Does anyone have any ideas on a DIY 15-gallon to 20-gallon aquarium? I'm limiting my budget, so let's keep the cash low, please. Thanks for your help!
DIY Tank... Low-Budget Ideas?
- Thread starter guppySPRINKLES
- Start date
Yeah, unless you had a source for free glass in the right thickness it is a lot cheaper to buy a premade tank. If there's a local fish club in your area, by all means go to their auctions. I was just to an auction yesterday where a new-ish 20 gallon plus stand, glass top, and strip light sold for $3 !!! Garage sales are also good- just don't get rodent tanks with the silicone all chewed up.
When you get above 55 or 75 gallons DIY tanks start getting more practical. Or if you want something with a different shape like a low, wide breeder tank.
When you get above 55 or 75 gallons DIY tanks start getting more practical. Or if you want something with a different shape like a low, wide breeder tank.
Several months ago I bought a glass 20gal high tank to use as a sump tank, think it cost about $45. That was for just the tank, no top or light. If you can locate a local fish club or aquarium society and go to one of the meetings you will often see tanks auctioned off for a fraction of their cost new.
I've read a number of posts from those who have made small tanks under 10gal out of window glass sold at Home Depot. I don't think this would be a good idea for larger tanks, because these designs used thin glass and were only held together by the sealant in the corners.
I've read a number of posts from those who have made larger tanks out of wood with a window in one side which eventually worked, but they had a difficult time sealing all the leaks.
You might be better of getting a manufactured tank and using DIY for the accessories such as lid, lights and filter. If you go this route, the best advice I can give is that if you use plexiglass for the lid use something thicker than 1/8" or add a center brace because the lid I made for my 20gal sump bows considerably under its own weight.
I've read a number of posts from those who have made small tanks under 10gal out of window glass sold at Home Depot. I don't think this would be a good idea for larger tanks, because these designs used thin glass and were only held together by the sealant in the corners.
I've read a number of posts from those who have made larger tanks out of wood with a window in one side which eventually worked, but they had a difficult time sealing all the leaks.
You might be better of getting a manufactured tank and using DIY for the accessories such as lid, lights and filter. If you go this route, the best advice I can give is that if you use plexiglass for the lid use something thicker than 1/8" or add a center brace because the lid I made for my 20gal sump bows considerably under its own weight.
