i want to make a fish tank out of glass but not sure how to go about getting started ,?

Question

how thick should glass be? what is best way to glue glass ? i really dont know the first thing about maken one and am open to all advise, like when putting the glass together what is best way to do so to ensure the best strenghth so my tank dnt fall apart when i put in water

Answer 1

If you're really wanting to make your own aquarium you need at least 1/4" glass for a small tank. (The 55gal that I bought has 1/2" glass)

You will also need special aquarium grade sillicone, it doesn't have the chemicals that most sillicones have in them and also is made to be in water all the time and won't degrade with the chemicals and biological matter involved with an aquarium.

To actually put it together you will also need some sort of a base for strength (metal, wood, plastic - it doesn't make that much difference, just as long as it's sturdy) around the whole outside of the bottom. This base will hold the glass at the bottom of the tank together (in addition to the aquarium sillicone), provide reinforcement to the whole tank, and protect the glass from any potential damage or scratching from surfaces it will eventually be placed on.
You'll also need reinforcement at the top to keep it sturdy and reduce the pressure on the tank seams. (same basic deal as on the bottom).

Make sure your sillicone is Very smooth, especially where it's going to be underwater, as fish will sometimes pick at pieces that are protruding.

Other than that, you just need a big area to put it together, ALOT of paitence, and quite a bit of time. Be as creative as you like, tailor it to your fish or your displaying preferences (really tall for angelfish, long and low for sharks or eels, or odd shapes for displaying tropical fish in a unique way).

Once it's done make sure you let it set for the recommended cure time on the sillicone instructions and then test-fill it for at least 2-3 days to make sure it's all sealed up before you fill and treat it for the fish.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

First building a tank is expensive. You can buy a 10 gallon tank at walmart for 10 bucks. It will cost you that for just the glue (aquarium silicone sealer and adhesive) from Dr. Foster and Smith or the Pet warehouse. The bottom is laid first. the two ends are next (all exactly the same width) then the front and back are added. Hold it all together with masking tape till the glue dries. If you buy the glass it has to be cut exactly the right size. If you use old windows or used glass cut it yourself with a hardware store glass cutter. Home made tanks should be limited to about 10 gallons. inspect one at the pet store for ideas.

Answer 3

You can build one but I dont see why you would want to. Glass aquariums are cheap, you can get a 29 gallon for 30 bucks...They also sell kits with the frames where you use silicone to put it together, you cant just buy glass and think you glue it together!!

Answer 4

Rats and Mice are companies to get respitory ailments so in case you do use a fish tank to abode them ascertain it quite is in a nicely-ventilated (yet no longer drafty) area. you will discover greater guidance on the hyperlink I secure contained in the aspects area. Rats can't be stored with mice, and in lots of situations, mice can't be stored with different mice. that is going to matter on the temperment of the mice in question, in spite of the indisputable fact that rats have a tendency to do rather nicely with one yet another while they have been presented. Male mice seem somewhat greater territorial than lady mice, although male rodents seem (imho) to be somewhat greater laid lower back than lady mice. be careful to no longer mixture adult males and girls, a muddle will in basic terms seem 'cute' till you have 12-15 mice working around. And too many rats is even worse as they take alot of cages to incorporate and are harder (a minimal of for me while this blunders develop into made) to socialise while there are lots of them. For toys you need to use paper tubes and packing packing containers particularly nicely, or lots of the Habitrail-like tubes and pipes are dishwasher secure (examine the packing packing containers) so as that they'd be quite sanitized. And be particular to apply a paper-based bedding (which contain Carefresh), pine shavings incorporate pollutants and are undesirable for small animals regardless of their acceptance.

Answer 5

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/a/aa120897diyaq.htm

Yes buying one would be easier, and costs about the same. But I have always wanted to build my own tank, and I will someday. It is satisfying to know that you are keeping your fish in something you did all by yourself. You also could build a unique tank that you can not buy anywhere. So go for it and most importantly have fun!

Answer 6

You'd be best advised to buy one pal. How will you feel if it leaks in the night and all your fish have died when you get up next morning?


By the way.....NEVER open links on here. It's usually people trying to sell their own stuff......quality not guaranteed.

Happy New Year.

Answer 7

I agree with the above poster who suggested buying one. Tanks are the cheapest part of having fish: it's the pumps, chemicals, and filter media that kills you.

Answer 8

Do a yahoo search on DIY aquariums you will learn all you need to learn about it. DIY is do it yourself