Mac user turns broken Cube into aquarium

One enterprising Mac user has Posted a Web site explaining how he converted his Power Mac G4 Cube into what he calls the “G4 CubeQuarium.”

Aquariums are a fine tradition in the realm of Mac fandom — for years, Web pages and magazine articles have outline the process for converting a “Classic” form-factor Mac (an all-in-one design with a 9-inch screen) into a working aquarium suitable for a goldfish. Mac users have turned iMacs and other Mac models into aquariums as well.

The Power Mac G4 Cube is a somewhat odd member of the Macintosh collection — Apple’s mid-range professional machine made a big splash when it was first introduced but ceased production about a year later. Most consider it a business failure for Apple, though the machines fetch a fair price when traded on eBay and elsewhere.

Fortunately, no working Power Mac G4 Cube was harmed for this particular project. The user who created the site explained that his test subject was recovered from a garbage bin. “It was originally a dead 450mhz G4 cube that someone apparently tossed, failing to see the potential greatness it still held,” he said.

Using a Dremel tool, plexiglass, sealant and some other parts, the G4 CubeQuarium was born. Now it’s home to a fish named Gil, in honor of former Apple CEO Gil Amelio. The site has plenty of photos of the finished product.