Building aquarium in old PC case (NEWBIE QUESTION)

[d. bolshevik]

I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all. It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit boards will this become a health hazard?

If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.

-d.


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[Guido]

Sounds like a very cool idea... but if you're keeping circuit boards in
there, they tend to have lead and other heavy metals on them which would
probably leach into the water... that would probably be a bad thing for
the poor fish. Just my two cents... if you could seal the boards so
that no metal was in contact with the water, that might help?

Gord

d. bolshevik wrote:
> I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all. It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit boards will this become a health hazard?
>
> If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>
> -d.
>
>
> --------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
> ------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
> -= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>

[Elaine T]

d. bolshevik wrote:
> I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all. It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit boards will this become a health hazard?
>
> If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>

Reminds me of the old Mac aquaria. Don't abandon it!

I'd coat *everything* with clear, fish-safe epoxy so no metals are
exposed to the water. Ptherwise, of course it will rust, leach metals,
etc. Also, if the case is cheap, it could be sharp enough to damage
both you and the fish. You can probably sand down sharp edges with a
file and emory cloth before you epoxy. Remember that you will have to
clean in there, so you may want to remove or shorten some of the boards
to give yourself a bit more room.

As for cleaning the circuit boards, get good flow going over them with a
powerhead to keep detritus from collecting there in the first place and
you'll be better off. You might also want to rip off components that
make pockets where you won't be able to clean.

HTH, and do post pics with fish swimming among boards. I'd love to see
the result.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[me myself and the rest of us]

there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree with)

If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard but
eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy resin.

As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good for
the fish too.

C.


"d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
> I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all.
> It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing
> and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is
> there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards
> rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit
> boards will this become a health hazard?
>
> If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my
> head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>
> -d.
>
>
> --------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
> ------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
> -= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>

[Justice]

me myself and the rest of us wrote:
> there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
> functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
> reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree with)

Why don't you agree this is a good idea, one I've had for a while.
although my setup is not only going to be for looks. I am setting up a
good filtering system, 2 filters before it enters my computers cooling
system. then the warm water is expelled into the tank to keep the tank
and fisshies warm. if the water inside the tank is getting to warm
measuring in multiple locations. then it is put through a radiator to
cool it down. I will also be monitoring the water levels(ph, hardness,
etc.). All monitoring will be done via the computer, so I will have all
tank and computer stats at my fingertips. I also am planing on setting
up a automated feeding system.

> If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
> inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard but
> eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy resin.
>
> As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good for
> the fish too.
>
> C.
>
>
> "d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
> news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
>
>>I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all.
>>It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing
>>and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is
>>there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards
>>rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit
>>boards will this become a health hazard?
>>
>>If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my
>>head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>>
>>-d.
>>
>>
>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>>
>
>
>

[me myself and the rest of us]

depends on how it is maintained. you sound like you are taking
responsibility for the tank and your fish, however I've seen a few that
don't realize the importance of keeping a close eye on the tank's temp and
having an alternative. you have gone a couple steps beyond most that i have
seen. I was apparently too hasty to paint all projects like this with the
same brush. My apologies :)


"Justice" > wrote in message
news:FkDXe.262943$tt5.41712@edtnps90...
> me myself and the rest of us wrote:
>> there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
>> functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
>> reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree
>> with)
>
> Why don't you agree this is a good idea, one I've had for a while.
> although my setup is not only going to be for looks. I am setting up a
> good filtering system, 2 filters before it enters my computers cooling
> system. then the warm water is expelled into the tank to keep the tank and
> fisshies warm. if the water inside the tank is getting to warm measuring
> in multiple locations. then it is put through a radiator to cool it down.
> I will also be monitoring the water levels(ph, hardness, etc.). All
> monitoring will be done via the computer, so I will have all tank and
> computer stats at my fingertips. I also am planing on setting up a
> automated feeding system.
>
>> If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
>> inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard
>> but eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy
>> resin.
>>
>> As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good
>> for the fish too.
>>
>> C.
>>
>>
>> "d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
>> news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
>>
>>>I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all.
>>>It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing
>>>and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is
>>>there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards
>>>rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit
>>>boards will this become a health hazard?
>>>
>>>If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my
>>>head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>>-d.
>>>
>>>
>>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
>>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
>>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>>>
>>
>>

[Justice]

It's ok, But I am an avid computer hobbyst, and a newbie fish hobyst. I
have pondered this idea for some time, It is going to be a big computer,
about 3' high. the tank will probably be abou a 5-10 gal. depending on
size reqirements for the filtration setup(that was a headach trying to
figure out, took more than one head). I also have to figure out what
kind of fish to keep as I have a felling the tank will probably be on
the warmer side especialy in summer. I am estamating in the 30c area
maybe close to 40c(hope not for comp. sake as well as finding fish for
this temp). any ideas for fish?


me myself and the rest of us wrote:
> depends on how it is maintained. you sound like you are taking
> responsibility for the tank and your fish, however I've seen a few that
> don't realize the importance of keeping a close eye on the tank's temp and
> having an alternative. you have gone a couple steps beyond most that i have
> seen. I was apparently too hasty to paint all projects like this with the
> same brush. My apologies :)
>
>
> "Justice" > wrote in message
> news:FkDXe.262943$tt5.41712@edtnps90...
>
>>me myself and the rest of us wrote:
>>
>>>there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
>>>functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
>>>reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree
>>>with)
>>
>>Why don't you agree this is a good idea, one I've had for a while.
>>although my setup is not only going to be for looks. I am setting up a
>>good filtering system, 2 filters before it enters my computers cooling
>>system. then the warm water is expelled into the tank to keep the tank and
>>fisshies warm. if the water inside the tank is getting to warm measuring
>>in multiple locations. then it is put through a radiator to cool it down.
>>I will also be monitoring the water levels(ph, hardness, etc.). All
>>monitoring will be done via the computer, so I will have all tank and
>>computer stats at my fingertips. I also am planing on setting up a
>>automated feeding system.
>>
>>
>>>If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
>>>inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard
>>>but eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy
>>>resin.
>>>
>>>As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good
>>>for the fish too.
>>>
>>>C.
>>>
>>>
>>>"d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
>>>news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
>>>
>>>
>>>>I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and all.
>>>>It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for viewing
>>>>and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues, is
>>>>there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the innards
>>>>rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the circuit
>>>>boards will this become a health hazard?
>>>>
>>>>If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang my
>>>>head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>>>>
>>>>-d.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
>>>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
>>>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.


"Justice" > wrote in message
news:iJrYe.269827$tt5.175754@edtnps90...
> It's ok, But I am an avid computer hobbyst, and a newbie fish hobyst. I
> have pondered this idea for some time, It is going to be a big computer,
> about 3' high. the tank will probably be abou a 5-10 gal. depending on
> size reqirements for the filtration setup(that was a headach trying to
> figure out, took more than one head). I also have to figure out what
> kind of fish to keep as I have a felling the tank will probably be on
> the warmer side especialy in summer. I am estamating in the 30c area
> maybe close to 40c(hope not for comp. sake as well as finding fish for
> this temp). any ideas for fish?
>
>
> me myself and the rest of us wrote:
> > depends on how it is maintained. you sound like you are taking
> > responsibility for the tank and your fish, however I've seen a few that
> > don't realize the importance of keeping a close eye on the tank's temp
and
> > having an alternative. you have gone a couple steps beyond most that i
have
> > seen. I was apparently too hasty to paint all projects like this with
the
> > same brush. My apologies :)
> >
> >
> > "Justice" > wrote in message
> > news:FkDXe.262943$tt5.41712@edtnps90...
> >
> >>me myself and the rest of us wrote:
> >>
> >>>there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
> >>>functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
> >>>reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree
> >>>with)
> >>
> >>Why don't you agree this is a good idea, one I've had for a while.
> >>although my setup is not only going to be for looks. I am setting up a
> >>good filtering system, 2 filters before it enters my computers cooling
> >>system. then the warm water is expelled into the tank to keep the tank
and
> >>fisshies warm. if the water inside the tank is getting to warm measuring
> >>in multiple locations. then it is put through a radiator to cool it
down.
> >>I will also be monitoring the water levels(ph, hardness, etc.). All
> >>monitoring will be done via the computer, so I will have all tank and
> >>computer stats at my fingertips. I also am planing on setting up a
> >>automated feeding system.
> >>
> >>
> >>>If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
> >>>inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard
> >>>but eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy
> >>>resin.
> >>>
> >>>As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good
> >>>for the fish too.
> >>>
> >>>C.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>"d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
> >>>news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and
all.
> >>>>It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for
viewing
> >>>>and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues,
is
> >>>>there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the
innards
> >>>>rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the
circuit
> >>>>boards will this become a health hazard?
> >>>>
> >>>>If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang
my
> >>>>head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
> >>>>
> >>>>-d.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
> >>>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
> >>>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >

I would recommend as I did in another recent post here; guppies or bettas,
or maybe white cloud mountain minnows. Slight chance you could find some
killifishes that might take those temperatures. But yes - bettas and guppies
can take high temperatures. If you want more than one betta get a group of
females only as even adding one male with any number of females can cause
trouble from what I have read here recently. Plus - if you just want one
beautiful fish always go with 1 male betta - they are truly great fish and
their give and take isn't to much of a downer/upper. Good luck and later!

[Gill Passman]

Daniel Morrow wrote:
> Bottom posted.
>
>
> "Justice" > wrote in message
> news:iJrYe.269827$tt5.175754@edtnps90...
>
>>It's ok, But I am an avid computer hobbyst, and a newbie fish hobyst. I
>>have pondered this idea for some time, It is going to be a big computer,
>>about 3' high. the tank will probably be abou a 5-10 gal. depending on
>>size reqirements for the filtration setup(that was a headach trying to
>>figure out, took more than one head). I also have to figure out what
>>kind of fish to keep as I have a felling the tank will probably be on
>>the warmer side especialy in summer. I am estamating in the 30c area
>>maybe close to 40c(hope not for comp. sake as well as finding fish for
>>this temp). any ideas for fish?
>>
>>
>>me myself and the rest of us wrote:
>>
>>>depends on how it is maintained. you sound like you are taking
>>>responsibility for the tank and your fish, however I've seen a few that
>>>don't realize the importance of keeping a close eye on the tank's temp
>
> and
>
>>>having an alternative. you have gone a couple steps beyond most that i
>
> have
>
>>>seen. I was apparently too hasty to paint all projects like this with
>
> the
>
>>>same brush. My apologies :)
>>>
>>>
>>>"Justice" > wrote in message
>>>news:FkDXe.262943$tt5.41712@edtnps90...
>>>
>>>
>>>>me myself and the rest of us wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>there are many sites with examples of what you are talking about with
>>>>>functioning PC's, and even ones that *cough* use a fish tank as a water
>>>>>reservoir for a water cooled o/C arrangements (not something i agree
>>>>>with)
>>>>
>>>>Why don't you agree this is a good idea, one I've had for a while.
>>>>although my setup is not only going to be for looks. I am setting up a
>>>>good filtering system, 2 filters before it enters my computers cooling
>>>>system. then the warm water is expelled into the tank to keep the tank
>
> and
>
>>>>fisshies warm. if the water inside the tank is getting to warm measuring
>>>>in multiple locations. then it is put through a radiator to cool it
>
> down.
>
>>>>I will also be monitoring the water levels(ph, hardness, etc.). All
>>>>monitoring will be done via the computer, so I will have all tank and
>>>>computer stats at my fingertips. I also am planing on setting up a
>>>>automated feeding system.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>If you are doing this, try making or buying an acrylic liner that fits
>>>>>inside the case but still allows you to see through to the motherboard
>>>>>but eliminated the need to spend the $$$ to coat the insides with epoxy
>>>>>resin.
>>>>>
>>>>>As was mentioned, heavy metals in the board probably won't do much good
>>>>>for the fish too.
>>>>>
>>>>>C.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>"d. bolshevik" > wrote in message
>>>>>news:zt0Xe.15026$mH.7466@fed1read07...
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>I'm attempting to build an old 386 PC into an aquarium, hardware and
>
> all.
>
>>>>>>It will be setup in tower formation with a hole in the side for
>
> viewing
>
>>>>>>and a removable top for maintenance. Aside from water sealing issues,
>
> is
>
>>>>>>there any reason why I should flat-out NOT attempt this? Will the
>
> innards
>
>>>>>>rust? If I'm not able to clean all the small intricacies of the
>
> circuit
>
>>>>>>boards will this become a health hazard?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>If there's any DEADFAST reason why I should just abandon this and hang
>
> my
>
>>>>>>head in shame, somebody please let me know now. Thanks in advance.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>-d.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
>>>>>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
>>>>>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>
> I would recommend as I did in another recent post here; guppies or bettas,
> or maybe white cloud mountain minnows. Slight chance you could find some
> killifishes that might take those temperatures. But yes - bettas and guppies
> can take high temperatures. If you want more than one betta get a group of
> females only as even adding one male with any number of females can cause
> trouble from what I have read here recently. Plus - if you just want one
> beautiful fish always go with 1 male betta - they are truly great fish and
> their give and take isn't to much of a downer/upper. Good luck and later!
>
>

I keep a single Betta male (plus his stunted platy companion that I
really need to move) in a 5 gall tank....if I leave the lights on for
any length of time the water gets really warm but he seems happy enough
for now - comes to greet me whenever I go near the tank and flares
without the agression. I would be interested though in the long term
effects of higher temps on bettas....

Gill

[Daniel Morrow]

Bottom posted.


"Gill Passman" > wrote in message
.. .
>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>--------------= Posted using GrabIt =----------------
> >>>>>>------= Binary Usenet downloading made easy =---------
> >>>>>>-= Get GrabIt for free from http://www.shemes.com/ =-
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >
> > I would recommend as I did in another recent post here; guppies or
bettas,
> > or maybe white cloud mountain minnows. Slight chance you could find some
> > killifishes that might take those temperatures. But yes - bettas and
guppies
> > can take high temperatures. If you want more than one betta get a group
of
> > females only as even adding one male with any number of females can
cause
> > trouble from what I have read here recently. Plus - if you just want one
> > beautiful fish always go with 1 male betta - they are truly great fish
and
> > their give and take isn't to much of a downer/upper. Good luck and
later!
> >
> >
>
> I keep a single Betta male (plus his stunted platy companion that I
> really need to move) in a 5 gall tank....if I leave the lights on for
> any length of time the water gets really warm but he seems happy enough
> for now - comes to greet me whenever I go near the tank and flares
> without the agression. I would be interested though in the long term
> effects of higher temps on bettas....
>
> Gill

Bettas can stand water between 68 and 90 degrees fahrenheit but breed at 78
degrees fahrenheit according to my fish book. Later!