Which building materials are safe for constructing aquarium tanks?

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Freshwater aquarium filled with green aquatic plants, rocks, and several small colorful fish swimming throughout the tank. — aquarium A freshwater aquarium.

When constructing aquarium tanks, it is critical to select materials carefully, as many substances that are nontoxic to humans can be lethal to aquatic life.1

Safe Materials for Tank Construction

Glazing: Glass is considered the safest basic material. For large tanks, tempered plate glass or acrylic plastics like Plexiglas are standard.1
Structural Support: Fibre glass is highly practical due to its strength and versatility. For very large installations, reinforced concrete is the primary material used.1
Plastics: Polyethylene, polypropylene, and fluorocarbon plastics are generally nontoxic.1
Adhesives: Safe options include silicone rubber, epoxy resins, polyvinyl chloride, and neoprene.1
Metals: Most metals are avoided due to corrosion, especially in saltwater. However, stainless steel is often used in freshwater systems because of its low toxicity.1

While wood is sometimes used, it requires protective treatment to prevent rot and damage from boring organisms. Always ensure that any chosen material is specifically verified as safe for aquatic environments to protect the health of your specimens.1