How to Build a Computer Aquarium

Maybe you have been wondering what to do with that broken-down old computer monitor sitting in your basement or garage collecting dust. On the one hand, it is virtually worthless. On the other hand, it seems wasteful to just throw it out with the trash. You could up-cycle it into a luxury condo for your aquatic friends. You read that right. With that old computer monitor and a few simple supplies, your pet fish can reside in style in a computer aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Macintosh computer shell with Classic form
  • Hacksaw blade
  • Chisel
  • File
  • Drill
  • 2 panes 1/8-inch-thick glass, 9 1/2 inches across the bottom with one side 7 inches high and the other side 7 7/8"
  • 8 1/4-by-9 9/16-inch pane of glass, 1/8-inch-thick
  • 8 1/4-by-9 3/8-inch pane of glass, 1/8-inch-thick
  • 8 1/4-by-7 3/4-inch pane of glass, 1/8-inch-thick
  • Masking tape
  • Silicone adhesive
  • 8 1/2-by-2 1/2-by-7 1/2-inch wooden stand
  • Spray paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the lid of the computer shell. Remove everything inside of the shell that is not plastic. Remove the front bezel. Cut out, file, or sand down all protrusions inside the the computer with the hacksaw blade, file, chisel and drill.

    • 2

      Use the hacksaw blade to saw out the handle from the back of the shell completely. Smooth down all rough edges.

    • 3

      Set the 8 1/4-by-7 3/4-inch pane of glass on a flat surface. This piece will serve as the bottom of your aquarium. Place the 8 1/4-by-9 3/8-inch pane upright behind the bottom piece and the 8 1/4-by-9 9/16-inch pane upright in front of the bottom. Fit the two remaining panes of glass over the remaining sides of the bottom pane with the taller sides at the front. The bottom pane should be surrounded on all four sides by glass. The two side panes should top the other panes. Use the masking tape to hold the panes of glass firmly in this position.

    • 4

      Use the silicone adhesive to seal the glass panes together in the shape of your aquarium. Seal the edges thoroughly to ensure they are waterproof. If you want a colorful computer aquarium, spray paint the computer shell. Allow the silicone adhesive and the paint to dry for a minimum of 48 hours.

    • 5

      Fit the wooden platform into the computer shell. Set the glass tank on the platform, with the higher side at the front of the computer. Replace the lid on the computer shell.

    • 6

      Add water, gravel, decorations and your fish.