Are you looking for a perfect abode for your favorite pet fish? Well, we have something extraordinary for you. Let all work blues go and create your own Plexiglas Aquarium. We promise you will love it and the fish inside the beautiful piece of work will be the happiest! Plexiglas is as robust and strong as you can imagine. Perhaps, it is one of the strongest materials available. This is a plastic material with qualities of a glass and a strength that will make you hooked to it. Are you worried about creating your own Aquarium? Simply follow our guidelines and Voila!
Why Plexiglas aquarium instead of a normal glass?
Because of its ability to retain by itself for the longest time, Plexiglas is a love at first use. While it is durable, it is also very easy to cut, easy to install and easy to clean. We are sure that these are some of the major concerns of someone looking for a self-made aquarium at home. Moreover, of course, convenience amidst everyday chaos is like gold to glitter. Isn’t it?
Believe us or not, plexiglass, unlike ordinary glass is more transparent. Obviously, you would want to flaunt your little aquarium through a clean, transparent mirror. Moreover, it is shatter-proof to a great extent. This means that you do not have to worry about glass even when you have little children in the house. Plexiglass sheets cut to size is also easily molded which allows you to experiment with different shapes, whatever you want. Additionally, guess what? It is lighter than an ordinary glass. Thus, plexiglass is like an immediate solution to your woes about using a self-made aquarium at home.
Tools and Materials Needed to Make Plexi glass Aquarium
Some important tool and materials needed to make a plexiglass aquarium are a measuring tape, acrylic sheets, a razor or a sandpaper and a glue. If you have some of these essential materials, your DIY aquarium is only an effort away.
Steps to Make a Plexiglass Aquarium (DIY)
Making aquarium isn’t daunting task, you just need to put things together and plan things ahead carefully.
- Decide the space and the measurements
We often overlook this aspect. Yet, it is vital to assure beforehand about the space where the aquarium would be placed inside. For example, if you want to place your aquarium on the entrance of your lounge, make sure to know the measurements. Make sure to know what size of an aquarium would fit in that spot. Hence, measure thoroughly because each measurement matters. These measurements will help you formulate a visually pleasing aquarium. Ideally, if your aquarium exceeds a 13-19 inches’ length, you must use a 1/2 – inch thick Plexiglas.
- Order your Plexiglass
We recommend, refrain from cutting the plexiglass by yourself, as it can be super dangerous for a naïve person. Ideally, a known plastic vendor could help you best. Tell them the exact measurements you require and let them do the nitty-gritties for you.
- Get it all together
After your Plexiglas successfully delivered to you, start taking off its cover bit by bit. You want to assure that there are little or no scratches on the Plexiglas. So, remember to remove only a bit of the cover. Next, try to level out the rough edges using a sandpaper or a sharpened razor. This comes in handy!
- Start Assembling
Place some masking tape on the bottom of the acrylic sides. Make sure you place the masking tape in a way that it holds the two edges together. Remember that you have to be patient and gentle throughout this process. While doing so, keep enough space between two edges, to allow the application of glue and, thus, a solid seal. Take some acrylic glue and apply it onto the grooves. You must not miss out any spaces to ensure complete sealing. Moreover, let the glue dry completely before continuing to the next process.
- Let the final touches begin
Glue the other end of the glass in a similar fashion. Just make sure, the glass has glued well enough to be intact for the longest time. Again, let the glue dry completely. To ensure a complete seal, run a torch light over the edges. If any area is left, place some more glue on it and let it dry completely.
How Much Will It Cost?
The truth is your cost for building an aquarium at home can become as high or low as you want. While plexiglass is more expensive than an ordinary glass, it is to serve you for a longer period. This effect makes it more cost effective. A small DIY aquarium can cost 100$. Ideally, a DIY Plexiglas aquarium should be of at least 300 gallons. Buying commercial aquariums costs a fortune and is a strenuous process. So, if you are looking for a cost-effective way to build your own aquarium, do not think twice and head for one.