anyone know how to build a fish aquarium…? what will ineed and how…? where do i get supplies…?

4 Responses to “anyone know how to build a fish aquarium…? what will ineed and how…? where do i get supplies…?”

1. Timothy Y says:

   February 28, 2009 at 3:09 pm

   The bigger the tank the better. Your best choice would be to visit a good pet store.You will need the tank of coarse (glass is better). I would recommend a stand. Water weighs a lot. Then gravel. Light natural colors make fish more comfortable. I would recommend plastic plants opposed to live plants for a beginner. Also fish should be provided with stones and other structures as you see fit. Natural colors are best. You will definitely need a filter. I use penguin brand with the bacteria wheels. These wheels form a good bacteria that consumes waste. Another essential is a heater. You will want it set according to your fish type. You can goggle tropical fish to get aquarium fish information. A lot of fish are known to jump so be sure to include a cover. Lighting is an essential for an aquarium on display. Avoid natural light because this will cause an algae out break. Also be sure to turn the light off at night. My 55 gallon aquarium is cleaned once a month by sucking about 3/4 of the water out by an aquarium vacuum and the filters are replaced. The water is then filled back up with tap water. Chemicals are needed for tap water. Be sure to get a book or advice from a pet store or ask a more specific question here.
   References :
   I own a 55 gallon aquarium, a 20 gallon aquarium, and a 10 gallon aquarium.
2. ashlar282 says:

   February 28, 2009 at 3:28 pm

   Since this will be your first tank you are building i will recomend to go with glass, and you will need a specail silicone that is use for aquariums, here is the link of the silicone you will use
   http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18273/si1378884/cl0/allglasssiliconesealant10ozblack, calculate the size of the tank your gonna to build so you can use the right thickness for glass here is the fomula, W x L x H / 231, this will give you the gallon of the tank, here is a link that will help you out, http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/a/aa120897diyaq.htm, hope this help and enjoy
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3. albatross_singh says:

   February 28, 2009 at 4:16 pm

   This is a large project, finding the right answers on thei board is going to be tough.

   First, determine the size you want to build. This is important because you now have to factor in the weight of the water and the support structrures you have in the upstairs areas. Plan on something close to the wall or even better, close to a support column. If you have to, you may need to brace the floor FROM BELOW. Building it in wall, you should consider the weight distribution of the roof etc.

   Now that you have that figured out, calculte the galss thichness you need.
   Here is a quick guide
   http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/l/blcustomtank.htm

   I would put extra brace on top to help support the water pressure, better to have a little extra security!

   Of course now you will need to cut the glass. Glass cutter work great! A local glass shop can also cut them for you (for a charge) and lowes will do it for you for free!

   But, you should sand the edges very nicely before you start any bonding work, helps to keep cuts to you at a minimum.

   Get a sheet of styrofome and place the base of the tank on that. you should even use this sheet when all is done, since it will help distribute the weight evenly.

   Now work the silicone, use only what you will smooth out in a few minutes, since it skins very fast.

   Keep the glass extra clean duringt the process, wipe down with alcohol before silicone use.

   Use duct tape to hold the sides while siliconing. Use masking tape for the edges to prevent silicone creep.

   Also, you may consider building wood braces, that you can later incorporate into your stand.

   There is just too much to say, hope this helps a little.
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4. danielle Z says:

   February 28, 2009 at 4:54 pm

   You may want to search yahoo answers, I gave a fella a number of sites and instructions. he built his own tank. he would be able to help you as well since he has already done it!

   http://www.garf.org/140.gallon.html
   References :