| Building a large saltwater aquarium is definitely | | | | brace is placed in the tank's center and is constructed |
| something to consider if you are a fairly handy | | | | by cutting a six inch wide glass piece fitted on the |
| person. This article will give you some tips about how | | | | outside edges of the back and front panels. Use |
| to construct a 55 gallon glass aquarium. Of course, if | | | | silicone to position this six inch glass in place. |
| you're not handy, there are plenty of different types | | | | Glass panes are prepared by using emery cloth to |
| of fish tanks to choose from at your local pet shop. | | | | smooth the glass edges. Acetone cleans the glass |
| The choice is yours. | | | | pane joints and edges at ½ inch inward. As for |
| A good start is to set a goal of constructing an | | | | the duct tape, cut sixteen, five inch long pieces. You'll |
| aquarium that has quarter inch thick glass and a | | | | need them shortly. |
| height of fourteen inches. Remember that a bigger | | | | Find a non-scratch surface and place your bottom |
| aquarium will require a greater thickness of glass. | | | | panel on it. Stick eight pieces of tape to the glass on |
| Other properties of the aquarium that you are about | | | | the bottom side (sticky side up). Try not to scratch |
| to construct include two end panels that fit inside the | | | | the glass. |
| back and front panes. | | | | Install the front glass piece and then fold two |
| In order to create the back, front and side panels | | | | bottom pieces of tape upward and stick them to the |
| (which are placed on top of the aquarium floor), you | | | | glass. Next, place the first side panel and fold another |
| really have to be comfortable with cutting glass. If | | | | two bottom duct tape pieces upward and stick them |
| you're not, give the dimensions to a professional and | | | | to the front of the glass. Secure the side piece to |
| let that person cut the glass to your specifications. | | | | the front piece of glass with two additional strips of |
| A lighted hood is a must in your blueprint plans. | | | | tape. Similarly, install the other side piece and the |
| Remember that the top of your fish tank should not | | | | back panel. |
| use glass, as this affects aeration and could seriously | | | | Silicone is used to seal the eight joint areas on the |
| harm future species within your tank. | | | | inside of your tank, once the tank has been built. Use |
| The materials that you will need for your 55 gallon | | | | your thumb or index finger to smooth and level a |
| fish tank include: one back panel, one front panel, | | | | small, yet adequate amount of silicone over all of the |
| two glass end pieces, one glass bottom panel, 100% | | | | joints. The silicone will then need 24 hours to cure. |
| silicone sealant (non-toxic), acetone, razor blades | | | | When your tank is cured, fill it with fresh water and |
| (single edged), paper towels, duct tape, silicone | | | | check for leaks. Keep the water in the tank for a full |
| carbide sandpaper (or emery cloth) and a washable | | | | 24 hours to make sure no leaking occurs! There you |
| felt tip marker. | | | | have it! Whether you construct your own tank or |
| When constructing tanks that are larger than thirty | | | | buy one, you will undoubtedly enjoy it for years to |
| gallons, you should consider a support brace. This | | | | come. |