Making A Home Aquarium In Six Simple Steps

Before you get started, decide what size aquarium you want. Remember that bigger tanks are easier to maintain. Also, a 10 gallon freshwater aquarium, for example, has a less stable pH than say a 55 gallon one. So bigger tanks tend to be better for beginners.

Step one. Measure out your sheets of glass, marking them with a grease or wax pencil.

Step two. Using a glass cutter carefully score the glass in a neat, straight line. Then holding the glass either side of the score mark snap it. You must wear glass gloves to do this.

Step three. To assemble the tank, place that piece of glass that is to be the base on a flat surface and apply a line of fish tank silicone sealant along one edge on the upper surface. Place the right sheet of glass onto the glue and press down gently. Hold the glass in place with a sturdy object until the silicone dries.

Step four. Apply a line of sealant along one edge of the upright sheet of glass, and another to the base where the next sheet of glass will be placed. Then firmly lower the corresponding sheet of glass into its position on the base and up against the first sheet. Again, prop up the glass until the silicone dries.

Step five. Repeat the same procedure just outlined for the remaining two sides.

Step six. Using a sharp blade, cut away any excess sealant on both the inside and outside of all eight joints. For the final seal apply a continuous bead of sealant along each joint, inside and outside, and then smooth it off by running your finger gently along the joint. There should be no gaps or bubbles in the seal.

Do not forget to think about where you will put your aquarium. Water is heavy, so make sure the support can hold the weight. A 10 gallon freshwater aquarium, before sand and rocks are added, will weigh about eighty pounds.