If you’re looking for an unusual tank to house your pet fish, consider a vintage tv aquarium. They’re a fun way to add a retro touch to your home decor, and they’ll impress all of your guests!
Follow the steps in this wikiHow tutorial to turn an old TV into a unique fish tank.
Buying the right equipment
The right equipment can make or break a vintage tv aquarium. Buying the right combination of components may be a daunting task for some, but it is worth the effort. The most important thing is to find out exactly what you need before you start the shopping. This will ensure that you don’t end up with a kit that’s too big or too small for your needs. A good place to start is with the following list of must-haves: a quality fish tank, an air pump, a decent filter and lighting. Lastly, consider the amount of space you need and how long it will take to install each of these items. Once you have all of the above figured out, you’re ready to assemble your custom tv aquarium.
Creating the tank
If you have a vintage television console, you can turn it into an aquarium. Not only will this provide a great place for your fish to live, it’s a nice way to add a bit of retro realism to your home.
Start by removing the back of the TV and the internal electronics. This may be a pain, but it’s essential to ensure that the cabinet is strong enough for an aquarium and can handle the weight of the water and filtration equipment.
Next, remove the CRT and any supports that prevent it from sitting flush against the front wall of the console. This will be a challenge, so don’t be afraid to use a variety of tools.
After removing the CRT and all supporting material, create a lid for the top of the cabinet that allows the tank to sit flush against the wall. This will make it easier to access the tank once it’s filled with water.
Filling the tank
If you’ve been wanting to repurpose an old television in your basement into a cool fish tank, this project is the perfect way to go. You can use it to house any type of tank you like, including freshwater and saltwater.
After deciding which tank is best for your cabinet, buy all of the necessary aquarium components. This includes an aquarium, air pump, light and tubing.
Before you start filling the tank, test-fit it in your TV console and confirm that there’s enough room for all of the aquarium equipment. Make sure you leave enough space to fit an overhead light if the tank is taller than the cabinet’s height, or for any cords and tubes that need to run through the back of the console.
Next, carefully cut away the plastic CRT trim that hangs back past the front of the console. This is important so the tank can sit flush against the front of the console, and to free up any knobs that may jut into the console’s body.
Lighting the tank
If you’re a fish lover and you have an old TV in your possession you might be interested in converting it into the aquarium of choice. You will probably need to do a little research and experimentation to find the best way to go about it. In particular, it is important to consider the size of your fish tank and whether you are able to fit the tank in a cupboard or have to prop it up on a shelf. It is also essential to have a good plan for protecting your prized possession. Finally, make sure you have some sort of lighting system in place as the room will get dark quite quickly if the lights are not up to scratch. The most effective lighting solution will require a combination of halogen and fluorescent fixtures.
