What do you think about the fish tank computer? The fish tank and computer don’t fit well because fish needs water to live in, and a computer breaks if it gets wet. Also, the heat coming from the computer can harm the fish. Computers also give off electromagnetic fields that can also disrupt a fish’s delicate sense of navigation.
That being said, there are crazy enthusiasts that would love to have a fish tank inside their computer case. While that seems impossible, some geniuses out there have actually done it. These persons have built a computer inside a fish tank, which is pretty cool. So, can anyone make an aquarium PC? Let’s find out in detail in this article.
What Is A Fish Tank Computer?
Jump To
- 1 What Is A Fish Tank Computer?
- 2 Why Would You Want A Fish Tank Computer?
- 3 Are There Any Downsides To A Fish Tank Computer?
- 4 Should You Build A Fish Tank Computer?
- 5 Can You Use Water In Your Fish Tank Computer?
- 6 Do Mineral Oil Pcs Stay Cool?
- 7 The Life Expectancy Of A Fish Tank Computer
- 8 How Do You Make A Fish Tank Computer?
- 9 Can You Make A Fish Tank Computer With Fish In It?
- 10 Is It Safe To Keep Fish In A Fish Tank Computer?
- 11 Where Can I Buy A Fish Tank Computer?
- 12 Fish Tank Computers Price
- 13 Conclusion
A fish tank computer is a PC built inside a fish tank or a clear acrylic case. The idea is to create a cool and unique-looking PC that will stand out from the rest. This type of custom PC build is not for everyone, and it can be pretty difficult to do. It needs a lot of planning, precision, and patience. It’s not something that you can just put together in a few hours.
Why Would You Want A Fish Tank Computer?
The main reason people want a fish tank computer is that it looks really cool. It’s a brilliant way to show off your PC, and it’s sure to get some attention. Another reason people want a fish tank computer is that it can help improve your PC’s cooling. Because water is a good heat conductor, immersing your components in it can help keep them cool.
This can be a great way to overclock your CPU or GPU without having to worry about overheating. Of course, you’ll still need to have a good water cooling setup to make this work properly.
Are There Any Downsides To A Fish Tank Computer?
Of course, there are some downsides to having a fish tank computer. The biggest one is that it’s just not practical. It’s not easy to set up such a system because you will have to design some circuit boards to make the computer work properly inside the fish tank. This is not something that the average person can do.
Another downside is that it’s just not very safe for the fish. Computers produce a lot of heat and produce electromagnetic fields. These can be harmful to fish and can even disrupt their sense of navigation. Lastly, having a fish tank inside your computer case is not very practical. It will be difficult to clean, and the water could potentially damage your components. Because of this, your computer will likely have a less lifespan.
Should You Build A Fish Tank Computer?
Building a fish tank computer is definitely not for everyone. It’s difficult and time-consuming, and it’s not very practical. However, if you like to build unique custom PCs, this could be a fun project for you. Just make sure to research properly and understand the risks involved.
Can You Use Water In Your Fish Tank Computer?
No. You can not use water in your fish tank computer. Water can conduct electricity, and it will damage your components. Water can also corrode metal, and it can rust your components. Because of this, using water inside your computer case is not safe.
So, What’s The Trick?
Mineral oil. If you want your PC to be submerged in the fish tank, you will have to use mineral oil. Mineral oil is a clear, odorless, and non-toxic oil. It’s used in many different industries, including the food industry. It’s safe for humans and animals, but it’s not safe for plants.
Mineral oil is often used in place of water in aquariums. This is, of course, if you choose not to add any aquarium life to your fish tank, as fish and other aquatic creatures can not survive in mineral oil. However, for PC, this is a great water substitute as it doesn’t conduct electricity, which means it’s safe to run electronics inside mineral oil.
Do Mineral Oil Pcs Stay Cool?
Mineral oil PCs tend to stay cool if you don’t use your computer much. If you are a heavy PC user or a gamer, mineral oil may not be able to keep your components cool enough as mineral oil is also prone to heat transfer.
As a solution, you can keep a radiator outside the tank to cool the mineral oil or even just use a bigger tank. Another solution is to use a water-cooling system inside the tank along with the mineral oil. This way, you can get the best of both worlds. A water-cooling system will help to keep your components cool, and the mineral oil will protect your components from corrosion.
The Life Expectancy Of A Fish Tank Computer
You can expect around 2 to 4 years out of a fish tank computer if properly designed and maintained. Of course, all of this is dependent on the quality of your components and how effectively you maintain your system. It is critical to keep your system clean and dust-free. You should also regularly check your components for any signs of corrosion. If you see any corrosion, you should immediately clean it off and dry your components.
How Do You Make A Fish Tank Computer?
As we said before, making a fish tank computer isn’t easy as you will have to design and build your own circuit boards. However, if you’re up for the challenge, here’s a quick overview of how to make a fish tank computer.
- Design your circuit boards. This is no doubt the most difficult part as you will have to make sure that your boards are properly insulated and that there are no exposed metal parts.
(You can skip this part if you choose not to add any cooling fans inside your computer. Instead, you will use mineral oil to cool down your system with a pump to circulate the oil and a radiator installed outside the PC case to cool down the oil.)
- Assemble the PC inside your fish tank. You can use standard computer components as you will submerge them in mineral oil, which will protect them from corrosion and electricity.
(Additionally, you can add some aquarium decorations inside your fish tank to make it look more aesthetically pleasing.)
- Fill your fish tank with mineral oil. Ensure that all your components are properly submerged in the oil.
- If all steps are done well, you should be able to power on your computer and start using it normally. Remember to regularly check on your components as they will be more susceptible to corrosion.
Can You Make A Fish Tank Computer With Fish In It?
Unfortunately, no. Fish can not survive in mineral oil, so if you want to add fish to your fish tank computer, you will have to find another way to keep them alive. One possible solution is to keep the fish tank computer inside a larger fish tank. As pc components are getting smaller and smaller lately, you will need only a small part of the fish tank for your computer.
So, you can possibly have your PC inside a 5-gallon fish tank. Seal the fish tank PC and put it inside a 10-gallon or so aquarium, and viola, you can have a fish tank computer with fish in it. One genius has already built one, and you can see it below.
Is It Safe To Keep Fish In A Fish Tank Computer?
Regarding the safety of your fish, we can not assure you that it is completely safe as there are many factors to consider. However, if you follow the instructions and maintain your system well, the chances of your fish getting hurt should be very low. Just remember to never turn on your computer if there is any water inside the PC tank, as this can cause an electrical shock and hurt your fish. Other than that, your fish should be fine as long as they have enough space to swim around and you keep the water quality in check.
Where Can I Buy A Fish Tank Computer?
Fish tank computers were popular several years back, and there was a market for these submerged mineral-pcs then. Therefore, several companies, including Puget, have sold DIY kits years before (and shut down the project later). The submerged mineral oil pc is no longer popular, so it might be difficult to find a kit nowadays. The best place to look for one is probably on online auction sites such as eBay. However, do note that these kits are no longer in production, so the prices might be quite high.
Alternatively, you can try building your own fish tank computer from scratch. It might be a challenging project, but it will definitely be worth it in the end. Outside the USA, we found a company named After Shock that sells fish tank computers. It is a ready-made solution and might be a good option if you do not want to build your own.
Fish Tank Computers Price
After Shock sells these fish tank PC systems starting at SGD 1500, with the option of configuring your preferred pc specifications for an additional cost.
Conclusion
A fish tank computer is a great way to add a unique touch to your home and office. Not only does it look great, but it also offers a certain level of protection for your components as they will be submerged in mineral oil. However, do note that these systems are no longer in production and might be difficult to find. Alternatively, you can try building your own fish tank computer from scratch. It might be a challenging project, but it will definitely be worth it in the end.
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