New 180g cabinet design - opinions

[NEWSALT]

I've started laying out the design of the new cabinet for the 180g tank that's been in my garage for the past 6 months. Because it will be going in the same location as my current tank, the cabinet won't be as fancy as the existing unit since the tank is bigger and deeper. The new cabinet will have a shelf area on top for photos and such, but won't have the two side shelving units. Instead, it will have two smaller shelving areas on the bottom. Here's is what I've come up with. Also my current tank and cabinet will be sold sometime in the early spring. Anyone interested in the wall unit and tank should contact me.

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

one thing i plan on doing with my stand when i build it would be a door on the side.... i think it would come in very handy as far as sliding the sump in and out....

 

[magic]

Mike

Looks good! Are you leaving the sides open for the Vortechs?

Bob

 

[Phyl]

With the larger tank, I would think you'd want more area on the bottom for storing equipment. Unless you're planning on going through the floor I'd want to see the entire underside enclosed. Besides, that's not really an effective place for pictures. Can you leave a void above the light "box" for photos and trinkets?

In any case I'm sure it will be as beautiful as your current one. Anyone with the space and desire for a 120 should really jump on that!

 

[NEWSALT]

Yes, I'm leaving the sides open for vortech's. The plan is to still have piping run through the wall behind the tank with the sump remaining in the garage. Underside of the cabinet will most likely only have the light ballasts and supplies as it does now. The jury is still out on the nick nack area on the bottom. My wife loves the shelving area we have now so this is really a compromise for her. She hasn't see this design yet, so we'll see what she thinks. Anyone who hasn't seen my current tank and stand that I'll be selling, here's a photo of it:

 

[Phyl]

Oh that's right. I forgot about the garage. Sorry! Ok, I see that would work. I still personally think it would look better with doors across the bottom and the shelf area with lights above being the only area for nicknacks. You could even put dividers between the sections up there to separate the niches.

 

[malulu]

Mike,

with this excellent job you done on your current one, i am sure the new one would be even better looking!


since most of your equipment is in the garage, do you still have room to park your car inside? i am thinking a make over with my tank... and may end up with doing exactly like your setup...

 

[NEWSALT]

Yes, I actually do still have room to fit my car. When I start building the new stand, The car will be in the driveway as I need the space in the garage for the construction.

 

[ricwilli]

Mike, I know this thread is about your stand (which is beautiful by the way), but how is your tank doing with the current temp outside or through-out the winter?

 

[NEWSALT]

So far it's been pretty good. The lowest the temp has every been in the display tank is 76. One year I had to put a heater in the display to keep it at 78.

 

[rkaiser]

The new design looks great. Hell, the old one looks great too Go into the custom cabinet business!

When you are ready to sell let me know, I am just getting into the hobby and I hear its very addictive. Upgrading every 6 months is not uncommon

 

[NEWSALT]

The new design looks great. Hell, the old one looks great too Go into the custom cabinet business!

When you are ready to sell let me know, I am just getting into the hobby and I hear its very addictive. Upgrading every 6 months is not uncommon

Thanks for your comments. I will keep you in mind when I sell the old cabinet and tank. Addicting it is. I've been into the hobby for 5 years and the 180g that I'll be setting up will be my 4th tank. I went from 15g nano to 50g softie/LPS to the current 120g SPS.

 

[qwik]

Your old stand/furniture is beautiful looking . I am kind of an artist and can work with just about any material except wood . Give me 2 pices of wood and all I can do is start a fire with them . I wish I could build like that! It is a great talent,I hate people like you ! ;D

 

[cmsurfr22]

you should make plans and sell the plans, i'd buy them ;D

 

[NEWSALT]

you should make plans and sell the plans, i'd buy them ;D

Funny you mention that. I've actually thought about it.

 

[cmsurfr22]

you should make plans and sell the plans, i'd buy them ;D

Funny you mention that. I've actually thought about it.

once you make up the plans you could sell them for like 10 bucks a set and all it would cost you is a couple bucks for copies, just make sure you put a little copyright symbol on it with you name.