin line (about 1/8″ wide) of silicone sealant to the horizontal edge of the glass pane lying closest to you. Hold the front pane with the top tilted slightly toward you.
Set it gently but firmly onto the line of silicone and straighten the glass to a 90 degree angle.
Allow your helper to hold the glass steady while you fold the duct tape up along the bottom edge of the front pane.
Insert the left side pane next. Apply a thin line of silicone to the edge of the front and bottom panes.
Follow steps 6 and 7 to set the left side pane into place.
Use three of the six inch strips of duct tape to secure the pane in place by wrapping them around the corner formed by the front and side panes.
Follow steps 8 through 10 to set the right side pane in place.
Insert the back pane using the same technique described in the previous steps.
Apply a thin but solid strip of silicone sealant (about ¼” wide) to each of the eight joints created by aligning the glass panes.
Use a finger to smoothly and continuously push the sealant into each of the joints created.
Permit the sealant to dry thoroughly for 24 to 48 hours
Filling the Tank
Fill your tank with tap water and allow the filled tank to sit for 24 hours
If you notice any minor leaks, empty the tank and seal the leak with silicone. Again allow it to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Refill the tank with water. Repeat this process until the tank doesn’t leak.
After you have allowed the tank to sit filled with water for 24 hours and experience no leakage, empty the tank.
Move your tank to a stand or a shelf where you intend to keep it permanently.
Refill the tank with salt water or distilled water, depending upon the type of fish you intend to keep in it.
Finishing the Job
Add sand, stones, shells and plastic acessories to decorate your fish tank.
For best results, place an aerator pump along the top side of the fish tank and plug it in.
If you like you can attach a light to the top of the tank. These are inexpensive and available at local pet shops.
Tips and Advice
Be sure to use non-toxic silicone sealant that is NAPA-free to avoid endangering the lives of your fish.
Use acetone only in well-ventilated areas. The fumes can cause severe headaches when inhaled.
Check to make sure the stand or shelf you have selected for your fish tank will hold the tank full of water.
Now sit back and enjoy your fish. Watch them swim in your new securely built fish tank.