Preparation

• 1). Determine the dimensions for your aquarium, and purchase an appropriately-sized aquarium lid. Different animals will have different space requirements. Consult an employee at the pet store for assistance if you are unsure of the proper size of aquarium for your pet.
  
  
• 2). Cut a base piece from the Plexiglas so that it is slightly smaller in area than the lid, so that the lid will fit over it. You can lay the lid over top of the base to see if the base fits into the lid.
  
  
• 3). Cut the front and back pieces to the same length as the base, to your desired height, and to the width of the lid.
  
  
• 4). Cut two side pieces as tall as the desired height of the aquarium and as wide as the base, less 1.5 times the thickness of the Plexiglass. The side widths are left slightly wider than they will be when placed between the front and back pieces, to ensure a tight seal.
  
  
• 5). Run a router along the edges of all the Plexiglas pieces to create smooth edges, which will create a better surface for bonding.
  
  
• 6). Fill the acrylic glue applicator no more than three-quarters full with acrylic glue, being sure to wear proper eye protection and gloves, because the glue can cause irritation.
  
  

• 1). Place the base of the aquarium on a flat surface, and place the front piece atop the base so that the front edge of the front piece is flush with the edge of the base. Use the square to ensure that the front piece extends straight up.
  
  
• 2). Squeeze the applicator bottle to force out some air, then release slowly as you turn the bottle over. This will cause air to be sucked in while the applicator is not in position along the joint.
  
  
• 3). Run the needle along the length of the inside edge of the front piece, squeezing gently. The glue is not actually an adhesive, but rather an agent which causes the Plexiglas to melt and then form together as a single piece as it dries.
  
  
• 4). Repeat the gluing process on the back edge of the base with the back piece of the aquarium, then leave it to sit for two days. The glue needs ample time to dry.
  
  
• 5). Use a router to remove thin slivers from the edges of the side pieces until they just barely fit between the front and back pieces, then secure them with glue along the edges, where the sides touch the front, back and base. Again, let the aquarium sit for two days while the glue dries.
  
  
• 6). Pass over the exposed tops of the front, back and side pieces with the Mapp torch until they take on a smooth, clear sheen.