Front access on an in wall build

[Reel North]

I'm getting an 84x36 widex24 tall in wall. I'll be building the stand and tying it into the wall structure. I will have the tank flush with the front drywall and will be framing in access above the tank.

What's the easiest way to permit access in the front above the tank while still making everything look great.

I was considering buying or building doors to permit access. Anybody have pictures or plans of this?

I will have full acess to the rear of the tank in the new fish room.

 

[Sk8r]

You can buy finished cabinetry doors at big-box hardware stores---intended for kitchen cabinet replacement, but if you can find what matches your woodwork, and if the sizes are right for you, you could frame the entire installation in matching woodwork and make it as many doors and shelves as you like.

 

[rwb500]

this thread gave me deja vu. there have definitely been some good discussions on this topic with a lot of good ideas and pictures posted.

 

[mcgyvr]

google images "in wall aquarium cabinets"
plenty of examples..

 

[daplatapus]

Mine's not in wall, but I'd do something very similar if it was. I used a european style hinge with a spring loaded door keeper upper

 

[LeakyZ]

A friend has a flat portion of 1x6 with crown on top that flips up with piano hinge. Looks great and better than doors imo. I'll see of I can get a picture

 

[Mock]

I did not add any front room access to mine.... I can get to all I need from the back.

Yes, I can stand up and scoot all the way around the tank as well as reach in and go shoulder deep to do anything I need to do. With the wife, aquascaping and placement is a breeze, she just yells right, left, up, down and I can look through a looking glass that floats so that I can see.




Front view