This is an easy modern cube coffee table. You will feel green after you have completed this project. Also the light from the cube will give you an "under 25" look.

Step 1: Find a Fish Tank.

This is the easiest, or hardest step. If you need to find a tank, I recommend apartment complexes. Your best odds are at the end of the month. People will usually leave them outside of the dumpsters.

(Note: The term "Dumpster Diving" is offensive. We now use the term "Being green").

Now use cleaner and get all the crud out of the tank.

Step 2: Paint the Top.

I can't stand fake wood finish, so I used plain Acrylic Craft Paint. Use Painters Tape to keep the glass clean if you choose to do this highly recommend step.

There is usually two of these plastic straps. One at the top, and bottom. On this model, the bottom was cracked, so I ripped it off.

Step 3: Make a Top.

Use a bored of some kind to seal the top. I had good luck with an old Cork Board I "Greened" from an office remodel.

Measure twice, cut once. Or... just lay it across the top, and cut it to fit.

Note: Leave enough material so that the board will sit on the flange of the fish tank, and not fall through.

This will eventually be the back of the table.

Step 4: More Materials.

Now you will need some Tissue Paper, and White Glue.

Classic white was the way I went, But use your imagination, Any color will work, and mixing them will give you some cool rainbows.

The amount of paper depends on the size of the tank. Don't be stingy. You will need to cover the entire tank at least 3 times.

If you get presents, save the paper. rips, and wrinkles wont hurt.

Step 5: Paste Time.

Mix the White Glue, and Hot Tap Water.

The recommended Mixture is 40% Glue to 60% Hot Water.

Now you don't have to boil the water, just hot water from the tap will do.

Mix the two together in a Jar or Glass.

Use a Paint Brush to mix, and apply the paste in the next step.

Step 6: Paper Your Heart Out.

Now its time to paper.

Use the Tissue Paper to line the INSIDE of the Tank. Use whole pieces, then tear some up. There is no wrong way to do this.

Pour the Glue / Water mixture first. Spread it all around. Then toss the paper on top. It will soak up the mixture. tap it down with the brush. and layer more paper on top of that. Layer at least 3 of these. use the brush to get in all the corners.

Let it dry for about 1 hour. then do the next side.

Step 7: Bright Idea!

Now its time to install the Light.

Any Cold Light will work.

DON"T USE AN INCONDESSENT BULB. It will get hot, and you are asking for a fire.

I used a Floressent Bulb. 22 for this sized tank.

Use double sided Tape or Hot Glue to mount the light to the center of bottom of the board that you cut earlier.

Turn the light on. After the board is installed you will not be able to flip the switch. Better yet, find a light with a rotating switch on the cord.

Run the cord out of the tank, and close it up.

Step 8: All Done.

Set the tank on its side.

If You would like, set the tank on a stand of some kind, but it is not necessary. I made a simple stand out of scrap plywood, and some feet from an old chair. This gives it a floating effect.

Plug it in and let the cool-ness flow.