Turning an Old Monitor Into a Fishtank
- Illuminati
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More Pics!
Drilling the starter hole for cutting a hole in the top of the monitor case... so we can feed the fish and change the water.
While actually cutting the hole in the top of the case, the plastic was fusing back together as I was cutting! So after I went around the hole once, I used a utility knife to poke holes along the melted plastic and was then able to snap the cut piece out of the hole. Rather funny to me.
Since the plastic was fusing back together from the friction, we had to sand down the edges to get rid of the "bubbling up" effect of the fused plastic.
The next step was to get the tank outside and ready to be painted! We cut a few plastic scraps and glued them inside the case to create an edge for the cut-out piece to fit back in its hole as a lid. We also used trusty scotch tape to tape the front panel of the monitor in its "to-be" permanent place, so the paint job would match up.
Painting at last! Here you can see the before color as we are adding the first coat of our tan base color.
We finished our first attempt of creating a background of an old Treasure map. Using 2 shades of tan paint to give an older look.
Here is a shot of the finished paint job without the bright outdoor sun. Next we will be using a dark brown paint marker to create the treasure map on our background.
We also checked the tank for leaks and after a little over 24 hours, we are still leak free! So we decided to test out the filter and bubbledisk to see how they look and make sure we know how they operate.
It is possible that tonight we may go ahead and use the brown paint marker to make the treasure map. Then tomorrow, I'll spray a glossy clear coat over everything to protect it and give it that finishing shine!
Drilling the starter hole for cutting a hole in the top of the monitor case... so we can feed the fish and change the water.
While actually cutting the hole in the top of the case, the plastic was fusing back together as I was cutting! So after I went around the hole once, I used a utility knife to poke holes along the melted plastic and was then able to snap the cut piece out of the hole. Rather funny to me.
Since the plastic was fusing back together from the friction, we had to sand down the edges to get rid of the "bubbling up" effect of the fused plastic.
The next step was to get the tank outside and ready to be painted! We cut a few plastic scraps and glued them inside the case to create an edge for the cut-out piece to fit back in its hole as a lid. We also used trusty scotch tape to tape the front panel of the monitor in its "to-be" permanent place, so the paint job would match up.
Painting at last! Here you can see the before color as we are adding the first coat of our tan base color.
We finished our first attempt of creating a background of an old Treasure map. Using 2 shades of tan paint to give an older look.
Here is a shot of the finished paint job without the bright outdoor sun. Next we will be using a dark brown paint marker to create the treasure map on our background.
We also checked the tank for leaks and after a little over 24 hours, we are still leak free! So we decided to test out the filter and bubbledisk to see how they look and make sure we know how they operate.
It is possible that tonight we may go ahead and use the brown paint marker to make the treasure map. Then tomorrow, I'll spray a glossy clear coat over everything to protect it and give it that finishing shine!
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- Legit Extremist
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- Joined: Fri May 07, 2004 3:23 pm
sweeeet. Not my style, but it sure looks sweet.
Way to go, what speed were you cutting with the jigsaw, you have to basically have it running as low as possible(acting as a hacksaw) in order to keep it from fusing back together. This is why people dont use dremels for plastic and acrylic very often.
Way to go, what speed were you cutting with the jigsaw, you have to basically have it running as low as possible(acting as a hacksaw) in order to keep it from fusing back together. This is why people dont use dremels for plastic and acrylic very often.
- Illuminati
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- Amy
- Legit Extremist
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Last night, we got the clear coat painted on the monitor, the backdrop taped on the tank and the cylindars glued into place. We put the tank inside, screwed on the front and filled the tank with water to make sure everything will hold just fine. Tomorrow, we'll attach all the hardware and hopefully have fish in it by the weekend! I ordered a heater online, but it's been backordered until today (theoretically). I am going to go to a few stores to see if I can find a different heater and just cancel my order. If not, our project may be delayed until it comes in.
The pictures we took last night will be edited and posted tonight -- it looks really neat! I can't wait to get the lights hooked up and the fish in it! Illuminati picked out the background and gravel, and I think he did a fantastic job!
The pictures we took last night will be edited and posted tonight -- it looks really neat! I can't wait to get the lights hooked up and the fish in it! Illuminati picked out the background and gravel, and I think he did a fantastic job!
- Illuminati
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It wasn't the wrong sealant... we just must have used too much pressure when setting the tank in the monitor. We'll be more carefull when we get around to re-making the tank.
And the fish are still alive.
For all that don't know, the front panel of the tank started leaking after putting the tank in the monitor for the final time... We are taking a break from the project... but will try to get the tank re-sealed sometime this week or the next.
And the fish are still alive.
For all that don't know, the front panel of the tank started leaking after putting the tank in the monitor for the final time... We are taking a break from the project... but will try to get the tank re-sealed sometime this week or the next.
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- Legit Little One
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- Location: Fullerton, CA
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Compelted a Tank!
well, I tried this out last week. Found a 19" Monitor, gutted it and spend about #150.00 on parts, fish stuff and fish. Here's the finished product. Looks great! Now I'm going to try and sell them... Check it out here - http://www.kevlau.com/Fishtank
It takes quite alot of work to make these and the fish supplies are not cheap but if done right, it looks pretty good. Used the On/Off button for the light.
It takes quite alot of work to make these and the fish supplies are not cheap but if done right, it looks pretty good. Used the On/Off button for the light.
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- Legit Little One
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Thanks. I have too much time on my hands right now so I gave it try. Turned out better than I though it would. The link in my message has the only photos I took. It's been working for 3 days now w/no leaks or problems. I'll get some more photos taken of the interior layout when I get a chance. I have a cut out on the top to access the tank. I noticed when the bubbles go to the top there is some spray over that on accasion drips down the front but I can remidy that with a plexiglass lip on the front edge. Might just add that this week.
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- Legit Aficionado
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