Custom Aquarium

J

JHawk82

I posted these pics a little while back and now I am looking for a good custom aquarium builder in the local area to build a display tank for this cabinet. The dimensions of the aquarium I am looking for are 36" x 20" x 20", and of course reef ready. I don't know a whole lot of people in the business and would like some advice from the members. I'm not looking for a cheap tank, from the pictures you can see only the front is visible so I want starphire glass on the front panel. Thanks for any help and if this needs to go in the Buy/Trade forum please move.

Thanks
 
Very nice.

I really like the way you made the area under the tank so high. That will give you plenty of room for a good skimmer and additional storage.
 
thats a great looking piece of wood work.

does that top removable section just sit in place or is it going to be hinged? Either way it looks great and nice for getting into the top of the tank.

will you be running a fuge?

see now you go me going :D

what kind of lights are you planning on?

can't wait to see more pics
 
Very very cool! I love the framing of the tank. Kind of like an "In wall out wall" cabinet.
 
Now I just need to find someone to drill the tank!! I will probably run t-5's just because the heat will be a factor in the inclosed top. If I run halides do ya'll think that will create too much heat for a small fan to cool the tank? Yes, i will be running a refugium that is almost the size of the tank. That's why I made the bottom so big. The whole reason I built the cabinet is because I LOVE the look of in-wall tanks and unfortunately the apartment probably would not appreciate me knocking a hole in the wall for a tank.
 
@JHawk82 wrote:
Now I just need to find someone to drill the tank!! I will probably run t-5's just because the heat will be a factor in the inclosed top. If I run halides do ya'll think that will create too much heat for a small fan to cool the tank? Yes said:
T5's will most likely be fine
I wouldn't have a problem running a 175Mh in a lumabright mini or spyder reflector in that, assuming you want to go for the MH look and penetration
If you do want to go MH, I'd cut (drill) in an couple holes in the top. One for an exhaust port and the other for a fan

like I said - looks great and can't wait to see more pics as you start getting it set up
Click to expand...
 
You did a nice job but I need to ask why you stained/painted the oak?

If you wanted a darker color why not use mahogany and a clear finish - it's actually less expensive.

edit- Sorry, thought about it and that probably sounded insensitive - don't mean to diminish your fine work at all.
 
I don't know where you can find Mahogany cheaper than Oak...if you do, I sure the heck would like to know!!!
Oak plywood and solid oak is readily available at HD/Lowe's...I use it a lot and stain it to the color I am looking for. I really like the grain of oak.
BTW...nice job on the stand. It is always a great feeling knowing that you built it. Enjoy!
 
Well, it's cheaper by the board foot if you buy it in the rough (african mahogany, not honduran). You need a planer and jointer for the prep work but I find it at places like Hardwood Lumber of Dallas, Blue Lynx, and Wood World.

Yea, pre-dimentioned lumber from Lowe's is VERY expensive and not very flat and square. That's why I buy lumber in the rough and find the flat and square piece inside it!

If you're matching existing pieces in your home (i.e. oak finish with a color applied) I can understand completely. In my woodworking, staining and dying is only done to even out the color of mismatched pieces throughout a project unless it specifically requested. Everything usually gets a clear finish or paint.

The work on your tank stand is wonderful and the piece turned out great!
 
Mahogany? Im not a woodworker, I just wanted the look of a picture frame and I needed a cabinet. This is the first cabinet I have built, so I dont have a planer and all that. Little too in depth with the african and honduran wood talk, just wanted a nice cabinet and I like the look of oak. Thanks for all the comments fella's!![/quote]
 
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