Sweet! Apple iMacs Recycled Into Awesome "iMacquariums" (Photos)

Photos: iMacquarium website
Electronic waste is a huge environmental issue that carries global impact. Though there are plenty of interesting e-waste recycling ideas out there, here is probably one of the most creative re-use strategies we've seen for e-waste: turning the prismatic shells of old Apple iMac G3s into amazing aquariums.

Created by Jake Harms and seen over at Inhabitat, these upcycled computers are made from non-operational units salvaged from local recycling plants. Harms then meticulously buffs and re-fashions them into "iMacquariums" that are outfitted with the basics that your fish may need.

According to Harms' website, the aquariums are packed with well-designed features like a hidden feeding hole that's revealed by the pulling the front case, and food storage. Each embedded tank can hold about 3.5 gallons of water and come with pre-installed filter and lights which illuminate the whole tank.

The front of the iMacquarium is curved, since the original iMac's CRT screen was shaped this way -- which also echoes the traditional curved fishbowl.

These jewel-like creations are best suited for 1-3 smaller fish species, like Fancy Guppies, Zebra Danios, Bettas, Ghost Shrimps and Red Claw Crabs -- but not goldfish, since they require more water.

Priced at US $250, they cost more your usual ho-hum angular aquarium at the same size -- though if you think about it, bigger and more boring aquariums retail in the hundreds of dollars anyhow, and look way less cool. And you gotta admit, it's a great way for aquaphiles to tackle e-waste.

The iMacquarium is made-to-order and come in a variety of colours, but there's a kit offered for DIY tinkerers too.