How to Build Circular Fish Tanks

A circular fish tank is especially attractive because you can observe the fish from any angle and any location in the room where the tank is placed. You can even build your own circular fish tank.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acrylic tube 20 inches indiameter
• Matching circular bottom piece
• Waterproof sealant
• Syringe for application of sealant

1. 
   Acrylic tubes

   Buy an acrylic tube at your local hardware store or look for an acrylic company that can supply you with the right materials. The tube should be thick enough to support the pressure of the water you will fill it with later. Standard tanks have a diameter of roughly 20 inches. You will want to judge the overall volume of the tank depending on how many fish you want to put in the tank and the size of the fish.

2. 
   Waterproof sealant

   You will need to buy a matching base for the tube. Ask the company or attendant at the hardware store to get you a round bottom panel with the same diameter as the acrylic tube. It should fit exactly into the bottom hole of the tube. The base piece should be as thick as you can possibly get to support the weight and pressure of the water. Tell the company that you are planning on using the materials for a fish tank. It can help you find pieces that are thick enough to use for your project.

3. 
   Finished tank

   Fit the round base piece into the bottom of the acrylic tube. After you are sure that the pieces line up well, fill the syringe with waterproof sealant. Coat the seam of the bottom piece with the sealant. Coat the bottom of the acrylic tube as well, going slowly around the seam of the tube with the syringe as you apply the sealant.

4. 
   Small acrylic tank

   Put the pieces together slowly to avoid leakage of the sealant. Make sure that the pieces are properly aligned. Let the sealant dry for a few hours, then apply another coat of sealant around the outside seam of the tank.

5. 
   Fancy circular tank with wooden cover over acrylic base

   Let the tank dry for at least five days. A week is better if you can wait. The sealant needs time to set and dry completely. Do a leak test before you put any fish in your new circular fish tank. Fill the tank with water and check to see if any liquid comes out the bottom where the seams have been fitted. If you notice a leak, empty the tank and apply another coat of waterproof sealant. Wait a few more days for the sealant to dry. Then fill it with water and fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not build your tank near anything that can be damaged by water. A leak could cause the whole tank to burst.