How to Build a Fishtank Out of a TV

Watching television takes on new meaning with a TV converted to a fish aquarium. There is only one channel to chose and the reception is in high definition. Art and recycling collide to make this conversion happen. Older televisions contain a tube that makes the set wider. When a television breaks, consider gutting it to install a fish tank and bring the old set back to life.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium sized to fit television
  • Florescent light fixture
  • Hinges
  • Small wood screws
  • Circular saw
  • Screwdriver
  • Sand paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the television. Unscrew the back off the television set using the screwdriver. Keep all the screws and the back cover.

    • 2

      Remove the electronics and the television tube. Leave any knobs or switches that do not obstruct the aquarium in place. If they need to be removed, remove the back and glue them onto the front of the television set.

    • 3

      Place the aquarium inside the television and check that it is fit and level. Adjust the aquarium level using wood placed at the bottom of the cabinet, if necessary. The aquarium needs to cover the entire front opening with two inches left between the aquarium top and cabinet top. Remove the aquarium.

    • 4

      Draw a line around the top of the cabinet that is half of an inch below the top piece of wood in the cabinet. For example, if the top wood is 3/4 of an inch, draw the line 1 1/4 inches from the top. Cut the top off the cabinet using a circular saw. Keep the top to serve as the access lid to the aquarium. Use sandpaper to smooth the cut edges of the access lid and cabinet.

    • 5

      Cover the outside back and side glass of the aquarium with paper, or paint with a non-toxic paint. Leave only the front uncovered to prevent seeing the unsightly inside of the cabinet. Place the aquarium back inside the cabinet. Replace the back of the cabinet and tighten the screws removed from Step One.

    • 6

      Attach the hinges using short screws to the front or back of the cabinet and the access lid. For large cabinets, use more than two hinges to support the lid.

    • 7

      Install the light fixture by screwing it to the back of the cabinet or to the downside lid of the cabinet. Some aquariums are manufactured with lights that lay across the top of the aquarium. This type of light can remain on the aquarium and does not need to be attached to the cabinet.

    • 8

      Add the aquarium fixtures. Ensure electrical items such as pumps, filters, lights and water heaters are properly wired. An electrical surge strip mounted in the cabinet helps with wire management.

    • 9

      Complete the aquairum set up by adding water and any treatments necessary before adding in your fish of choice.