The iMac G3 Aquarium: An Upcycling Project For Gearheads (Video)
Got an old computer you’re looking to part with? Generally, we’d encourage you to find a reputable electronics recycler in your area to make sure it gets disposed of responsibly. But if you’ve still got an iMac G3 stashed in a closet?… You probably wouldn’t want to try to run any current programs or web pages on it, but its unique look makes it ideal for a decorative upcycling project. One idea: turn it into an aquarium.
Entrepreneur Jake Harms can sell you plans to convert that old computer, or even sell you a finished aquarium if you don’t have your own machine. We covered his offerings on sustainablog recently; check out our post below, and then let us know if you’ve done something similar.
Got An Old iMac G3 Laying Around? Upcycle It Into An Aquarium (Video)
Mac Aquarium from Capture Photo and Video on Vimeo.
The iMac G3 has been off the market since 2003, but no doubt many owners of these machines have held on to them. While they may not have the computing power for current programs and websites, they’re just so gorgeous – how could you throw that away?
That’s the response Jake Harms had after being asked to dispose of one of these machines away back in 2007. He asked if he could take it home and tinker with it instead. He quickly discovered online that many people had upcycled their G3s into aquariums… but no one had recorded and shared instructions for doing so. Jake got to work making his own iMac G3 aquarium, and after lots of trial and error, came up with his own approach… which he did write down. Now, Jake makes “Macquariums” for sale, and also sells kits and instructions for others to do it.
The video above walks you though the features of Jake’s aquariums: from the necessary features for keeping fish alive and healthy to unique aesthetic elements. Put one of these in your home, and you’ll definitely have a conversation piece.
So, given the topics we’ve written about in the past, I’d love to see a variation on Jake’s aquarium that includes aquaponic elements. No reason you couldn’t use one of these to grow some herbs indoors… If you’ve got other ideas for how this upcycling project might be modified, do share…
via The Squirrelz
Featured photo credit: Screen capture from “Mac Aquarium” video
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