How to Use Glass Plastic or Fiberglass for Aquariums

Author: jelerylcomisky | Posted: 19.04.2012

Fish are low-maintenance pets. All you need to do for a fish is to plop it in an aquarium, feed it, and make sure its tank is clean at all times. Suppose you purchased a conventional glass aquarium for your fish, only to find a slight crack on its side the next day. You’re lucky the crack happened to be located above the aquarium’s water level. What if it’s located below?

You may need to strengthen the sides of the aquarium with fiberglass. Fiberglass is essentially a combination of plastic and fine glass fibers. It is typically used for insulation and reinforcement of other materials, such as asphalt pavements.

Fiberglass is usually created through a process called pultrustion. Here, resin is mixed with continuous glass fiber strands. This mixture is drawn through a steel die to shape and heat the material into its final, sturdy form.

You need to estimate the dimensions of your aquarium before you buy any supplies. The size of your aquarium should let your fish swim around freely. Consider the size of any devices, like filters, that you will place into the aquarium. You can now buy your aquarium frame, screws, epoxy, fiberglass sheet, glass, and silicone sealant.

The aquarium frame is usually made of wood. Plywood is a good material for an aquarium frame. You can cut the frame pieces yourself, or you can hire someone else to saw the wood for you. Assemble the frame carefully and screw the wood pieces together. Make sure to leave room for the glass plastic and glass.

Next, laminate the fiberglass. Mix the epoxy according to the instructions. Coat the parts of the frame where the glass plastic will be inserted with epoxy. Cut the fiberglass sheets to fit the frame, and stick it into the epoxy-coated parts. Coat the fiberglass with more epoxy and let it sit for three or four hours. Cut any excess fiberglass, and cover with more epoxy.

Test whether the epoxy is dried by placing a flat, moisture-proof object like a tile on the surface. Check the object for signs of moisture. Once you’re satisfied that the epoxy is enough, you can paint the aquarium in any way you want. Make sure the paint is dry before you install the glass. Secure the glass in place with the silicone sealant. Place the sealant on all edges. Check if the glass plastic is in place. Then, voila! You now have your aquarium. If you want to know more about the advantages of fiberglass, you can read fiberglasswindows.com/benefits.htm.

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