The Chinese tech maker MetalFish has introduced a novel PC chassis named the Y2 Fish Tank Chassis, part of its ongoing Y2 series. Its standout feature is a built‑in aquarist module that blends computing power with a small aquatic display. Marketed as a way to promote a sense of calm, the design fuses a compact computer case with a transparent aquarium that sits within the chassis footprint.
Dimensions are listed as 370 by 250 by 290 millimeters. If the aquarium occupies roughly half of the internal volume, the water reservoir is estimated to hold around 13 liters. This configuration turns the chassis into a compact ecosystem where hardware and water share the same enclosure, appealing to enthusiasts who want a visually striking setup while maintaining a compact footprint for desk or living room use. For Canadian and American buyers, the blend of hobbyist hardware and decorative aquatic display offers a unique conversation piece for builds that aim to stand out in photos, streams, or LAN parties.
The aquarium portion includes a USB-powered filtration pump, integrating cooling and water movement with the rest of the system. MetalFish has not disclosed specifics about whether the aquatic environment affects overall thermal performance, but observers caution that sustained gaming loads can raise water temperatures. In practice, keeping the water within a safe thermal range is essential to preserve both the electronics and the aquatic occupants, especially in warmer climates or with extended uptime. Prospective buyers should consider board-level cooling and case airflow in tandem with water cooling strategies to avoid overheating the enclosure.
In terms of pricing, the Y2 Fish Tank Chassis is positioned as an affordable experimental build in China, with estimates around 75 USD, which translates to roughly 4,500 local currency depending on exchange rates. For buyers in North America, shipping, duties, and availability can affect total cost, so it’s prudent to compare import fees and regional retailer options. Early adopters in the United States and Canada should also check for warranty coverage and customer support policies when ordering from overseas suppliers.
As coverage of this concept expands, curious builders may want to explore how the integration of living elements with PC hardware could influence long-term maintenance. The idea is to maintain a stable habitat for aquarium life while ensuring reliable system performance. Stories from hobbyists who have experimented with combined tech and aquatics highlight the importance of monitoring temperature, humidity, and power safety within a shared enclosure. For those considering this route, practical steps include water quality testing, using a dedicated power strip with surge protection, and separating networking hardware from the aquarium module when feasible.
Ultimately, the Y2 Fish Tank Chassis represents a bold foray into a niche intersection of computing and aquatic display. It invites enthusiasts to reimagine a PC’s form factor and consider how a small aquarium might coexist with high‑demand components. Whether this approach becomes a mainstream variant or remains a novelty will depend on community experimentation, support ecosystems, and how well the design scales across different motherboard sizes and GPU configurations. Market watchers in Canada and the United States will likely see ongoing discussion around heat management, maintenance requirements, and real-world performance as more users share their builds and results.
Sources note the novelty aspect and reference initial impressions from technology outlets. The broader conversation around such hybrid devices centers on balancing aesthetics with reliability, safety, and ease of maintenance for users who want both a powerful rig and a tranquil aquatic display. [Tom’s Hardware, attribution] [Other coverage, attribution]