How to make an aquarium with your own hands at home? How to make an aquarium yourself Panoramic aquarium with your own hands.

A standard glass aquarium can be purchased at any pet store. But if you are sure that you can make it yourself, you should try it using the necessary details and instructions. There are times when it is inconvenient to transport a bulky product, especially over long distances - it will most likely be damaged.

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Selection of materials for construction

To make an aquarium with your own hands, you will need the following tools and materials:

Aquarium silicate glue;
Glue dispenser gun;
Glass cutting file;
Painting tape;
A centimeter or ruler;
Porous sponge 2 pcs.;
A rag made of natural fabric.

Now you need to decide what type of glass is suitable for the manufacture of the structure. First of all, pay attention to the thickness of the product. When water is poured into the container, all the parts are installed, then they will exert significant pressure on the bottom and walls. In a large container, the thickness of the glass should be several centimeters thicker. If the width of the glass is insufficient, any mechanical damage will lead to cracks and leaks.

An aquarium 50 cm long and 30 cm high should have a glass thickness of 5-8 mm. When gluing a large container (100 cm by 60 cm), you need a glass width of 10 mm. If you have chosen organic glass, then you need to apply similar calculations. Few people make a plexiglass aquarium with their own hands. The reason is its rapid turbidity, low quality. When removing algae with a scraper, noticeable damage is formed on the walls of the tank.

The choice of glass also needs to be done with great care. The recommended material is M1, which contains no foreign matter or microscopic air bubbles. Glasses of this type are often used when installing shop windows. Then pay attention to the choice of glue. Superglue "Moment" will not work - it is too toxic. Give preference to silicone aquarium glue. It is harmless and sealed. Check with your dealer that it is made specifically for attaching aquarium glass and other hard surfaces. Do not buy cheap brands of glue, they are unlikely to be of high quality.

See how to make an aquarium with your own hands.

The first stages of manufacturing a structure

Making an aquarium with your own hands is impossible without the use of tools, but if you find them, you have a high chance. A rectangular glass container is prepared in stages. First, you need to prepare the glass parts.

You can make an aquarium with a volume of 20 liters or more. Constructions with a volume of 50 liters or more are successfully obtained. Professional craftsmen know how to make 500-800 liter tanks, but the skill is developed with experience. Measure the glass for the bottom, end walls, back and front sides. The edges of the glass should not be sanded.
The plan of the product must be drawn up in such a way that the bottom of the tank is inside the vertical glass walls. Silicone adhesive is better for tensile bonding.
All glass parts near the areas where the gluing line will pass must be glued on both sides with strips of masking tape. Its edges should recede from the edge of the wall or bottom at the level of 5-6 mm. This will prevent the sealant from contaminating the glass during bonding. Areas of the future joint must be treated with acetone for degreasing.
Apply a few drops of silicone around the perimeter of the bottom glass. After a few hours, cut it off so that the hardened silicone is 1-2 mm thick. Dots will be visible, which will determine the thickness of the glue seam. Avoid adhesion of glass parts, so that damage will not occur under pressure from the sides and load.
After that, gluing should be carried out on a table covered with plastic wrap. Attach and glue the front wall. To prevent it from collapsing, place supports on both sides.
With your own hands, squeeze out the aquarium silicone gradually so that the seam comes out of an even layer. Then attach and seal the end glass. Fix it with masking tape against the front wall. Glue the second end glass and the back wall in the same way. Carefully remove the remaining amount of sealant with a sponge or a cloth dampened in water.
After 2-2.5 hours, apply an additional ball of silicone glue to the joints to ensure structural strength. After another 60 minutes, remove the masking tape and use a razor blade to evenly clean the seams.

Strengthening the walls

Next, you need to arrange the ribs with your own hands. They can be made from samples of the same type of glass, 6-10 cm wide. Glue the ribs at the top of the vertical walls. Ribs that are 4-6 cm shorter than the length of each wall can provide even pressure over the entire surface. This stage is relevant for spacious tanks. After 24 hours, you can test the glued container under pressure. If no leaks are noticed, then the aquarium, made by hand, can be considered ready.

This gluing method can be used in the manufacture of enlarged aquariums. But here you need to stock up on thicker glass, stiffeners from above and below, as well as a system for fixing vertical walls when gluing corner clamps. After the performed manipulations, you can build in aquarium structures.

Depending on the type of equipment used, make holes in the bottom or in the side wall and glue short pipes there. You can carefully cut off the necks of glass bottles, insert them into the holes with the edge of the neck outward, and tightly fix with silicone glue in diameter. Hoses from external equipment are put on the adapters obtained by yourself.

How to make an aquarium cover

A do-it-yourself aquarium cover can be made of organic glass, plastic or silicate glass. Pay attention to how big your new aquarium is. The most popular lid material these days is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride (foam).

See how to make a DIY aquarium cover.

If you have got an aquarium of a small capacity, then the lid can be made of building plastic with a thickness of 3-5 mm. But it is not recommended to put it on glass. That is, initially you should prepare the sides from plastic, cut strips along the length of the walls with a width of 6-10 cm. This will be the height of the side. The frame can be glued with resin or plastic glue. The corner joint is reinforced with a glued metal corner. Then the cover can be attached to the aquarium.

A good method of attaching the sides to the top of the container is obtained by using a PVC cable channel. There are grooves on both sides of the channel, where you need to insert both the walls of the tank and the pieces of the rim. Therefore, it must be selected according to the thickness of the glass. All joint lines must be sealed with silicone glue.

Next, attach the hinges to the rear side to raise the cover. The hinges can be glued or bolted together. A square hole must be made in the plastic surface of the lid so that it grips and lifts. Through this hole you will feed the fish. If you notice that the plastic bends in the inner surface, it is worth reinforcing along its length with a light corner of aluminum. The resulting corner will become a mount for lighting lamps.

In order for all the wiring and hoses from the equipment to enter the aquarium calmly, at the stage of gluing the frame, holes should be carefully cut on the side of the rim. This is done with a drill. You can make the same holes on the opposite side to improve ventilation inside the tank. After the completed stage, you can install the aquarium equipment, and fix the lighting fixtures inside the cover.

It is recommended to choose the light bulbs in advance. New types - LED and luminescent, in which the power is 0.4-0.5 watts per liter of water. The spectrum of light should depend on the type of fish and plants that will settle in the reservoir. It is not recommended to install many tungsten filament bulbs. They heat the water too much, which can lead to a deterioration in the condition of all living creatures. Lamps must be under special protective glass. You can, if desired, decorate the aquarium lid with your own hands using self-adhesive tape. The resulting product will cost much less.

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Making an aquarium on your own will help solve several important problems. Firstly, it will be possible to save money, since finished products are expensive. Secondly, a self-made structure can organically fit specifically into your interior. To make a high-quality aquarium with your own hands out of glass, you need to study effective ways of fastening the individual parts. Knowledge about lighting, aeration, and other decorative and functional additions will come in handy. The information you need to know with helpful practical tips is collected in this article.

A good self-made product is no different from a factory original, but it costs less

Do-it-yourself aquarium made of glass: why do you need ventilation and other main structural components

First, a few features of the selected material should be noted. The design will be easier when creating an aquarium with your own hands from plexiglass. Various dyes are added to it. Such polymer sheets are not difficult to bend to obtain original shapes. Attracts high resistance to mechanical damage.

But high-quality glass surpasses other analogues in terms of a set of consumer parameters. This material provides good transparency over many years of continuous use. It can be cleaned with common detergents to create a perfect appearance.

The benefits of chemical neutrality should be emphasized. The glass does not alter the composition of the liquid in any way, so it is not difficult to create a friendly environment in the aquarium. It is not damaged by ultraviolet radiation, high temperature of heating elements, and other external influences.

The last remark should be supplemented with calculations. In order not to be mistaken with the dimensions of the product, you can take the regulatory data from this table:

The length of the largest fish, cm	Water volume per fish, l	Recommended surface area for 1 fish, sq. cm
1-1,5	2-3	20-30
1,5-2	4-5	60-70
2-3	6-7	80-100
3-4	8-9	110-130
4-6	10-12	140-160

It is possible and even necessary to increase the area of the water surface. This improves oxygenation of the fluid naturally, without forced aeration. Based on the obtained values, the dimensions of the product are selected. The form is specified taking into account design requirements.

You should purchase glass from the M4 to M7 brand. In products with smaller digital indicators, according to the current industry standards, small inclusions of air bubbles and other defects are permissible. The aquarium requires a homogeneous wall structure, since significant loads are expected.

For your information! In combination with water and backlighting, the smallest errors in appearance are clearly visible.

Such documentation is useful for cutting workpieces according to the marked dimensions in a glass workshop. This service is sometimes offered completely free of charge, subject to the purchase of materials from the performers. Prepare corrugated cardboard and other suitable packaging for transportation.

Below are the data on glass thickness. Positions are marked in green when creating a simple aquarium. Yellow - the version with stiffeners. Red - with transverse braces and longitudinal stiffeners. All dimensions are in mm.

How to glue the aquarium: preparation of consumables to ensure the tightness of the joints

These connections are made using silicone sealants. It is desirable to use formulations without additives that can degrade the original characteristics. The disadvantages of some of the components are listed below:

It is harmless to fish and plants. Before gluing, the surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. To perform these operations, you need to purchase technical alcohol, or acetone.

Video: how to glue an aquarium with your own hands

Written instructions describing the main stages are given below, in a separate section of the article.

How to make a high-quality do-it-yourself aquarium cover

This element creates a barrier for fish that can jump out and die. It also prevents dust from entering the aquarium. This precaution is useful if there are small children and pets at home.

The size and shape of this unit is chosen taking into account the corresponding parameters of the aquarium. The structure is removable to simplify maintenance. Lightweight materials, moisture-resistant decorative coatings are used. Strong and durable plastic cladding panels are quite suitable.

For your information! For gluing polymers, a silicone-based sealant is used. Some councils suggest using special additives that prevent the appearance of mold and mildew. It must be remembered that such components are dangerous to plants and fish.

Reliable and beautiful cabinet for an aquarium: examples of work and manufacturing features

The requirements for this part of the design are outlined below:

The main parameter is the ability to withstand the large weight of the aquarium filled with water without deformation and damage.
The aesthetic characteristics of the do-it-yourself aquarium stand must be created in accordance with the general style of the room.
The presence of sufficient volume is useful for placing a compressor, power supplies, other components of technical equipment, care products, feed.

Important! In any of the options, pay special attention to the docking of the base and the bottom of the aquarium. A pad of fabric, foamed polymer, rubber will help compensate for the smallest irregularities in the supporting surface.

Making an effective filter for your aquarium with your own hands

The purpose of all products in this category is to remove harmful impurities from the water that are formed in the aquarium during operation. Various technologies are used to solve this problem:

Mechanical impurities are removed using nets, bulk fillers made of polymer filaments, granular fillings.
Biological technologies are based on the processing of ammonium and other hazardous compounds and substances by bacteria. Colonies of microorganisms are added to the porous filter materials.
Activated carbon and other sorption fillings remove turbidity and unpleasant odors.
Various chemical compounds are also used to impregnate the backfill. They must be used with care so as not to impair the composition of the water.

These components are applied as follows:

The working container is created from a suitable pipe (2) and plugs (1).
Purified river sand is poured into it.
Two tubes (3) are inserted into the cover through the transition devices (4), which ensure the tightness of the joints. One feeds contaminated liquid to the bottom of the filler. Through the second, from above, clean water is taken.
The cranes are installed so that it is possible to block transport routes for performing routine maintenance (sand washing).
Water movement is provided by a standard pump (6) with an electric drive.

To create a phyto filter for an aquarium with your own hands, you need to study the principles of operation of the corresponding devices. Specialists know that the most important problem is the timely removal of nitrites and ammonia compounds. The above-mentioned dietary supplements decompose harmful substances only to nitrates.

Plants perform useful functions in phyto filtration technologies. Their roots extract the compounds listed above from the water. It is only necessary to ensure the supply of liquid to the appropriate area, followed by the separation of mechanical impurities, backflow into the aquarium.

Here, useful functions are performed by the substrate poured into the aquarium.

Important! This solution is not recommended for beginners. Only an experienced aquarist is able to select without errors the composition of the soil, thickness, placement of plants and decorative elements. In case of errors, zones are formed with conditions suitable for the formation of methane, silt deposits.

These products are easier to service. Cleaning and replacing the filter elements can be done without any hassle.

When buying such a filter for an aquarium, the price will be higher than the total cost of making a homemade product. The correct application of the information given in this article will help you create a high-quality, effective cleaning system without unnecessary costs.

Making a compressor for an aquarium with your own hands

Oxygen is needed for the normal functioning of fish. Even with a large surface area, the supply may not be sufficient. It should not be forgotten that in the open air the wind performs the corresponding useful functions completely free of charge. At home, forced feed is used with the use of specialized equipment.

In household models, membrane structures are used to equip aquariums. Reciprocating compressors are used to increase productivity. They have a relatively high noise level. They are installed to aerate aquariums with a volume of more than 250 liters.

The desired result can be obtained with the help of improvised means. First you need to find a container to store air. A ball chamber, an air mattress, an old tank with a membrane from a reverse osmosis system will do. It is filled with a hand (foot) pump to the desired pressure. To eliminate losses, use a tee with valves. A tube is connected to it. When immersed in the aquarium - aeration will be performed.

For your information! A good do-it-yourself aquarium compressor can only be made from high-quality components that are expensive. Affordable prices for household aeration systems for aquariums allow you to quickly solve the problem without large financial costs. The car camera option can be used in an emergency. But it is hardly suitable for permanent use.

Features of creating a siphon for an aquarium with your own hands

With this device, mechanical impurities that settle on the bottom are removed. The extended part (1) is carried out in the cleaning area. To create a primary vacuum, a hand pump (3) is used, which is connected with a flexible hose (2). The outlet part (4) is lowered below for the subsequent movement of the liquid by gravity.

After reading this description, it is not difficult to understand how to make a do-it-yourself siphon for an aquarium. It is necessary to select components that will not pollute the water themselves. If there is no pump, you can create a vacuum with a vacuum cleaner, or by inhaling a little air through your mouth. Prepare a container for dirty water. After settling for a short time, large particles will accumulate at the bottom. They are removed, the purified liquid is poured back into the aquarium.

Gas generators: important recommendations for the construction of functional units

It is not difficult to do it yourself with a sufficient amount of CO2 in the aquarium. Refueling with carbon dioxide is cheap.

The cylinder is designed for high pressure. It can store a large amount of gas. Using a pressure gauge, the remaining stock is determined. The valve is used to precisely control the flow.

This article presents not only ready-made solutions from stores, but also technologies for creating homemade products. Experienced aquarists and novices alike successfully use fermentation processes to obtain CO2 at home. This set of ingredients will come in handy in practice:

Sugar in the amount of 20 tbsp. spoons you can use any. There are recommendations on the best parameters of reed varieties, but their expediency is not substantiated by essential facts. The main thing is not to reduce the amount of this nutrient so that the yeast efficiently produces the desired chemical compound.
Starch is added - 8 tbsp. spoons.
It is necessary to prepare purified water (1 l) so that impurities and organic components do not have a negative effect on the process.
Soda (6 tablespoons) neutralizes acidic components.

The ingredients are mixed, cooked for 20-30 minutes. Then they cool slowly, add beer shivers at the rate of 5 tbsp. spoons per liter of liquid. To intensify fermentation, use pieces of bread, fish food. Such a composition remains operational for up to 2.5-3 months. After - they replace the mash completely, or only by 60-70%.

The second tank serves as an intermediate filter. At the same time, the bubbles can be used to monitor the intensity of the process. When creating such a kit, use suitable plastic bottles. Silicone sealant is suitable for making tight connections.

There are important limitations to keep in mind when using this technology:

Photosynthesis only occurs in the presence of light.
Rapid plant growth is indicative of a high gas concentration.
The above method (brew) is not very efficient. If the volume of the aquarium exceeds 150 liters, two similar settings are used.
In addition to carbon dioxide and light, plants need fertilizers and microelements. For better absorption of nutrients, an environment with a low acid content is best.

When the health of the fish worsens, the supply of carbon dioxide is reduced or stopped completely. To restore normal oxygen content, forced aeration is turned on. The same problem can be solved by making an oxidizer for the aquarium with your own hands.

A functional oxygen generator can be assembled from available tools in a few minutes. Select a container of a suitable size (medicine bottle, glass or plastic cup). A little hydrogen peroxide is poured into it and a piece of shungite is immersed. The hole is plugged with an aquarium diffuser, which should be at the bottom when immersed.

Spectacular decoration: special devices and design elements

Any items can be used to fill the aquarium. In any case, it is necessary to ensure safety for fish and plants. This requirement is not limited to the penetration of harmful contaminants. The trade network offers moving, too bright and other devices "for aquariums". Some of them provoke stressful situations. Others are not suitable given the behavior of certain species of fish.

Decor elements are created from different materials. They are covered with various protective layers. When choosing, you must remember about the potential dangers. For example, some natural minerals can significantly change the chemical composition of water when immersed. Calcium and magnesium components increase the level of hardness. Phosphate compounds have a negative impact on the health of fish. Safe are: basalt, granite, pumice, quartz rocks. But artificial stones intended for aquariums certainly do not contain any harmful components.

But such designs are distinguished by a high level of realism. Inside - you can hide pipes, other technological parts of the structure.

On a computer, you can create a unique drawing with the desired resolution, certain aesthetic characteristics. To apply it on a suitable substrate, you can use the services of a specialized service center. The finished picture is glued to the back of the glass, which provides good protection against adverse external influences. At the same time, contamination of the aquarium water is prevented.

For your information! Using appropriate techniques, you can create a volumetric image in 3D.

The right choice of soil for the aquarium: you can create the optimal composition with your own hands

This essential component of the aquarium has both aesthetic and practical functions. It is home to beneficial bacteria. It is the basis for anchoring the root systems of plants. Some aquarium fish, when a danger arises, create shelters in the ground, dig holes for laying eggs.

Backfills are used based on sand, crushed minerals, polymers, glass. In the latter version, the pieces of material are treated with high temperature to smooth out the protrusions. When creating a nutrient soil for an aquarium with your own hands, special ingredients are added to it to solve the following tasks:

normalization of the acidity of the environment;
absorption of harmful chemical compounds;
plant stimulation;
treatment and prevention of fish diseases.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following information:

Several natural components have a significant effect on the chemical composition of water.
It is necessary to create and further maintain a porous layer so as not to hinder metabolic processes.
Sand grains up to 2 mm in size are lifted by water vibrations, which form large fish during movement. Contaminants get into the filtration devices, disable them.
To exclude such manifestations, gravel is covered. But you must understand that it is only suitable for plants with strong roots.
Dark shades are suitable for tropical aquarium fish.
Colored bright colors should be used in limited quantities.
If the colors are too light, the natural color of the fish gradually fades.

For your information! To eliminate potentially harmful components, experienced aquarists personally process soil mixtures from the store. They are thoroughly washed and ignited. Similar actions are performed if river sand and other natural materials are used.

Do-it-yourself potassium supplementation for the aquarium is used if the plants begin to lose leaves. Iron deficiency appears as light spots. In the absence of nitrogen, the mechanism of protein production is disrupted. Magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, and other trace elements are required in insignificant quantities.

They are immersed in the backfill. The exact amount of drugs and methods of use are described in the manufacturer's instructions. Also, similar products are produced in liquid form.

DIY aquarium driftwood: a beautiful and durable product

These elements are used to create not only exclusive compositions. They are necessary to create a comfortable environment for certain types of fish. If you plan to make a snag in the aquarium with your own hands, pay special attention to its preparation. The selected wood is cleaned of bark and dirt and boiled in water for at least two days. Only a product prepared in this way will be protected from rotting and possible "blooming".

If you figure out how to make a snag for an aquarium with your own hands from stained wood, you can saturate the water with tannins, organic acids. This environment is comfortable for carp and some other fish species.

Even experienced aquarists prefer this kind of artificial products. They do not contain any hazardous substances.

Mainsail for aquarium

The general rules outlined below will help you choose decor details without mistakes:

Basic materials and coatings of such elements should not contain potentially hazardous substances, soluble compounds.
Sharp edges and protrusions should be excluded.
In grottoes and other shelters, 2 or more holes are made with dimensions sufficient for the free movement of the largest fish.
Massive items are installed directly on the bottom, or through special damping pads.

Economical and reliable lighting

Previously, halogen and gas discharge lamps were used to solve such problems. Nowadays, when creating a lamp for an aquarium with your own hands, preference is given to semiconductor devices:

are produced in a wide range, so it is not difficult to find the optimal technical parameters for the project (radiation intensity, spectrum).
They perform their functions economically without generating a lot of heat.
These products are resistant to changes in temperature, humidity, mains voltage.
They retain their original characteristics for several tens of thousands of hours of continuous operation.
Low voltage circuits can be used for connection, which increases the level of safety.

For your information! As production expands, the cost of LED fixtures decreases. They are not damaged in difficult conditions of use, with frequent switching on. Such products are well suited for creating modern automated DIY lighting systems for an aquarium.

For approximate calculations, three gradations are used (in lumens per 1 liter of aquarium volume):

From 10 to 30 is the minimum level. This kind of lighting is suitable for shade-loving plants.
The range of 30-50 is versatile.
More than 50 units are used with caution to avoid discomfort for the fish.

When setting up the backlight for an aquarium with your own hands, set the correct operating mode. The duration of photosynthesis, taking into account artificial and natural sources, should be at least 8 hours a day. It is not worth increasing the range, as this can provoke excess algae growth.

How to make an aquarium with your own hands: step-by-step instructions with useful comments, video

Photo	Basic Operations, Explanations and Tips
	With this guide, creating a beginner aquarium shouldn't be too difficult. To connect and hold the walls in the desired position, clamps and four strong metal corners are useful. Soft spacers made of cardboard (other material) will prevent damage to the glass.
	All blanks are pre-pasted with masking paper tape so that there are free gaps up to the edge of 3-6 mm. A gap of about 10 mm is created between the table and the lower part of the structure using wooden blocks.
	The assembly is continued according to the above technology, with the upper part secured by the corners.
	The clamp screws are clamped without undue force.
	A silicone-based sealant without additional components is suitable for filling the joint.
	Excess composition is removed.
	After removing the mounting tape, a flat edge remains. This operation must be performed in a timely manner so that the sealant does not have time to harden.

Other parts are connected in a similar way. After completing the procedures, it is necessary to withstand the time required for the silicone to dry. Next, the clamps are removed, the tightness of the structure is checked empirically. DIY aquarium repairs can be done using the same technology.

Special additions for aquariums

This section contains information on special equipment. Some products can be created by yourself. Others are best purchased at the store.

UV sterilizer

For disinfection, water is treated with ultraviolet radiation. The lamp (of the corresponding spectrum) is placed in a sealed casing through which a liquid flow is passed.

Automatic feeder

The desired result can be obtained by installing the platform at a slight slope, ensuring the movement of bulk solids using vibration. To create such an auto-feeder for an aquarium with your own hands, an old mobile phone will come in handy. It is attached using a rigid attachment. Turning on the "vibration" call will create the necessary mechanical stress. You can control such a device remotely.

How to make a do-it-yourself sump for an aquarium

This term denotes a separate container, which is used directly for the correct preparation of the aquatic environment.

When creating a sump for an aquarium with your own hands, you need to determine exactly the necessary processing steps. As a rule, several stages of filtration are used. In the last compartment, a heating element with a thermostat is installed to maintain the nominal temperature level.

Aerators and Sprayers

When looking for the right solution, one must remember the need to create free passages for air, ease of cleaning. Make sure that the compressor capacity is sufficient. The buoyancy, unnecessary for this part, is eliminated by the load.

These materials are also used to create a do-it-yourself aerator for an aquarium:

dense polymeric sponges;
sandstone, other porous minerals;
a branch of mountain ash, another suitable tree, cut at an angle.

aerator for aquarium

Specialized aquarium lift

This device moves water from the depth to the top. Useful actions are performed using air bubbles. Such designs are used in filtration systems. To create a do-it-yourself airlift for an aquarium, you need to take a wide tube. Holes are made in the lower part. It is immersed in a sponge, which will prevent the penetration of mechanical impurities. Compressed air is supplied to the middle of the structure through a special branch pipe.

Snail trap

To automate the cleaning of the aquarium, use different plastic containers.

A do-it-yourself snail trap in an aquarium should be equipped with a device that provides freedom of movement only inward. In this project, such functions are performed by combs made of flexible polymer threads (marked with arrows).

Refrigerator for aquarium

A do-it-yourself aquarium refrigerator project is created taking into account personal preferences and capabilities. Air conditioners and other household appliances, water and air cooling circuits are used.

Maintaining optimal temperature with a heater

Here, the temperature of the liquid rises as an electric current flows. The desired resistance can be obtained by varying the concentration of the brine.

Improving the conditions of keeping fish with the use of a nutritious substrate

Making a quality, nutritious substrate for your aquarium with your own hands is a daunting task, even for experienced aquarists. When choosing suitable components, it is necessary to ensure the availability of a sufficient amount of organic matter necessary for the harmonious development of plants. At the same time, it is necessary to block dangerous decay processes. The good solubility of beneficial ingredients is complemented by the absence of "emissions" that pollute the aquatic environment. Manufacturers of specialized products keep their recipes secret. Published techniques are poorly repeatable.

Typically, substrates include:

Clay that holds trace elements and other useful components.
Peat - with its help they create an optimal level of acidity in the area of root systems.
Fertilizers, microelements.
Activated carbon, which accumulates the products of decay processes.
Neutral filler (sand, gravel).

What you need to know to make a DIY aquarium skimmer

Such devices are used autonomously or as part of filtration systems. They collect foam together with impurities in a special container for subsequent disposal.

How to independently make a "sandfall" in an aquarium

The most difficult part of a do-it-yourself sandfall is the channel. It is not only the relief that matters, but also the angle of inclination. Optimum parameters can be selected during testing. The ability to change the pressure with the use of adjusting the pump performance will come in handy.

How to buy an inexpensive aquarium in an online store: market overview

Manufacturer / Model	Volume, l	Dimensions, mm	Glass thickness, mm	price, rub.	Notes (edit)
Biodesign / Q-Scape	6,5	190 x 190 x 230	4	890-950	The backlight is not included in the standard package.
Biodesign Q-Scape
Tetra / Betta Bowl	1,8	-	-	1500-1620	Miniature model with built-in LED lighting.
Tetra Betta Bowl
Biodesign / Classic 30	27	400 x 200 x 340
Biodesign / Diarama 150	100	850 x 600 x 520	6	12400-13400	Corner model with a curbstone.

Aquarium Biodesign Diarama 150

For your information! When you study the market, you can find out that the price of a 100 liter aquarium is not excessive. When comparing different models, pay attention to the composition of the set. If necessary, you need to purchase a compressor and other system components.

Making an aquarium with your own hands from glass is not too difficult, even for beginners. Detailed written and video instructions will help you create a durable, reliable and beautiful container. However, it is much more difficult to properly equip your aquarium with additional accessories. Here you will have to take into account the peculiarities of the fish and the specific conditions of their keeping. It is necessary to pay attention to the methods of plant care, cleaning and maintaining the optimal composition of the liquid. The project should be considered as a whole in order to exclude erroneous decisions.

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Rectangular glass aquariums with fish that decorate the interiors of homes, offices and shopping centers are familiar to every fan of the underwater world. Having carefully studied the design of the tank, many fish holders come to the conclusion that you can make an aquarium yourself using glass, the right tools and glue. Although the stores show an extensive range of tanks for keeping fish, not every aquarist can choose the model to their liking, and some are confused by the price of artificial reservoirs. In addition, knowing how to glue the aquarium correctly, you can make money selling homemade containers. There are some rules and nuances that will help you learn how to make an aquarium with your own hands.

Perhaps, for novice aquarists who are just joining the ranks of fans of the underwater depths, the question of how to make an aquarium with their own hands will seem strange. Indeed, pet stores and Internet sites present an extensive assortment of models of artificial reservoirs: giant and small, rectangular and round, with or without lids. However, despite such an abundance of tanks, many experienced aquarists prefer to make a homemade aquarium.

The decision to glue an aquarium at home has many reasons. For example, a fish holder lives in a remote area from the city, and transportation of a fragile glass container is difficult. Some owners make structures for sale, while earning money. But the main reason why most aquarists decide to make an aquarium with their own hands is the joy of the work done and the desire to save money.

If a large aquarium is being built, then stiffeners will be required. These are additional components that help the structure withstand fluid pressure, preventing wall deflection. The stiffeners are installed at right angles to increase the strength of the container and to install a glass cover for the aquarium.

Separately, it should be noted such a nuance as cutting glass. If the aquarist has no experience in this matter, it is better to entrust the work to professionals, since inept actions will entail sad results.

Adhesive selection

How to glue a glass aquarium is an important question, since the strength and durability of the structure depends on the correct choice of the adhesive mixture. There are many types of glue that can be used to connect the edges of the glass. But to make the aquarium durable and reliable, the adhesive must meet the following requirements:

Safety.
Strength and elasticity.
Aesthetic appearance.
Rapid grasping.
The convenience of use.
Durability.
High degree of adhesion.

These requirements are met by a silicone sealant, thanks to which a durable and reliable reservoir can be made. Before you glue the aquarium with your own hands with silicone sealant, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the glue. The composition should not contain impurities, and the substance itself should not be antibacterial, otherwise the fish may suffer.

The silicone sealant is available in three colors:

White - When using this shade, it is important to note that the design may appear incomplete.
Unpainted - used to create small tanks with a capacity of up to 100 liters.
Black - used for gluing bulky structures, looks elegant and noble.

The following brands of sealants are considered the most popular and reliable:

Dow Corning 911.
Tytan.
Soudal Silirub AQ.

How to glue an aquarium

Artificial reservoirs for keeping fish come in different sizes and shapes, but for the first time, you should give preference to a rectangular aquarium, the manufacture of which is simple and convenient. There are two ways to glue an aquarium at home:

The walls are glued to the bottom of the tank.
Glasses are glued around the bottom.

Both methods do not differ from each other in the level of reliability and service life. Having chosen the first method, and having prepared the necessary materials, you can begin to glue the parts.

How to glue the aquarium correctly:

The first step is to grind the edges of the glasses so as not to get hurt during assembly. To do this, the glass edges are transferred into a bath, the bottom of which is covered with a soft and clean cloth, the container is filled with water and a glass is placed. After moistening a sharpening stone, they carefully process the edges. At the same time, the cut must remain intact, otherwise the silicone sealant will not be able to grasp tenaciously.
After finishing the processing of the edges, the glass is carefully removed and wiped dry with a clean towel. After that, the edges are treated with a disinfectant.
As the preparation is completed, they begin to responsible actions - gluing surfaces. The bottom of the future tank is carefully laid on the newspaper, then a sealant is applied to the end of the front wall with a pistol, and the glass is gently applied to the bottom of the container, gently and lightly pressing. If at the same time excess glue appears, then you do not need to remove the sealant - a double seam is used for strength.
The side walls are glued in the same way, except that their vertical ribs are lubricated with sealant. The resulting structure is left to dry for a day, but sometimes it takes more time for the glue to set well.
After the sealant has dried, clamps are installed to glue the aquarium if an impressive container is being built. A day later, after all the parts are securely glued, the excess glue mixture is eliminated with a sharp knife or blade.
The assembled aquarium is checked for reliability and leaks. For this, the container is filled with water, and the joints are carefully examined. If there is still a leak, you can try to fix it by pressing a little glue into the weak spot. After that, you can start launching an artificial reservoir and populating fish and mollusks.

During the assembly of the fish tank, safety precautions should be observed by performing assembly and manufacturing operations with protective gloves.

Cover for aquarium

The aquarium cover is an element without which the structure cannot be completed. The cover provides protection for energetic molluscs and mobile fish, which, jumping to the surface, fall down and die. The simplest and most economical option for a homemade lid is a thin plastic sheet that is installed on the stiffeners.

If the owner wishes, you can build a protective covering made of silicate glass or durable plastic by installing lighting. For convenience, a handle is fixed to the lid to conveniently open / close the reservoir. To avoid damage to the upper edge of the glass, a soft sealant layer is constructed. In addition, it is important to first measure the parameters of the aquarium so that the lid fits in size and looks harmonious.

Making an aquarium at home for the first time may seem daunting, but with patience and detailed instructions, assembling the tank is easy. The main thing is to choose high-quality materials so that the structure becomes a reliable refuge for colorful fish, exotic molluscs and underwater flora. Once you've got your hand in making artificial ponds, you can turn this hobby into a lucrative business by getting into home-based aquarium production.

Video about making an aquarium with your own hands

If you have a desire to glue the aquarium yourself, the first thing to do is choose the right glass. It must be silicate and must be of the highest grade.

All glass is divided into two groups - polished and window glass. The latter have only one advantage - an affordable price. But they cannot be used for aquariums. A greenish tint and characteristic waviness will negatively affect the appearance of the finished product. Polished glass has no such disadvantages and provides a perfectly flat surface.

Before answering the question, how to properly glue the aquarium, I must say that there are two ways to build:

The vertical sides are installed on the bottom. In this way, small aquariums are glued together, but in general this method is little used.
The walls are glued around the bottom. In this case, the strength and reliability of the finished product is achieved.

One more problem - what glue to glue the aquarium.
Usually, a special sealant is used for this, which includes silicone.

OBRASIL K-95.
Tytan Professional.
Aquarium sealant Moment Herment.

Directly gluing the aquarium is carried out in several stages:

Protect the glass from dirt by covering it with masking tape. Leave a distance equal to the thickness of the glass from each edge. The glass, which will be the bottom, is also pasted over.
All surfaces must be degreased. To do this, they are wiped with alcohol or an acetone-containing agent. Use a lint-free cloth for this.
The glue line should be as even as possible. You can do it as follows: apply a small amount of silicone to the end. When it hardens, cut it off with a blade, leaving a small protrusion above the glass. It will help you create an even seam.

Carry out the gluing on a flat and solid surface, which must be covered with polyethylene. First, glue the glass that will be in front. To prevent it from falling inside, use regular cans that need to be filled with water.
Glue the side glass for a perfect right angle. Then glue all the rest of the details. Remove excess glue from the glass with a cloth moistened with a solution of water and vinegar.

Apply masking tape to the entire aquarium around the perimeter. She will not allow the glasses to tilt inward.
After about an hour, coat the seams with silicone. Leave the garment to dry for twelve hours.
Remove masking tape, clean seams with a blade.
Fill the aquarium with water and check the seams for tightness. If there is a leak somewhere, drain the water and dry the joint. Fill the problem area with silicone.
Rinse the aquarium and you can use it.

VIDEO ON TOPIC

Self-gluing the aquarium presupposes a competent solution to the issue, what glue to glue the aquarium... It must contain silicone.

When choosing, carefully study the packaging. The adhesive should be specifically designed for aquariums. It should not contain antibacterial substances that are harmful to fish and plants.

The glue can be of several colors: white, black and colorless

Blacks require clear boundaries and look great in large aquariums. If this is your first time glueing an aquarium, choose a clear glue. For ease of use, buy a special gun with which you can easily squeeze out the adhesive.

Silicone sealants are considered versatile. They are characterized by a long service life, elasticity and provide reliable adhesion to any surface. Silicone is non-toxic, easy to use, does not emit harmful substances. The glue hardens quickly, in twenty minutes.

Within a day, the polymerization was completely completed. The seams are strong enough: an effort of two hundred kilograms is required to destroy them. At the same time, the glue retains its elasticity. Make sure the surfaces to be treated are dry, clean and free from grease before using the sealant.

Answering the question of how to glue an aquarium from glass, one cannot but say that in addition to silicone, epoxies can be used. They are more fluid, harden for a long time and require thorough cleaning of the surfaces. Easy to use cold welding - they are chemically inert, set in minutes. Cyacrines are also good, but in this case there should be small gaps between the parts.

If you can't find an aquarium sealant, you can buy a product designed for plumbing or utensils. But it shouldn't contain antifungal additives.

Bonding large aquariums requires certain requirements. The seams should be thick, the best option is two to three millimeters.

An obligatory step is degreasing.
To avoid the formation of bubbles, you must first install all the glasses and only then inject the silicone.
Squeeze out the glue until the outside of the seam is free of silicone and there are no bubbles on the inside.
On top of the glass of a large aquarium, they are attached with corner clamps, below a simple support is enough.
Place a board of the appropriate width inside and support the glass.
At this time, the second person presses on the silicone.
When the silicone is crushed into the seam, the excess is gently lifted off both sides.

If you are wondering how to glue a large aquarium, remember that it requires ties and stiffeners. But they can be glued only after the glue has completely dried.

To fix the stiffeners, the aquarium must be placed on one of the sidewalls. The ribs are glued at a distance of three centimeters from the top edge, then let the glue dry.

VIDEO

If you decide to revive the underwater landscape with stones, information will come in handy, how to glue stones for an aquarium... As a rule, silicone glue is used for this. To ensure the strength of the structure, you need to coat all the contact points.

When creating large compositions, it is better to glue individual stones with a silicone sealant beforehand. This will protect the aquarium from cracks and glass breakages due to falling rocks.

Repairing cracked aquarium glass

1.Remove old glue

We take a clerical knife, put it on the glass with an old glue seam. Using light pressure, trace along the glass to trim away the old glue. We repeat the procedure on the reverse side. It is more convenient to pick up the adhesive by moving the knife from the bottom up. After that, the cut strip can be easily torn off by hand.

Using this algorithm, we remove the glue in all corners of the aquarium.

REPAIR VIDEO

2. Degrease the surface

We degrease the seams that have just been cleaned of glue residues. To do this, we moisten a cotton rag in rubbing alcohol and run along the seams. Leave the aquarium to dry for 10 minutes.

3.Glue the damaged aquarium

To glue the seams, we reuse a special aquarium glue (eg OBRASIL K-95).

There are different colors of adhesives in stores - choose the one that matches your aquarium design. We begin to squeeze it out of the syringe, moving from the corner at the bottom along the wall of the aquarium upwards.

We take a small board (for example, you can take a part of a wooden clothespin), apply it to the place from where the glue was squeezed out, and lift it up along the seam to remove excess glue and align the glue seam. Spread the excess glue over the top of the glass.

We carry out gluing for all walls of the aquarium.

The glue should adhere to the seam as much as possible. Then the renewed aquarium will turn out to be airtight and will serve for many years to come.

Why would anyone bother to create an aquarium from scratch with their own hands? After all, they are in almost every store.

There are several reasons:

Not suitable in terms of price-quality ratio.
Hands itch to do something yourself.
Looking for a job.

Now is the time to figure out what kind of aquarium you want. We advise you to start with a small one, a maximum of 40 liters, so that you do not feel sorry for the money spent, it is easier to correct flaws and sell it in case of a successful completion of the work. So let's get started.

Glass selection

The quality of glass varies from M1 to M8 and the higher the grade of glass, the better it is. Below M3 glass is not suitable for an aquarium.

Glass can be an ordinary display glass, you should not cheat with a choice, fish or spiders, no matter where to live. But the width of the glass is calculated according to the tables depending on the volume of the aquarium, after which we select the length, height and width according to the formula V = l and h

Stiffeners are strips of glass that reinforce the glass walls of the aquarium. The thickness of them and the walls is the same and is equal to the internal length of the reservoir, and the width does not exceed 5 cm.

When the length of the aquarium is more than 1.5 meters, screeds are attached to the stiffeners. These glass strips are the same as the stiffeners. They are glued to them from below. The screed width is 3-5 cm.

Glass cutting

Glue

Aquarium silicone glue works best. The main thing it should be:

100% sealant
Suitable for water bodies

After finding out what kind of glue you are going to buy, choose a color, they are black, white and colorless. It is better for beginners to choose colorless, it will hide flaws in the work.

Gluing

You will need:

Sharpening stone soft
Syringe 20 cubes
Napkins
Blades
Degreaser

There are two types of gluing: walls to the bottom and around the bottom.

Now we can get to work.

Begin:

The edges will have to be sharpened if they are not already sharpened. To do this, take 15 centimeters of water into the bath, put a terry towel on the bottom, put a glass on it and start grinding the edges.
Then wipe the glass, dry and degrease.
We put the paper on the place where we are going to put the aquarium, put the bottom on it and put the cap on the sealant spout. We squeeze the sealant onto the part of the front wall with which it touches the bottom. Make sure that the sealant lies flat, otherwise the tightness of the aquarium will be in doubt. Then we put it on the bottom. Do not press down, the glue will come out, but we do not remove the crawled parts.

We take the side wall, squeeze the sealant into those parts that come into contact with the wall and bottom, and put it in the same way, pressing it against the front wall and bottom. Pay attention to joints and avoid bevels.

We repeat the same procedure with the remaining parts.

We do not touch the aquarium, we do not wipe anything, we leave it for a day.
After a day, we glue the stiffeners as needed. We coat their long sides and glue them, leave them for another day.

Now is the time to cut the glue. The razor blade will help us with this. We cut off only from the outside, from the inside, the water will hide flaws.

Leak (elimination)

If the resulting unit has flaws, then you should not despair. Depending on where the leak was found, a number of measures can be taken.

Flow in the corner

Cover the corner with sealant directly in the water with your finger. If this does not help, then you need to cut the seam, cut out two walls and glue them again.

Leak at the seam

Cut out a piece of the seam, and pour the sealant into the gap. If it does not help, you will have to cut the walls and glue it again.

Small bubbles

If air is found in the sealant, the behavior of the seam must be monitored. If it does not leak, then leave it alone.

Most importantly, after you admire your creation, you begin to notice flaws. No need to reproach yourself, even experienced craftsmen fail to create the perfect aquarium.