How to Make an Aquarium Out of Recycled Items

Old console televisions and phonographs are made of solid wood and are beautiful antique works of art. These items were created to be showcased as a piece of furniture and not only as useful items. When the actual television or phonograph no longer operates, it can be re-purposed into a unique aquarium. Most any DIY person can complete this project within a half day or so and it only requires a few items other than the aquarium to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Measuring tape
  • Marking pencil
  • Rotozip
  • 2 hinges
  • Drawer pull
  • 3--by-3-inch piece of plywood
  • Drill and screws
  • Surge protector strip
  • Aquarium hood with light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the back of the console television by unscrewing all of the screws with a screwdriver. Set the back aside. Remove all electronics and the tube from inside of the television by unplugging and unscrewed all items.

    • 2

      Place a 20-gallon aquarium inside the space to ensure that it fits. Most all console televisions will accommodate a 20-gallon aquarium or even a larger size. Place the aquarium on top of the television cabinet so that it sits close to the front of the open space and it is centered from left to right. Use a marking pencil to draw around the base of the aquarium. Set the aquarium aside.

    • 3

      Add an extra 2 inches around the marks on all four sides of the aquarium size and mark with a marking pencil. Cut the top open with a Rotozip and remove the lid. Set the lid on a solid surface and use a screwdriver to attach two hinges to the back. Space the hinges evenly about 3 inches from each side of the lid. Attach the drawer pull, using the screws provided and a screwdriver. Center the drawer pull in the middle of the lid. Screw the other half of the hinges onto the television cabinet. Cut a 3-by-3-inch piece of scrap wood of any type with the Rotozip and screw inside the opening underneath the lip of the cabinet to make a stop.

    • 4

      Drill a 3-inch hole in the side or back of the television console to feed the electric cord through. Set the aquarium back inside the television, attach the hood and light and feed the cord through the drilled hole. Attach a surge protector strip to the side of back of the console with screws and a screwdriver. Plug the surge protector strip into an electrical wall socket and plug the aquarium hood into the surge protector. The surge protector strip serves as the on/off switch for the light.

    • 5

      Replace the back onto the console with screws that were previously removed. Fill the aquarium with water and your choice of fish and accessories.