Mac Aquarium

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Project Status:
Under Construction

THE CONCEPT

This is not exactly a new idea. But I always thought it would be fun to go through the effort on something like this. The Mac Aquarium, or "Macquarium" is a fish tank or bowl, that is constructed using the remains of an old Macintosh computer. Normally one that uses the "Classic", or original case style. Although you will find more recent ones using the iMac case as well.

There are many references on the web for making your own Mac Aquarium. www.macaquarium.com comes to mind. They have instructions, as well as completed Mac Aquariums available.

There are other sites that showcase individual creativity and various completed Mac Aquarium projects, such as The Apple Collection.

PROJECT SPECIFICS

For my personal Mac Aquarium, I of course wanted to do something a little different. My idea was this: a flat black case, no emblems or markings. Compete simplicity. But from there I wanted to put a twist on it. I wanted to build a lamp into the inside of the case, out of site from observers. Since the actual tank part of the aquarium doesn't go all the way to the bottom base of the computer, I could use the extra space to mount a lamp below the floor of the tank. If I used clear glass stones instead of standard fish gravel, the light could shine upward through the floor into the tank. Creating a soft ambience throughout.

MATERIALS

The two main components to this project were the computer case itself, and the plexi-insert to hold the water. I lucked out and found both items on eBay, each at an excellent cost.

The computer case is from a Macintosh Classic II, circa 1993. I collected this on eBay in its gutted form. I bought the case only, so I didn't have to worry about removing the components myself. Total cost including shipping was $8.00.

The plexi tank was also a lucky find. It was constructed specifially for this style case, and was advertised on eBay for just that. Total cost including shipping was $6.00.

Other materials include the glass stones, spray paint, and electrical items for the lamp.

The stones were aquired at Wal-Mart and IKEA. I chose various shades of blue. Spray paint is obvious, I picked that up at Michael's, an art supply store. I chose black. The lamp came from Science & Surplus and the hardware store.

The front face of the Classic case removes easily from the rest of it. Here you can see how the plexi tank fits perfectly inside the computer.

However, this is not possible until Step 1 is complete. The top handle of the computer must be cut out with a sawzall before the tank will fit inside.

THE PROCEDURE

STEP 1:

Remove the handle from the top of the case with a sawzall.

This can be a bit tricky, the plastic will be very anxious to melt under the heat generated.

I went nice and slow with this step, last thing I wanted to do was ruin the case right at the start. I used a file to finish it off, and to help around the corners when the blade wouldn't do.

STEP 2:

Check to make certain everything will fit together.

Make sure the plexi tank fits inside the case, and that the front cover of the case will fit back on as well. There are a few little nubs and things that should be removed with a dremmel.

All was well, so it is time for step 3. Paint.

STEP 3:

Paint.

Like I said, I wanted to go with a very simple, elegant design. Black is the obvious choice for this.

I took care of this in the garage, so I could breathe. I did the front panel first, and then the rest of the case.

After the new paint is dry, I have the Mac back together and on my table. I picked up some blue glass stones at Wal-Mart and IKEA and filled the floor of the tank. My next decorative idea is broken glass. I have some drinking glasses (I always keep broken glass) that are in need of a new home. I am going to set them up in the tank and see how I like it. After that all I will need is the lamp, water, and fish.

More updates to come as they occur...

CURRENT STATUS

Here is my semi-final creation. I still need to construct the lamp, and add the fish, but this is pretty much what it is going to look like as a finished project.