Terri Ramsey Beavers Fishkeeping dates back as far as 3,500 years ago to the Sumerians.
Not only do aquariums lend a beautiful aesthetic to any room, but they also offer health benefits. According to a study by the National Marine Aquarium Ltd., aquariums can lower blood pressure!
However, aquariums can cost you a pretty penny. Depending on its size, an aquarium can cost anywhere between $100 to $5,000.
If you would like to cut back on costs and build your own aquarium, then this guide is for you!
How to Build Your Own Aquarium
Building an aquarium isn’t as difficult as you might think.
The first thing you need to decide is what type of aquarium you want: freshwater or saltwater. The two require different types of filtration systems.
A perk to going with a saltwater aquarium is the fish are flashier and more vibrant. Their colors tend to be bolder than that of their freshwater cousins.
The second important decision is whether to construct with glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are less expensive than acrylic and are also scratch-resistant.
This guild will cover how to build a glass aquarium meant for saltwater fish.
Size Matters
Before construction can begin, you need to determine what size of tank you want.
The size of the tank will impact how thick the glass panes need to be.
A gallon of water weighs 10 pounds. The bigger the tank, the more pressure is applied to the glass panes. The last thing you want is for your brand new tank to burst under the weight of the water.
Use an aquarium glass calculator to determine the appropriate thickness of the glass needed to support the tank after it’s been filled.
Preparation
Once you’ve determined how large a fish tank you want, gather up the materials needed.
To build your own aquarium at home, you will need:
- Plate glass (5)
- Silicone sealant
- Masking or duct tape
- Caulking gun
How to Build a Fish Tank
Follow this step-by-step guide to building an aquarium!
Step 1: Place one pane of glass flush against the bottom of a large workspace area.
Cut strips of masking tape and secure half of each piece to the underside of the pane. You’ll want to leave the other half of each strip free so that as you install the sides, you can pull the tape up to stick to the glass walls to help secure them in place.
Step 2: Apply silicone along one edge of the bottom pane of glass.
Step 3: Place a side panel of glass into place and hold in place firmly for one minute. Then pull the strips of tape on that side up to help brace the sidewall in place.
Step 4: Repeat this process for each remaining panel.
Step 5: Allow the silicone to dry for 24-48 hours.
Step 6: Add in the saltwater and filtration system, then the habitat decorations.
Step 7: Go to a store that has saltwater fish for sale and make your selection!
A Few Final Considerations
Now that you know how to build your own aquarium you’ll need to find a service to help keep it clean to extend the life of your fish. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a remarkable display full of captivating fishlife. For aquarium cleaning please see Aquatech Aquarium Cleaning Service. You will have a beautiful glass aquarium decorating your home in no time! Keep browsing our website for other tips to help you lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.