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Since being prepared for a build is just as important as the build itself, here is what I think the top 10 tools and supplies every Do it yourself fish keeper should always have on hand.
Coming in at #8 9 and 10 are power tools.
At number 10 is the miter saw. This tool will make chopping up 2X4’s for that stand you need to build short work. Getting wood cut can be done right at the store in most cases though, so this ranks low.
At number 9 is the table saw. While more expensive than the miter saw, it is capable of more. When it comes to cutting PVC pipe or acrylic, it can do that as well. For cutting acrylic, I would suggest a 60 to 80 tooth carbide tip blade with triple chip design. Getting sheets cut to your requirements can also be done at the store, so this also ranks low like the miter saw.
The last power tool comes in at number 8 is the power drill. Drilling holes and drilling in screws is simply all too common with DIY. A power drill is simply a must. Some good attachments to have are a variety of bits to use with screws and then some hole saws. A wood hole saw will be great on wood obviously, but also works with acrylic. Then a Diamond coated hole saw will drill hole through glass.
An extra set of hands is always a good idea. So clamps come in at number 7.
With many types of clamps available, having at least one set of a type could make a job much easier.
At number 6 are tapes and adhesives. Painters tape and electrical tape are always in my tool box. Painters tape is great for using as a guide for painting or applying silicone without making a big mess. While electrical tape is strong enough to hold things together like aquariums while you work on them, without leaving a sticky residue behind.
An adhesive I always have is PVC cement. There are a couple other adhesives you should have, but they appear later on in this list.
Coming in at #5 is razor blades. These come in handier than you might think. They can be used to clean aquariums, remove silicone or even make small precision cuts.
At number 4 is hand held acrylic tools.
Cutting acrylic by hand can be done with a handheld acrylic etcher.
While preparing the edges can be done with a hand held acrylic scraper. Prepared edges of an acrylic panel is arguably the most important factor to building an acrylic tank because After all, a perfect seam starts with clean edges. While an acrylic scraper works good, the back of a hack saw blade actually works better.You should also have an applicator for the cement to weld acrylic together. Cements that I always have on hand for acrylic is weld on 4 for welding seams together and weld on 16 for spots that need thicker cement like pin holes or small leak.
Since glass aquariums are the more popular aquarium to build, glass hand held tools come in at number 3.
Simply put, if you want to cut glass at home, you need a handheld glass cutter. Obviously you need silicone as well, so having a large tube of aquarium safe silicone on hand is also needed. To make the silicone job much easier, get a caulking gun to apply it.
At number 2 are measuring tools. Whether you are measuring lengths, levels or even angles, these are a must. Make sure you have a measuring tape, a level and a square. These will prove to be a must for almost any project.
The number one aquarium tool that you could possibly attack any project with is.
A second opinion.
Getting some feedback, discussing an idea, brainstorming solutions and getting suggestions is the best thing you can do before starting any project.
So that was my list of my top 10 DIY aquarium tools. No obviously there are many other items and tools and supplies that you could possibly use, however these are the ones that I use the most.
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this video I also want to thank you for watching and we will see you next time.
Ed heesive lol
I got a tough one for you, do you no how to do a cheap diy automatic top off if i had a resviour beside my sump??????????????????
What type of glass do you use for a tank tempered or non tempered
im building a tank now 24"long10"high16Wide. do i need the black trim on top and bottom?
your videos are so helpfull
you sound like thejwittz
Hey joey. Can I ask why you dont keep salt water fish?
Your channel is so helpful. thanks again for all you do.. although Im not a fish keeper I can use these ideas for reptiles that I use for education programs.
hey good video Joey i have all these tools thanks
Great points. I think my most used DIY tool is my tape measure. Measure 3 times cut once.
Any tips on a brand of silicone that's safe. Also is pvc glue safe for fish? Thanks