Do you have an old umbrella lying around your house that you aren’t using?

If so, one idea is to make a cement aquarium out of your pre-loved umbrella for your fish.

You may frown at the thought of cement because the wrong kind can be toxic to your fish. But you can use Portland cement because most of them are suitable for aquarium needs.

Be wary of those that say “polymer-modified,” as this can endanger aquatic living organisms. Aside from that, you’re good to go!

Here are the steps you can follow to create your lovely aquarium.

First, fill a basin halfway with sand. This will be the foundation of your aquarium.

Open an old umbrella and turn it upside. Bury the end tip in the sand basin, making sure it is firm and secure.

Make a 1:1 ratio of the mixture of sand and cement for the aquarium’s base.

Mix in the water until everything is well combined.

To strengthen your foundation, place the cement inside the umbrella. Spread them out evenly and set them aside to dry, for at least 24 hours.

When the umbrella panel is dry, measure it and cut a metal mesh wire to fit its shape.

Assemble a total of eight mesh wire cutouts. Arrange the cutouts on each panel. Using a zip tie, attach a metal wire to the rib tape. This will support keeping the mesh wire in place.

Form another batch of cement mix, but this time make more of it.

Distribute the cement mixture evenly across each panel.

The mesh wire serves as a ‘mold’ for the cement. You can also use the cement to hold aquatic rocks in place at the base. Allow it to dry once more.

Then coat the surface with any aquarium-safe or water-proofer paints.

It should be noted that spray paint cannot be used in this project. To ensure that pet-safe paints that stick to the cement do not peel or leach, always check with your local hardware store.

Allow the paint to dry before proceeding to the next step.

When the paint is dry, move your cement aquarium to its final location.

Place your water pump in its proper place and begin filling it with water.

You can use a round floater the size of your umbrella and surround it with aquatic plants (this video uses a water hose). Add any other decorations you like, but leave enough space for your fish to swim around.

You can also include some aquatic plants and organisms for your fish to eat.

Plants such as Moneywort, Hornwort, Pygmy Chain Sword, Java Fern, and Tiger Lotus, among others, can be planted.

Again, always contact your local supplier to see if a plant is compatible with your needs. Such as the water you use, the aquarium material and size, and the fish you keep in it.

Finally, go ahead and move your fish to your new aquarium!

If you’re concerned about the umbrella shaft rusting over time, you can use a rust-proofing spray to protect it.

Again, as with the majority of the materials mentioned here, ensure that it is suitable for aquarium use and around fish.

You saved one umbrella from being thrown away and provided a new home for your fish. It’ll be fun for you and it’s a win-win situation!

Watch the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family!

Sources: YouTube – CEMENT – DIY Projects, GTA Aquaria, Aquarium Sphere, Fish Experts