BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN GLASS TANK

I have used this method many times to make custom sized tanks.

1. Shop around and find a really nice lid that you like that is the size you want. There are some great mesh lids with opening partitions around now.
2. Decide how tall (the lid has already determined the width and length) you want it to be. Remember that if you build a really tall tank, you won't be able to reach inside easily for feeding, cleaning & handling. I would say that 24" is a good height.
3. When you get the glass cut, ask them to smooth the edges, so you don't cut yourself.
4. When giving the glass cutter the dimensions, take the thickness of the glass into account for the width and length.
5. Make the sides sit on the bottom, not around it.

6. Buy plenty of the right kind of silicone adhesive- you want the kind that is either specifically designed for aquarium use (expensive) or the household type for sealing around baths that reeks of acetic acid. Use clear.
7. With the help of a friend (or 2) do a trial run, taping everything together with strips of masking tape ACROSS the edges rather than along them. Leave a small folded over tab on the end of each one; it makes them easier to remove.

8. Once you know what fits what, use masking tape along the INSIDES of each edge to prevent the adhesive from smearing all over the glass. It needs to be about 1/4" from the edge.
9. Lay the base down with some strips of masking tape sticking out from underneath - you will need these to hold the sides in place (don't forget the folded tabs in case you have to reposition halfway through)
10. Start by putting one side/ front on the base with a bead of adhesive under it. Get a friend to hold this while you do the next piece and then tape the two together and to the base. DON'T forget to glue one to the other!
11. I recommend doing all the sides before you caulk the inside seams - the tank is more stable once it's been put together and taped.
12. Caulk all the inside seams. Have a bowl of water and a big cloth handy. Put a bead of sealant along each seam - starting along the bottom. Smooth it out with a finger or thumb; that is what the water and cloth are for- to keep your finger(s) reasonably clean. The idea is to have each corner/edge radiused smoothly to the edge of the masking tape you put around the inside edges.

13. Once you are happy with the result, leave it until the silicon sets on the surface, then you can carefully remove the masking tape on the inside. But leave the outside strips in place for at least 24 hours. You want to get the non-structural masking strips off while it's still soft, so keep an eye on it - you can put a blob on a piece of aluminum foil and check THAT for stickiness rather than your nice new tank.
14. Let it sit and dry for 24-48 hours, then carefully remove the tape holding it together (see how easy it is with the folded tabs I mentioned?!)
15. Let it air for a week or so in order for all the fumes in the adhesive to evaporate.
16. Remember that if you make it out of glass that is thick enough to hold water, it will weigh a ton and cost a bomb. Typically, reptile tanks are made from thinner glass - discuss this with your glass cutter; they know their business and shgould be able to recommend the safest thickness.
17. And once thing I would REALLY recommend is try making a small one first so you can decide if you understand and want to use this method- at the worst you'll have an ugly cricket tank at the end as opposed to a financial disaster (this won't be cheap if you use the right glass and it's big!)