Fishtank MOD

[matrixzen]

Yes you read the title right. Me and my brother are on spring break so we might as well do something fun to keep us busy. We are going to mod in a custom made fish to into a case we have. We are debating whether we should have the fishtank a water cooling system also. The case we are modding is a plastic Dell case that I bought from the classifieds section here.

We are going to cut a large piece out of the side panel almost leaving nothing but the main part that hook up to the case. We are going to get two 120MM blue LED fans and cut the sides off them so all that's left is the part that the screws mount onto. The fans are mainly for looks but they will provide air circulation behind the motherboard and the cold blue cathode which will go in the area. The fish tank is going to be a custom made and made out of plexi glass. and stick out about a inch probably we estimate. We just drew up the picture plans but I still need to do the geometry.

The water system is going to be composed of 1/2 inch clear tubes which will hook up to the side of the fish tank, probably the bottom, to take it to the pump which will pump it through the filter and recycle the water. We are debating whether we should hook up the big chevetter heatercore I have and add throw some water blocks on the GPU, NB, and CPU to watercool the system. I was thinking distilled water with no coolant with the filter might do the fishy well but I'm not sure. I don't want to kill any fishes so I might end up not watercooling the system with it. After it goes through the internal computer, it will be split into two parts and recycled back into tank throught the top creating bubbles which are good. Suggestions are encouraged. Wish us luck on it.

http://www.veshs.com/oc/Fish-Tank-Mod!.jpg
Here are the before pictures.
http://www.veshs.com/oc/beforefront.jpg
http://www.veshs.com/oc/beforeback.jpg
http://www.veshs.com/oc/beforerightside.jpg
http://www.veshs.com/oc/beforerightpaneloff.jpg

[Orange Fire.]

Yeah this is going to be a crazy mod. Me and my brother just thought up this idea when my mom bought a new fish and dident have no where to put it. Me and my brother got thinking "what if we make a Fish Tank Computer Case Mod" and we were like oh yeah let's do it so i got quick up to it and started to draw a rough sketch on paper then we decided that we wanted to post it up here so i went into Paint And took a while and drew it up in there and wala here it is fellas! If you guy's are kinda Skeptical on if it's not going to work or not please give us some suggestion's on what we could do we are open for anything Please feel free to express your feeling's on this Modding Project Thanx.
Orange Fire.

[PerlAddict]

Ummm, I think you're going to kill your fish if you use the same water to cool your CPU as you do to cycle through the tank. Fish generally need a pretty consistent water temperature to survive.

Then you're just gonna have a stinky case. :p

Nice diagram, though. I especially liked where you pointed at the bottom of the case - that one was a doozy to figure out if left unmarked. ;)

lol. In all seriousness, I think it'd look cool, especially with the lights. But I don't think you're going to want to cool your CPU with the water from the tank that gets recycled through the system - generally, you need a heater in a fish tank to keep the water at a fairly warm temperature, and with water cooling, you kind of want the opposite effect ... so unless you have a way to cool down the water after it comes from the fish tank before it gets to the CPU and other components, and then heat it back up again to a consistent temp before it makes it back to the tank, I don't think it's gonna fly.

And alternative suggestion (should the water not become too warm, still) would be to rig up a water cooling system that's separate, and have part of it be a pseudo WC setup that looks like the water from the fish tank is cycled through it, when in actuality it is not and is just water being cycled back and forth from the tank and not touching any of the components of your actual system.

[matrixzen]

Not a bad idea. I didn't think that cooling the system with the same water the fish swims in wouldn't work out. The best I could do is a heavy duty filtering system before it hits the fish tank. About the heat issue, this is how I figure it. I have the water from the fish tank go to the heatercore, then it would go to the CPU, and the rest of the system waterblocks and then when it hits the pump to go back up into the fish tank it should be all warmed up. So the heatercore would just cool the water down after it comes from the fish tank for the system components which would just heat it back up. The plexi glass fish tank is going to be made removable for cleaning purposes. I don't know what kind of fish we are going put in there. Thanks for you suggestions and keep them comming.

[Orange Fire.]

Dang i bet this is going to look cool in the night time seeing the little Fishy Swim around lol. The two 120mm Blue Led Fan's are gonig to look Awsome in the background and with the Cold Cathod on the bottom is just going to send light up the whole tank and look So Aquay. About the Plexie Glass Container im not sure how wide i should go yet or the Demention's of it im thinking put the two 120mm's in the middle then seeing how much room i have left then make my decison. Im thinking on the line's of 3 inches think right now. That should give the Fishy a decent amount of space to swim Freely and not having the tank pop out so much of the side of the case. After all is done im estemating that we are going to have the tank poping out around 4 & a Quater inche's. We might have to put support's on the bottom of the tank just so it wont tip over. I know the Tank is going to become very heavy just with all the water in it. what do you think of these plan's give me your thought's.

[matrixzen]

Here's a picture of the tank with the indintation on it for the fans. Give me suggestions or better ideas how to design the mod.

http://www.veshs.com/oc/Plexi-Glass-Tank.jpg

[Oroka]

Well... how about having both, but seperate?

What you can do, is continue with your design, but widen it a bit and put a second chamber behind the fish chamber for the cooling system. A clear pane of plexiglass would not be seen between the chambers, so it would look like one tank. I would also suggest using a heater core to actually do most of the cooling, and the second chamber as a extra cooling element.

Also, once complete, I would run the system for a week, and monitor the water temp in the fish chamber... that way, you can get fish that will survive in such a temp enviroment.


I dont really see a point of such a mod... but it WILL be unique, and I guess that is what most case modders are aiming for.

Be sure to post pics when you are done, this will be one mod for the books.

[StaticXD00d]

Okay, this is probably going to be a long read, but as someone who is heavily into aquaria, I think I can help you guys out a bit.

1. You most definitely do NOT want to use fish tank water in your cooling system. Besides the temperature problems which have already been pointed out, the biggest problem won't be filtering the water coming back into the fish tank, but will be filtering the water leaving the fish tank to go into your cooling system. Fish have to be fed, then they poop, and what will happen is you will end up running excess food and fish waste through your cooling system where it will build up and start clogging things. Plus, you can't use "water wetter" and other chemicals to help the cooling liquid if you do this, as obviously those would kill the fish.

B. You will need to restrict your fauna choice to extremely small fish. General rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water for every inch of fish. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are all on the side of MORE water per inch of fish. I wouldn't try to keep anything bigger than say a Neon Tetra or something similarly small in this small of a tank. (Fish that don't get to be more than say 1 to 1.5 inches long.) Stay away from goldfish and stick to hearty tropicals. A betta might work, but I definitely wouldn't put anything larger than that in it.

III. Filtration. You have to filter the fish water somehow. Over time, the filter will grow a bacteria colony that will convert the ammonia produced by the fish waste into nitrite and nitrate. If you do not filter the water, the ammonia will kill the fish. You will also need to be able to change the water in the tank. Once the ammonia is converted into nitrite, and then into nitrate, it is still bad, just not as bad as the original ammonia. Nitrate will still kill the fish, it just takes much more nitrate to do so. The only way to remove nitrate is to change the water (not all at once). So you will need to be able to drain half the water or so and replace it with fresh every couple of weeks.

4. Evaporation is going to be an issue, unless you can seal off the tank. If you cannot seal the tank, you will end up with white scaly stuff all over your computer from the minerals in the water when it evaporates. Of course, you would also need to worry about actual water getting out somehow and shorting things as well in a non-sealed environment too.

E. Oxygenation is something to consider as well. Believe it or not, fish breathe oxygen, they just don't breathe it the same way we do. If your water isn't oxygenated, the fish will suffocate. Usually, this is accomplished by the filtration, or an airstone and an air pump. If you go with the betta, it's not as much of an issue, as the bettas have what's called a "labyrinth" organ and they can go to the surface and take in normal air like you and I breathe.

VI. I want to touch on temperature again... I like the idea of having your reservoir attached to the back of the tank so that it looks like it's part of the tank, however, you will still have temperature issues if you do this, because the warm water in the reservoir on the back of the tank is going to heat up the fish tank almost as much as if you were cooling with the fish water itself. If you can keep your fish water in the 74ºF - 84ºF range, and pretty stable, you'll be fine. If you have the temp going up and down constantly, you'll be plagued with ick and dead fish.

Good luck, I think this could be pulled off, but you've got a big task ahead of you and lots of planning. You might be better just doing the tank with no fish to start with for a while and see how it goes. If you can monitor the temps, filter the water, and not ruin your computer, stick a small fish in there and see what happens.

[violineb]

And I thought I was the only one with this idea :( Oh well, I'm happy someone is doing it. I know exactly what fish you would want in your tank but you would probably have to go to another state just to buy them and owning them wouldn't be 100% legal in CA. Every other state it's just fine, go figure.

THESE are what you want> http://www.glofish.com
They're UV reactive :D

[diehrd]

Just set the systems radiator in the tank in a way that hides it or makes it part of the fish world you are making in the tank.

Usually a tropical tank is 68 to 72 degrees so submerging the rad in the water would assist in maintaining the tanks needed temps any way.Remove your need for fans and maintain a good consistent temp across the rad's surface.

Using the water is asking for massive deposits in your water system and no matter what you will not be able to stop the gunk from getting in the system with out Killing the fish OR reducing flow to a trickle.

I am betting this idea dies in a short amount of time any way lol...

[StaticXD00d]

Originally posted by diehrd
Usually a tropical tank is 68 to 72 degrees so submerging the rad in the water would assist in maintaining the tanks needed temps any way.Remove your need for fans and maintain a good consistent temp across the rad's surface.

Two problems with this: first of all, 72º is at the extreme bottom end for tropical. At 68º, you're talking colder-water fish, like goldfish. Most tropicals require 76º-80º. Secondly, you're talking about sumbersing a radiator into a 3" wide tank. Space for the fish will already be at a premium, and now you want to take up more of that space with a radiator? Nevermind the aesthetic problems with putting a radiator in the tank!

[813_Error]

I didnt read through the whole thread before thinking about this fact so sorry if it was said earlier. You cant have fish in there, why? well what about the antifreeze and water wetter? ya that could be a problem unless you want to run just water(I gues you will in this case...case..whatever) also the filtering *might be a problem if you dont do your homework first. But your a case modder :D you run into problems like these with every mod, im sure youll find a way around them.

Keep up the good work!

[ares350]

the fish would gunk up the water cooling system, saw a few worry about the other way around, but I think the fish crap will be more harmful to the PC than vice versa. the cpu block will become the filter.

also, that will weigh a good bit, be aware and brace accordingly, probably 50lbs of water in there.

water changes are almost always a messy process, you may splash on the PC, but if the PC is off and you let it dry, I dont think a little water on it will really hurt it... but its probably not real good either.

I think its a cool idea, but after it built its the kinda thing youll take some photos of and then disassemble. the hassle of keeping it clean and working will be way more work than its worth.

[Cyrix_2k]

Why not put an inline filter (fuel filter maybe) between the Water block and tank? The computer will heat the tank too so you can keep tropical fish in there. And for temp regulation, just adjust the speed of the fans on the rad. Just make sure you run pure water so you don't kill the fish.

Flow:

Tank->filter->pump->CPU->rad->Tank

also, you'll probably need a grate/screen at the water intake...

[Cyrix_2k]

Here's a pic of the grate thing...

[Mark620]

Originally posted by violineb
And I thought I was the only one with this idea :( Oh well, I'm happy someone is doing it. I know exactly what fish you would want in your tank but you would probably have to go to another state just to buy them and owning them wouldn't be 100% legal in CA. Every other state it's just fine, go figure.

THESE are what you want> http://www.glofish.com
They're UV reactive :D

Believe it or not, glowfish are Painted with UV reactive paint. I had some at one time and overtime they lost their color. When I asked the guy at the aquarium shop, he told me they are painted.

[StaticXD00d]

Originally posted by Mark620


Believe it or not, glowfish are Painted with UV reactive paint. I had some at one time and overtime they lost their color. When I asked the guy at the aquarium shop, he told me they are painted.

According to their web site, they are genetically bred and selected to have this trait.

Of course, that's if you believe them. It would not surprise me in the least if they were indeed painted. Not unlike other dyed fish you can buy (tattooed tetras, "blueberry" oscars, etc.)

[ares350]

no there are now geneticly modified fish that do glow. unlike the old type where it was injected(and ussually lethal after a short time)

youll need more than a fuel filter, I run a 75gallon and 10gallon fish tank, and a few things... first the filters get dirty. enough that a small filter would quickly block flow, and when blocked or even impaired flow can result in a dead fish or dead CPU thats unacceptable.

however I see no good way to ensure the water going through the PC will be clean. even if you bought a tank filter, ran it like normal and pulled water for the PC right after the filter media. filters work on multiple passes to completely work.

also, you NEED bacteria in a fish tank, they process the waste and break ammonia down to nitrite to nitrate. you need this, and you cannot avoid this. but the bacteria will grow in your gravel, your filter, your tank, and your PC tubes. it shouldnt impair flow, but it may impair heat transfer if it coats the cpu block walls.

it would be my opinion that for this to be a reasonable task, you keep the systems seperate. Id suggest a radiator in the tank to cool the CPU and warm the tank water. without mixing them.

[matrixzen]

Thank you for all your input. It looks like we won't be mixing the water for the fish with the water cooling. We'll probably just run the components on air. We already have a beta fish so it should be fine. It's funny because I see the beta fish swim to the top of the surface and take in air. The setup will probably be
fishtank>filter>radiator>pump>filter>fishtank

Keep the suggestions rolling!

[matrixzen]

Here's a diagram picture of the back of the case with the tank on it.

http://www.veshs.com/oc/Back-Viewfish.jpg

[Orange Fire.]

Yup That's the back view of the tank seems like only issue we are running into right now is the Fish, Water, Temp. I think all the Rest is going to just turn out just fine. Once the Modding project is constructed we might just run the tank and the water for a couple week's and monitor the Temp regulation's then if all is going fine then we will try a test run with a Fishy. About the Cleaning process we are planning to build the tank so that it's really easy to take off and put back on with no problems. The whole tank itself is going to be detachable so that we can just unclip the Tank take it off catch the fish clean the water then put it back on. We will be able to keep up with the Maintenance don’t think that will be a factor im pretty good about that. Thanx for your input keep it rollin guy's!:cool:

[FizzledFiend]

this has been done already...anybody see the review in maximum PC? the tank and the pc were seprate chambers :) DO IT! it'll be neat

[Orange Fire.]

This same exact mod has been done before? Like everything? I dont think so with Dual 120mm Fan's in back of it with the 3 inch tank water cooling filter system and everything? i got to see it to belive it...

[Oroka]

http://members.lycos.co.uk/avatarlibrary/beforeback2.jpg

It would be easier to have seperate chambers... with all that filtering gear and all... also, I dont think you want your fishies sucked through the system, get fried in the water block, and come out the other side battered in fish tank crud...

yum yum

oh, and instead of rocks... use some crushed glass, or maybe colorful marbles... that way your CCT at the bottom can show through, and it should refract the light, giving a cool effect.

[DayUSeX]

LOl nice pic orca, and plus yo uhave to deal with all the junk from frish urin/crap and food, i think you would get pretty messy watter and a clogged suystem really fast.

[ares350]

any one know how nitrite/nitrate/or ammonia will effect the cooling properties of the water? as these and some organic matter will be present in any fish water.

[Chris]

Originally posted by ares350
any one know how nitrite/nitrate/or ammonia will effect the cooling properties of the water? as these and some organic matter will be present in any fish water.

In a properly looked after aquarium nitrite and amonia should be at 0 as it easily kills fish! Personally I would strongly advicse on not putting any fish in there as I fail to see how it can be properly maintained, you have a filter yes but water needs changing regularly, and there are no fish that I know of that would be happy in those conditions.

-Chris

[Oroka]

I dont think running a filter on the fish tank part would be a problem... Really, all it will be is a long, narrow tank that is a bit warm.

[ares350]

theres no good place to hang the filter, assuming we are talking about a hanging filter, if you do a sump or gravel filter, thats another story, sump would be massive overkill, and gravel filters... suck.

I know there isnt much ammonia or nitrite, but they are there in <1ppm amounts, the bigger part is the nitrate, but if ammonia severely hindered the cooling, it might be a consideration.

[Orange Fire.]

Originally posted by Chris


In a properly looked after aquarium nitrite and amonia should be at 0 as it easily kills fish! Personally I would strongly advicse on not putting any fish in there as I fail to see how it can be properly maintained, you have a filter yes but water needs changing regularly, and there are no fish that I know of that would be happy in those conditions.

-Chris

Dude i posted this so many time's on this Thread the tank is going to be made removable for water changing Regularly dont worry about that that's all being worked out in my plans and im going to keep up with it no worries.. hehe..

[Orange Fire.]

Originally posted by Orange Fire.
About the Cleaning process we are planning to build the tank so that it's really easy to take off and put back on with no problems. The whole tank itself is going to be detachable so that we can just unclip the Tank take it off catch the fish clean the water then put it back on. We will be able to keep up with the Maintenance don’t think that will be a factor im pretty good about that. Thanx for your input keep it rollin guy's!:cool:

There ya go.

[FatChance]

Um I dont get how the fans can retain the water???

[Orange Fire.]

LOL Go back and look at the Diagram Carfully. that should answer your question. The Plexi Glass Container.

[G33k]

Originally posted by matrixzen
Here's a picture of the tank with the indintation on it for the fans. Give me suggestions or better ideas how to design the mod.

http://www.veshs.com/oc/Plexi-Glass-Tank.jpg

I've probably just mis-understood this, but like FatChance, I'm not quite seeing how the fans work? Are they just mounted there on the side with a little gap between the fans and the tank? If that's the case, surely it'd make more sense to put them next to a blow hole? :confused:

[FatChance]

indentation would provide just moderate air flow, no real cool fresh air coming in...you can prolly do without the side fans and do a top blowhole and 2 front intake
-fat

[Orange Fire.]

Having the fan's there is not really going to server a perpouse it mainly for look's just so you can see them on the other side of the tank. I get what your trying to say though, i do understand that there is not going to be alot of air flow going to the tank maybe a blow hole ill think about it. Thanx for your suggestion Though. :D

[FatChance]

I suggest some nice glo fish that react to uv light, that way you could put a cool cold cathode tube and your fishies will have nice glo to them :)

[Orange Fire.]

Yeah Sound's Good. Ill try and find some and Read up on them check the Maintanace level. See what kinda water and temp they need. Thanx :D

[Alucard]

and there are no fish that I know of that would be happy in those conditions.

How many fish do you know?

J/l :D

[Orange Fire.]

LOL, Hahaha that's a good one. :p