Before you can get started you need to settle on a size for your aquarium. Beginners to this hobby are better off starting with a big tank as the maintenance is easier. For example, pH levels are less stable in a 10 gallon freshwater aquarium than in larger 55 gallon tank.

Step 1. Use a grease or wax pencil to mark out the dimensions of each side.

Step 2. Carefully score the glass with a glass cutter. Be sure to mark out neat and straight lines. Wearing gloves, and holding the glass sheet on either side of a scored mark, carefully snap the glass.

Step 3. Use fish tank silicone sealant to join the sides together. Start assembling the tank by placing the piece of glass that will be its base on a flat surface. Apply sealant on the top of the glass, along just one of the edges. Then fit the corresponding side to the edge of the base, pressing it gently into place. While waiting for the silicone to dry, use a sturdy object to steady the glass.

Step 4. Now apply silicone along one edge of the standing glass, and along the edge of the base where the next side will be placed. Then place the next sheet of glass into place on the base. Again, wait for the sealant to dry using something to hold the glass firm.

Step 5. Add the third and fourth sides of the tank following the same procedure as outlined above for the first two sides.

Step 6. Neatly and carefully remove the excess silicone on both the inside and the outside of all the joints using a sharp blade. Then apply the final seal to the joints, to the outside and the inside of the tank. Start by applying a continuous line of sealant along the joint. There should be no gaps in the silicone. Remove any bubbles by smoothing the sealant with your finger into each joint.

Remember water is heavy; a 10 gallon freshwater aquarium weighs about 80 pounds, and a 20 gallon weighs 160 pounds. So make sure that the weight of the fish tank is well supported.

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