How to Build a Tower Aquarium

Even if you have a small living area, you can still have an aquarium. Tower aquariums have footprints as small as 12 square inches but can still deliver the "wow" factor of a traditional tank.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-cut glass for five sides (the two end pieces should fit in the longer front and back pieces)
• Silicone sealer, non-toxic
• Emory cloth
• Razor blades
• Glass cleaner that doesn't leave a residue
• Duct tape
• Old sheet
• Optional: trim to finish the bottom and top of the tank

Instructions

Preparation

1. Sand the edges of the glass. Don't round the edges or the fit won't be flush.

2. Clean and dry all areas you'll be working on before you start on that area. If the area is not clean and dry, the silicone sealer won't adhere properly.

3. Lay the pieces out on an old sheet on a level surface.

4. Make hinges on the bottom piece of glass with duct tape by attaching strips to the bottom and leaving ample tape to hold the upper pieces in place.

Assembly of Aquarium

1. Apply silicone sealer on the edge of the bottom piece of glass that matches the first side piece you'll adhere.

2. Place the piece of glass with the silicone on the outside of the bottom piece and secure with duct tape. You'll need someone to help hold this piece in place until you can get another piece in place.

3. Repeat the process with the next piece of glass and use more duct tape to secure it to the other side piece.

4. Repeat with the remaining pieces.

5. When all pieces are assembled, run another bead of silicone along all inside seams and smooth with your finger or a tool.

6. Let cure for at least 48 hours.

7. Fill and test for leaks. Drain and dry completely and reseal any leaks. When the silicone is completely dry, trim away the excess with the razor.

Finishing

1. Place the aquarium in the prepared area. It should be completely level to avoid stress cracks. If you are placing the tank on a carpeted area, use a piece of plywood to stabilize the tank. If you plan on using a stand, make sure that it's level and sturdy enough to support the weight of the tank, water, fish and equipment.

2. If you would like a more finished look, create bottom and top trim to match your decor and install it before you add the water. Be creative. You can get pre-cut wood trim from a hardware store, but you can also use metal, tile or even fabric.

   Anything that comes in contact with the water should be non-toxic and not affect the quality of the water in any way.

3. Fill with water and fish-safe decoration. Wait at least 24 hours and add fish.

Tips & Warnings

• Before designing your tower aquarium, consider the maintenance and adjust your plans accordingly. Because of the height, you may need extra air pumps and heaters to keep the aquarium uniform in temperature and oxygen in the water. Consider layering your fish to get a more uniform dispersion of color and action in your aquarium.

• Tall aquariums require thicker glass to prevent stress on the base. Use the calculator at theaquatools.com (see Resources section) to estimate the thickness you'll need.

Resources

• Glass Thickness Calculator