Related

Videos

• Etched Fish Tank, 1
• Etched Fish Tank, 2

Stories

• Setting Up a Fish Tank
• Ask Marc: Freshwater vs. Saltwater Fish

Tools and Materials
2 1/2-gallon fish tank
Contact paper
Bone folder
Decorative frame or shark template
Double-sided tape
Craft knife
Armour Etch glass-etching cream
Paintbrush
Sponge

Etching a Fish Tank How-To
1. Clean tank thoroughly under running water. Cover all sides -- or the sides you have chosen to etch -- with contact paper. Tip: Use a bone folder to smooth the contact paper as you apply it.

2. Enlarge and print the decorative frame or shark template. Cut template to size.

3. Attach template to one side of fish tank, over the contact paper, with double-sided tape.

4. Using a craft knife, cut along lines of template carefully, making sure to cut through the contact paper below.

5. Remove template. Peel off outer edge of contact paper, leaving the middle shape intact.

6. Paint glass-etching cream onto exposed glass. Allow the cream to etch the glass for about 5 minutes. Using a sponge, carefully wipe off the cream under running water.

7. Peel off remaining contact paper. Repeat process for other sides of tank, if desired.

Resources
Armour Etch glass-etching cream from Armour Products. Fish tank by Aqueon. All other tools and materials available at crafts stores.

Setting Up a Fish Tank
Tools and Materials
Aquarium rocks
Filter
Air pump
2 1/2 gallons bottled or tap water
Plastic or live (hornwort or kabamba) plants
Light fixture
Tank cover

Setting Up a Fish Tank How-To
1. Add a layer of aquarium rocks about 1 inch high.

2. Install filter and air pump.

3. Add plastic or live plants.

4. Add water to fill tank enough that you cannot see the water line. If you use tap water, rather than bottled, allow the water to sit for 24 hours.

5. Introduce fish to tank.

6. Install light fixture on top of tank and secure with cover.

Resources
All fish tank accessories available at pet and aquarium stores. Check manufacturer instructions on package for installation instructions. We put betta fish in our tanks. If you would like more than one betta fish in a single tank, make sure to separate them using a piece of glass (available at aquarium and pet-supply stores). Be sure to clean the tank weekly, and replace 10 percent of the water once a week.