Do any of you know a good cabinet maker?

[Tomoko Schum]

Hi y'all,

Do any of you know a cabinet maker that can build a tank stand, canopy and bookcases at a reasonable price?

I am thinking about getting a 180 built in with bookcases as in this TOTM picture.

The style I want is contemporary and sleek. No elaborate molding. If I can get this done in a reasonable price, I can convince Reilly to let me put it in our study/front room.

Tomoko

 

[H@rry]

Re: Do any of you know a good cabinet maker?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10466883#post10466883 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tomoko Schum
If I can get this done in a reasonable price, I can convince Reilly to let me put it in our study/front room.

Tomoko

Convince Reilly? Just have it done when he comes back from fishing in Canada! Surprise him!

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I have to add "real speedy" to the requirement to get it done in time for his return since he left for Canada this morning.

Tomoko

 

[Philip Root]

I know of a killer cabinet maker in gadsden. I have had him make several tank stands, glass holders and other items. I thought his prices were very cheap, nothing but the best workmenship. But he is slow. His name is Larry Sudder.(Sp.) I think the shop is called sudder mills.

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Thank you, Philip. He is so far, though....

Tomoko

 

[phunckie]

The guys at Aquarium Imports in Birmingham build their own stands & canopies. They do INCREDIBLE work, and I'm sure they could do something like that for you.

 

[joejoe1055]

i know a guy down in cullman who builds stands, he has a few on display at restraunts arouind here
his name is jason sanders 636-1239

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Thank you guys for all the suggestion.

It finally dawned on me that I can get them made as separate sections rather than one big built-in wall unit It makes it easier to transport them in sections, too.

It also got me thinking that I need to rethink on how to handle all the cords and cables. Bookcases are right up against the wall. This will not allow me to access any equipment from the back of the tank. I need to put a power center or two in the cabinet part of the book cases and the ballasts in the upper cabinet of the book cases. I need to have some opening to run wires out of the stand and the canopy into the bookcases. I need to hide my reactor and the auto top off reservoir under the tank next to a sump. There is a lot to think about....

Tomoko

 

[H@rry]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10480168#post10480168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tomoko Schum
the ballasts in the upper cabinet of the book cases...

Tomoko

How hot will they get in an enclosed cabinet? Might cause them to fail or might warp the cabinet.

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Thank you for pointing that out, H@rry. If I use an electronic ballast, I don't think it's a problem at all since I have one that stays cool to touch. I can actually locate them above the cabinets if I continue to use an HQI ballast I have. I might buy a dual 250W electronic ballast to replace the HQI since an HQI ballast is rather noisy (I hate the noise but bulbs burn a lot brighter on it) whereas the electronic one is silent.

Tomoko

 

[timrandlerv10]

if you aren't afraid of plumbing, could you put other pieces under the side cabinets? calcium reactor, fuge, etc?

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I am not afraid of plumbing, but I'd rather not mix water with electricity. I have had a mag drive pump on my calcium reactor leaking twice so far. I would like a controller and powerstrips located in the bookcase cabinet and keep equipment that can leak potentially together with the tank and the sump.

Tomoko

 

[8BALL_99]

Wires would be Easy.. Just install a couple outlets above and below the tank. I'd also run some electrical conduit in the wall behind the tank. Have it run from the canopy to under the stand.. Maybe two 1" lines. This way if down the road you need to get a wire from the top to the bottem you can just feed it through the pipe..

As for the ballasts. If they are in an enclosed space it would be a good Idea to have a small fan with a vent in the same area.. Or atleast a vent.. If they are HID then they for sure will need ventilation. Electronic ballast don't get very hot, But I'd still think keeping them cool would help them last longer.

Will