[link590o]

Well, as is typically the case between my sister and I, we got into an estranged conversation, and somehow arrived at the idea that she wanted to put a fish tank inside of a computer.

While it's a novel idea, execution could be very difficult considering the size of modern equipment, the materials being used, and the dimensions. Since this idea isn't temporary and could easily develop into a real project in the future, I was wondering if any of the case modders around here had any tips or ideas on how this could be done.

To be a little bit more specific, she wants to put a 2.5 gallon tank inside of a computer. The dimensions of that are 12 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches in length width and height respectively. The case is going to likely have a side window panel to allow viewing of the fish, and the case itself is probably going to be a full tower ATX.

The obvious hurdles are where to fit the tank, how to secure it, how to provide easy access for feeding the fish and maintaining the tank as well as the inside of the computer and leaving enough room for the current and future components. There's also the issue of avoiding getting water all over the motherboard and other components of the case. We also need to know how we're going to fit a filter for the tank, how to power it etc...

As for the money? We're thinking to put the price range around the $1200-$1500 mark. Obviously cheaper is nicer if quality is maintained, but we will come up with cash if the need arises.

It's a lot to think about and we've already put quite a bit of thought into it. But neither she nor I have ever done a serious case mod such as this. So we need a much more detailed plan as well as an expert's touch in the matter.

Here's your motivation. Tony Stark was able to build this in a cave...with a box of scraps.

Please....humor me

[Albert Lionheart]

Erm - you know that there is a certain amount of HF radio radiation going on inside a system case? Sorry - but those fish will fry and the more powerful the CPU the shorter their lives!

[Rik]

There is also the problem of heat. Cold water fish will fry when the pc is on and tropical fish will freeze when its off.

[Blackmirror]

Gully's Aqua Tank
Have a look there

[Albert Lionheart]

Looks neat and well thought out - still wonder about the radiation although they have chosen fish that will tolerate a wide range of temps.

[Blackmirror]

Neon Tetra's were selected as the fish to use for this project because of their small size (< 1"), their relatively large temperature range, and the fact that they tend to stick together in schools. Initially 5 tetra's were placed in the tank, but after a while that number will be increased to 10.

pretty little fish

[Albert Lionheart]

I had a chum who kept these and he said they were prone to infections but I agree - very pretty little fish.

[link590o]

I've already had a look at Gully's Aqua Tank before. It's what I used as a sort of baseline for what my sister wanted to do.

I get the feeling that Gully used a metal divider of sorts to bounce some of the radiation away from the fish. There are also caulks with ferrum sprinkled in it to absorb radiation. I get the feeling that with the right modifications, a separate enclosure can be built on or around the existing components to get the desired effect.

The idea is that there is a plug for the tank that goes outside the computer. Likely that plug operates the filter, and the plug can also power and control the water temperature so the fishies don't get overheated or frozen. That will bypass the computer being on and off.

Based off Gully's Aqua Tank, I get the feeling it can be done. It just has to be done right and done well.

[Blackmirror]

Good luck if you decide to do it