Looking for a new decor piece that people can’t stop talking about? How about one you can’t quit looking at with wonder? If so, then we know what your next DIY project is going to be… You need one of these genius DIY fish tanks, or perhaps you need several, one in every room. I am in awe of these DIY bloggers who came up with these crafty ideas, I only wish I could be half as creative. Check out the easy to follow step by step tutorials and learn how to make your very own DIY aquarium today. P.S. These make awesome Christmas gift ideas

1. Upcycled Fish Tank

mommatoldmeblog

Upcycled Fish Tank, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

Upcycles in general make my heart happy! Just the idea of making our planet even more awesome – but this DIY Upcycled Fish Tank takes the cake! It’s brilliant. Hydroponics is something I have been dabbling in but hadn’t thought to grow catnip. Well, now I can since I have three cats in the house.

2. DIY Mason Jar Aquarium Lamp

artzycreations

DIY Mason Jar Aquarium Lamp, a creative project for anyone who loves a fish tank and worth trying soon

Need a fun activity to do with your kids? You can create a faux fish aquarium out of a mason jar and also made it a working lamp. This DIY lamp is so simple to create. You can make a couple of lamps in no time. The best part… it’s maintenance free and the fish won’t die.

3. Pickle Jar Fish Bowl

acasarella

Pickle Jar Fish Bowl, simple enough for a first time aquarium DIYer and better than a store bought version

This DIY is so easy it’s just a matter of finding an empty gallon of pickle jar and adding some rocks, decorative plants and of course – a fish! It looks fantastic and a lot cheaper than store-bought aquariums. I knew I saved those old gallon jars for something.

4. Easy Marimo Moss Ball Light Bulb Aquarium

soapdelinews

Easy Marimo Moss Ball Light Bulb Aquarium, a diy aquarium idea, a budget friendly way to upgrade a tank setup

This elegant and simple marimo moss ball aquarium has been made from reclaimed light bulb. Not only is each DIY light bulb aquarium super cute, but they are perfectly sized to sit at your desk to keep you company. It’s such a super cool idea and a fantastic gift to give to your loved ones. I’m going to wow my friends when Christmas time comes with this amazing DIY.

5. DIY Aquarium Rock Columns

dramaticaquascapes

DIY Aquarium Rock Columns, great for adding personality to an aquarium and a favorite worth repeating

It is great to decorate your aquarium all the time and provides a great hiding for your fishes. Create your own Aquarium Rock Columns to mimic real reefs and genuine coral formations to avoid the artificial look. The next step is to make the rocks suitable to be placed into an aquarium. Head on over to Dramatic Aquascape to grab the complete instructions on how to make your own.

7. Fish Tank Elevator

1001gardens

Fish Tank Elevator, an easy weekend project using basic supplies and better than a store bought version

Wow, this is something so uniquely done! All you have to do is use a gal jar and a type of stand place the jar in the water on its side, let it fill with water then tip it up slowly bottom up, and place the jar mouth into the stand, making sure to keep the mouth under water. The fish can swim up into the jar as they wish.

8. TV Aquarium

apartmenttherapy

TV Aquarium, a diy aquarium idea, a fun idea for anyone who keeps fish at home and simple to pull off

Do you have an old analog TV? So why not take it out of storage, dust it off and make it into something useful and in high definition? Check out this how to article from Apartment Therapy that shows you how to turn that old TV sitting in your basement into an awesome custom fish tank!

9. Fish Jar Aquarium

myturnforus

Fish Jar Aquarium, a clever upgrade that makes a tank feel custom and better than a store bought version

Oh wow, every little kid is sure to love this Fish Jar Aquarium. This DIY Mini Fish Aquarium is a easy little craft that children can make and love and the fish never needs feeding. They will love taking care of their fish without the fuss! Check out the complete DIY project tutorial from My Turn For Us.

10. Hanging Macrame Fish Bowl

lovegrowswild

Hanging Macrame Fish Bowl, simple enough to finish in an afternoon and better than a store bought version

Do you have confidence in your knotting skills? I’ve only ever seen a fishbowl on a countertop or desk, but hanging near the window? Hang a fish bowl from the ceiling with this awesome macramé hanger! Give your fish a stylish home and save table space! Details at Love Grows Wild.

11. DIY Aquarium For Kids

thesouthasianbuzz

DIY Aquarium For Kids, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

Do you love diy aquariums? This diy aquarium for kids idea is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the aquarium kids. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Thesouthasianbuzz has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

12. DIY Aquarium Tank Dividers

tropicalfishkeeping

DIY Aquarium Tank Dividers, a satisfying build for an aquarium hobbyist and easy to fit into a weekend

I am a big fan of fun crafts, and this diy aquarium tank dividers idea is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Tropicalfishkeeping at the link.

14. Aquarium Plant Rock Base

radlinccrafts

Aquarium Plant Rock Base, a creative project for anyone who loves a fish tank and easy to make your own

Why not try an easy tutorial the easy way? This aquarium plant rock base idea makes it simple. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Radlinccrafts for the complete recipe.

15. DIY Aquarium Tunnels

radlinccrafts

DIY Aquarium Tunnels, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

DIY Aquarium Tunnels – yes please. This one delivers on handmade goods without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Radlinccrafts’s full tutorial for all the details.

16. DIY Cave Grotto Aquarium

aquariumlife

DIY Cave Grotto Aquarium, simple enough for a first time aquarium DIYer and an easy one to make again

This is home decor, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the cave grotto aquarium. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Aquariumlife has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

17. Decorate Boring Fish Tank

pouted

Decorate Boring Fish Tank, a budget friendly way to upgrade a tank setup and worth the little effort

Whether it is a weeknight or a get-together, this decorate boring fish tank idea fits right in if you love craft ideas. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Pouted at the link.

18. Floating Island Aquarium

aquatic-art

Floating Island Aquarium, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

Give this floating island aquarium idea a try the next time you want DIY projects. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get the full recipe from Aquatic Art to see every step.

19. Grindylow Aquarium

hpwishlist

Grindylow Aquarium, great for adding personality to an aquarium and better than a store bought version

Hpwishlist nailed it with this grindylow aquarium idea – step by step instructions, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the grindylow aquarium. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Hpwishlist for the complete recipe.

20. Light Up Jar Aquarium

thetiptoefairy

Light Up Jar Aquarium, an easy weekend project using basic supplies and better than a store bought version

My family always asks for a fun DIY like this, and this light up jar aquarium idea is one we keep making. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Thetiptoefairy’s full tutorial for all the details.

21. Mini Aquarium In A Bottle

alittlepinchofperfect

Mini Aquarium In A Bottle, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

Ever crave fun crafts? This mini aquarium in a bottle idea is the one I keep going back to. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Alittlepinchofperfect has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

22. DIY CO2 Aquarium

bcaquaria

DIY CO2 Aquarium, a fun idea for anyone who keeps fish at home and better than a store bought version

I have always loved a clear how-to, and this diy co2 aquarium idea is a great example why. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from Bcaquaria at the link.

23. Aquarium Coffee Table

lilmoocreations

Aquarium Coffee Table, a clever upgrade that makes a tank feel custom and one worth saving for later

This aquarium coffee table idea is quick, easy, and a real win for an easy tutorial. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Lilmoocreations to see every step.

24. Aquarium Decorations

createaquariums

Aquarium Decorations, a diy aquarium idea, an affordable alternative to a store bought tank decoration

Why make it complicated? This aquarium decorations idea keeps handmade goods simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the aquarium decorations. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Createaquariums for the complete recipe.

25. Planted Aquarium

plantpropaganda

Planted Aquarium, a satisfying build for an aquarium hobbyist and better than a store bought version

Planted Aquarium? Sign me up. This is a fun DIY done right. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Check out Plantpropaganda’s full tutorial for all the details.

26. Saltwater Aquarium

earthsfriends

Saltwater Aquarium, a creative project for anyone who loves a fish tank and a project worth repeating

Here is fun crafts, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Earthsfriends has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.

28. Tiles 3D Fish Tank Background

lifehacker

Tiles 3D Fish Tank Background, a diy aquarium idea, a creative project for anyone who loves a fish tank

Try this tiles 3d fish tank background idea next time you’re after a fun DIY. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Lifehacker to see every step.

30. Super Mario Aquarium Decoration

nerdist

Super Mario Aquarium Decoration, simple enough to finish in an afternoon and a favorite worth repeating

Around here, this super mario aquarium decoration idea disappears fast whenever I make a clear how-to. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Nerdist’s full tutorial for all the details.

 

Stephanie Hicks | DIY JOY

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Stephanie

Since I lover experiments, I’ve alwaysnloved to create, paint, as well as cook and style food. I feel in love with DIY as soon as I discovered it and could not have been more excited when I learned I could share projects with people around the world. Taking photos is a passion of mine, as is design and painting with oils. I love holidays and celebrations, crafting cute little gifts and serving up at least one new recipe I am excited about.

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