Intro > Take It To Bits > Cut The Case > Prepare The Tank > Put It Together

Amaze Your Friends! Confound Your Enemies!

This section are the instructions on how to build your own fantastic Macquarium.

A Macquarium is an aquarium made out of the shell of an old Compact Mac with the screen as the view into the world of the little fishies. It's what the old Mac would have wanted.

These plans are based on an old non-working Macintosh SE. I obtained it for this purpose on eBay, a good source of old or defunct equipment. Be aware that old, working Macs sometimes fetch high prices on eBay as they are collectors' items. Don't try this on a working one! Also don't pay more than about £10.00 for a broken one or you'll be paying too much.

What You'll Need

Before you start it is worth getting the following equipment. It's nothing technical and it's easily obtainable from Argos in the UK.

• Medium Philips screwdriver. For the insides.
• Size 15 Star or Hex-bit driver. This is important. This removes the screws that keep the case in place. I got mine in a £5 screwdriver kit so it should not be costly.
• Long slot screwdriver. This makes a good lever and helps discharge the CRT. Pictures of these drivers are here.
• Hacksaw blade and handle. You ideally need one with a handle at only one end (see this). Mine took standard blades and was very convenient for odd angles and cutting bits off the inside.
• Optional: Dremel-like Cutting Tool. This is a handheld tool that takes cutting bits a little like an engraver's tool. I got one from Argos for about £20 and it really saved a lot of time in cutting and sanding the insides and the case.
• Strong Adhesive and Aquarium Sealant. These are obvious. Depends on how you decide to make your tank. I used acrylic rather than glass so I needed a strong glue to hold the thing together.
• Material for your tank. I used acrylic but you can use glass if you're prepared for it. The section 'Preparing The Tank' gives some suggestions on asembly and materials.
• Finally, aquarium ornaments, gravel, air pump, filter, fishes. Check out this page for details on how to look after tropical fish or check your Yellow Pages for your nearest good Aquarium Shop. They dispense invaluable advice as little fishies require a bit of TLC.

Now this is what you do... [Intro]