How to Turn a Computer Monitor Into a Fish Tank

Many people have old computer monitors just sitting around collecting dust and ready to be thrown in the trash. One way to recycle these old monitors is to turn them into fish tanks. This fish tank is not only fully functional, but also a work of art.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 old computer monitor
  • 1 8-inch piece of thick plastic sheeting
  • Rotary tool
  • Screwdriver
  • Permanent markers
  • Pliers
  • Measuring tape
  • Hammer
  • Two-part epoxy
  • Duct tape
  • Clear bathroom-grade silicone caulk
  • Expanding insulation foam
  • Utility knife
  • Light
  • Fish tank filter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Disassemble the monitor. Remove the monitor's face and guts. Do most of this with a screwdriver. Keep the mounting screws when removing the ray tube. The ray tube is the part of the monitor that is attached to the glass.

    • 2

      Remove the ray tube from the glass at the front of the monitor. Clean both sides of the glass and reattach it to the face of the monitor. Use duct tape or insulation around the glass to seal it.

    • 3

      Measure the inside of the monitor. This gives you the dimensions of the plastic sheeting you need to create the actual tank.

    • 4

      Cut the plastic sheeting to fit the bottom, back and sides of the tank. The easiest way to cut it is with a rotary tool. Remember to account for the curve in the front of the monitor. The front of the monitor makes the fourth side of the tank.

    • 5

      Form the tank with the plastic sheeting. Use the duct tape to temporarily hold the tank together. Use the two-way epoxy to hold together the three sides and bottom of the tank.

    • 6

      Allow the epoxy to dry. Add paint to the back of the tank if desired.

    • 7

      Cut an access panel in the top of the monitor. Most monitors have a half circle in the very top. Cut out the half circle carefully so the front still slides on while access to the tank is made easy.

    • 8

      Place the sides and bottom of the plastic sheeting onto the front plate. Apply the two-way epoxy. Allow it to dry. Apply silicone caulk around the edges. The silicone caulk needs to be applied to any gaps in order to seal the tank.

    • 9

      Fill the tank with water once the glue and epoxy are dry. Check for any leaks. If any leaks occur, dry the area completely and fill the area with bathroom-grade silicone caulk.

    • 10

      Add the lighting. Run the wire from the light and through the power socket in the back of the monitor. Duct tape it up the side of the monitor to the very top. Run the filter wire through the same hole and attach it in the same way.

    • 11

      Place the tank into the monitor. Attach it to the front plate. Spray the expanding insulation foam into the power cord holes in the back of the monitor's frame to hold the wires in place and to prevent leakage.

    • 12

      Attach the filter and fill the tank with water. Attach the light and allow the water to heat up before adding the fish.