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DIY Plastic Enclosure

Making your own plastic enclosure such as an aquarium or terrarium box may seem like a difficult task, but it can actually be done in just a few minutes. If your enclosure is square, it will be made of five even sides. A rectangle-shaped enclosure can be made by having two sides that are the vertical length of the bottom and two sides the horizontal length. If a lid is needed, it should be the same size as the bottom. When applied, acrylic glue melts the plastic, creating a waterproof weld that holds the enclosure together.

Things You'll Need

5 squares of acrylic sheet, at least 1/2-inch thick
Extra fine steel wool
Acrylic glue
Clamps

Instructions

- 1
  Buff all edges of the acrylic sheets gently with an extra fine steel wool pad to ensure they are flat and uniform.
- 2
  Hold the bottom horizontally and place one side vertically on top of the bottom piece. It should be placed against the edge of the acrylic sheet.
- 3
  Run a small bead of acrylic glue along both the inside and the outside of the seam where it meets the bottom. Secure with a clamp. Repeat with the other three sides.
- 4
  Run a bead of glue along the seams where the sides meet one another, both inside and outside of the box.
- 5
  Allow to dry overnight to achieve full strength before filling with water or using to secure animals.

Animals & Science