Building your aquarium allows you to create custom housing for your fish.
A fish tank is a relaxing hobby, but purchasing some of the larger or more interesting shaped aquariums can be an expensive proposition. There are those who swear by building their own aquarium not just for cost purposes but for overall quality as well. A tank you build yourself is something that can be fit to a custom space and you can make it to your personal specifications. No special tools or skills are needed to build a fish aquarium just the proper materials and instructions.
Instructions
1. Calculate the dimensions of your aquarium and the sizes of glass you need to support the weight of the water. Constructing a rectangular tank is best, shaped tanks are a highly advanced project. Standard glass of up to 6mm, or about 1/4 inch thick is suitable for aquariums up to 18 inches in length, use 10mm for tanks up to 36 inches. Anything larger you need to consult the glass supplier for strength specifications.
2. Purchase the glass pieces pre-cut from the glazier. Have them bevel and smooth the edges if possible.
3. Lay the materials out on a flat work surface free of grit or dust. Any of this type of material will stick in the silicone and compromise it's strength. Make sure the work surface is an area that can be damaged, the glass may scratch it and the silicone may stick to it.
4. Smooth the edges of the glass with the emery or sand paper if it wasn't done at purchase to remove any sharp edges. Sharp edges will not only cut your hands but slice through the sealant and compromise the tank integrity. If the glass was smoothed before purchase check the edges to be sure there are no burrs or sharp points missed during fabrication.
5. Treat all edges of the glass with the methylated spirits to ensure a clean surface clear of any grease, fingerprints or dust that will compromise the sealant. Keep fingers away from the edges once treated.
6. Lay the back panel flat on the work surface. Take 6 strips of the painters tape about 8 inches long and apply them to the bottom and both sides of the panel on the outside, with half the tape on the panel and half sticking out to adhere to the other panels when attached. Have someone assist you with the next step.
7. Run a line of silicon sealant along the bottom edge of the back panel. Stick the bottom panel into the sealant lining the bottom surface of the glass up with the bottom edge of the back panel. Bring the tape sections up and attach them to the bottom so the two pieces are taped together. Have someone continue to hold the piece until you have a side section attached to brace the construction.
8. Add a line of silicone sealant to the side of the back panel, and along the bottom edge of a side panel piece. The side panel will sit on top of the bottom panel as all of the sides will, and inside the front and back panels. Set the side panel in place and secure the tape. Now that three pieces are together, you should no longer need extra assistance to hold the bottom piece in place. Add the other side panel in the same manner as the first.
9. Lay the front panel in place on top of the construction by placing silicone sealant on the outside edges of the side panels, and along the bottom edge of the front panel. Set this panel in place and tape it to the sides and bottom with the painters tape.
10. Move around to the top opening of the tank while it still lays on it's side. Run a bead of silicone sealant on each inside joint. This is done by running the silicone into the corners tightly, then smoothing it with your finger. Do this along the bottom joints and all four corners.Install the stress bar if it is needed. Stress bars should be added to tanks 30 gallons and up. The stress bar is located at the top of the tank between the front and back panels, put in place with the silicone as the panels were. Now leave the tank to cure for at least 24 hours.
11. Set the tank upright after the silicone has cured, and fill with fresh water. Allow it to sit for 12 to 24 hours to test the seals on the tank.
Tags: along bottom, back panel, bottom edge, side panel, along bottom edge
