My 125 gallon build a.k.a. in the deep end...
- Thread starter 1cooljeep
- Start date
Construction continues
I've been working on wrapping the base in oak. I'm almost finished, working on the doors today. Having a week of vacation (and not going anywhere) helped.
Here are some progress shots of the work so far
Attaching the oak face frame and side panels to cabinet
Adding decorative trim pieces to top edge
Testing the fit of the tank, needs the doors
Detail shot of upper trim pieces
Hopefully finishing doors today and have some more shots for you all. The next step is the hood and I'd like to get some input before I get started. My initial thoughts are five T5 HO fluorescents. I'd like to do a pressurized CO2 planted tank. I would wire them on 2 ballasts, and therefore could run 160 W, 240 W or 400 W (1.28, 1.92, 3.2 W/gal). Any thoughts on this setup before I order a few retrofit kits?
Regards
Thanks again for the encouraging words.
I've been working on wrapping the base in oak. I'm almost finished, working on the doors today. Having a week of vacation (and not going anywhere) helped.
Here are some progress shots of the work so far
Attaching the oak face frame and side panels to cabinet
Adding decorative trim pieces to top edge
Testing the fit of the tank, needs the doors
Detail shot of upper trim pieces
Hopefully finishing doors today and have some more shots for you all. The next step is the hood and I'd like to get some input before I get started. My initial thoughts are five T5 HO fluorescents. I'd like to do a pressurized CO2 planted tank. I would wire them on 2 ballasts, and therefore could run 160 W, 240 W or 400 W (1.28, 1.92, 3.2 W/gal). Any thoughts on this setup before I order a few retrofit kits?
Regards
Thanks again for the encouraging words.
Finally got the doors built and mounted. Picked out the hardware and some fluorescent light fixtures for inside the cabinet. It needs a final sanding then finish, but I think I'll wait until the hood is done then finish the whole thing at once, probably a more consistent color that way.
I guess its off to the drawing board to plan the light hood. Of interest, has anyone ever seen a hood where the front and the top lift up and bring the lights with them. Might be nice to get the lights out of the way when planting, etc.
I guess its off to the drawing board to plan the light hood. Of interest, has anyone ever seen a hood where the front and the top lift up and bring the lights with them. Might be nice to get the lights out of the way when planting, etc.
That is some nice work you've done. Agree on finishing the hood at the same time. Seen some site with plans that I think were like what you are wanting, if I have any luck locating it I'll let you know. Good luck.
Thanks. I've done a bunch of internet searchs. Lots of flip up fronts, doors, trap door-type tops, or even some angled-cut into the side combo's, but nothing that seemed to have the "light tray" attached. Maybe those with more experience can weigh in about lifting the lights each time. My idea would be to have top attached to front, with the top hinged far enough back that light assembly would swing up and out of way when its lifted. Would make getting my arm in there much easier. Could even use small doors on front for smaller jobs like feeding, water checks, etc.
Try www.garf.org they have some DIY pages a couple showing easily made tops. Had a front opener in the past and you are right it would have been nice to have more clearance with the lights attached to the top, as these plans allow for, worth a look IMO.
Started working on the hood
Well, after some thinking and a lot of internet searching, I've chosen a design for the hood and started construction. I am going with a fixed front faceframe and three doors to match the style of the base. This should make for easy access for the day to day chores.
I am also planning a lift up top. Ideally, I would like the lights to swing upward when the top is lifted, allowing more room and better access to the tank for planting, pruning, etc. through the doors. Also, this will make maintenance easier (I think) by having direct access to the lights for cleaning and replacing. Not sure of the specifics yet, but I'll see as I go.
Again, please chime in with any thoughts or ideas you may have. Any advice or criticisms can only help in the process.
Test fitting side panel of hood to faceframe
Face frame of hood
Thanks for the interest.
Well, after some thinking and a lot of internet searching, I've chosen a design for the hood and started construction. I am going with a fixed front faceframe and three doors to match the style of the base. This should make for easy access for the day to day chores.
I am also planning a lift up top. Ideally, I would like the lights to swing upward when the top is lifted, allowing more room and better access to the tank for planting, pruning, etc. through the doors. Also, this will make maintenance easier (I think) by having direct access to the lights for cleaning and replacing. Not sure of the specifics yet, but I'll see as I go.
Again, please chime in with any thoughts or ideas you may have. Any advice or criticisms can only help in the process.
Test fitting side panel of hood to faceframe
Face frame of hood
Thanks for the interest.
