Front access or not

[Loganeri]

I'm in the process of doing a 300 gallon in wall build. Was wondering what the preference is with those of you that have in walls with regard to front access or not. I've seen many of the build threads in this forum and some have access and some don't. I'd like to have access but would also like the area of access to be pleasing to the eye. Could some of you give me your thoughts on this as well as post pictures if you do have access of how the panel is removed or adjusted. Thank you.

 

[Oldude]

I have access from the front top, both sides top & bottom and the rear. If you don't give at minimum a front access I'm sure you will regret it later. If something was to fall in the front area how would you retrieve it without a hassle and some cursing?

Here are some older pix from my build thread that will give you a better idea of what I did.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15635099&postcount=904
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15789264&postcount=924

 

[aqua man]

this is mine

this is mine

not the best picture but i tried

 

[goat585]

I would have front access. I had a couple of tanks in wall that did not have front access and I hated working on them.

 

[murfman]

I have an in wall that is 30" deep. Being 6'2" tall I still can't reach the front bottom of the tank, I have to use tongs. There is not a whole lot that I can't do though.

 

[serpentman]

IME, you would hate not having front access on a tank of this size. Building a faux panel that functions as a door or removable panel shouldn't be too difficult and will be well worth it later on down the line.

 

[skanderson]

definately need front access. will try to find the pics of mine when i get home. my front uses little air or hydraulic lifts so that it is easy to open and stays open.

 

[highpower9979]

[Q. my front uses little air or hydraulic lifts so that it is easy to open and stays open

this is a sweet setup. a friend has the same setup hands free

 

[Loganeri]

Thanks for the responses everyone! Would love to see pics of the hydraulic lifts please.

 

[aqua man]

it is the best to work front and back

 

[Untamed12]

I have access to 3.5 sides of my 400 gallon system. I would not consider doing it without front access. Make it look as nice as you can, but don't compromise front access for looks.

 

[kkiel02]

Im also in the planning stages of my 360(tank is ordered!) but will have front and back access. Even being 6'2" I know I couldnt reach the front of the tank from just back access.

 

[Loganeri]

ok, my tanks dimensions are 96X30X24. It's sitting in my garage. Looks like front access it is. Just have to figure out how I'm going to frame. As stated, the hydraulic lifts sound inviting. Anyone have a source for the hydraulic lifts? Thanks

 

[monotreme_man]

there are many for the boating community; for example
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SIE/SIEGS62640.html

look for terms like "hatch lift". sticking to the boating world
will help avoid corrosion issues.

 

[Lightsluvr]

Definitely plan for front access.

Here is how I framed the front:

and with the doors:

LL

 

[SHOmuchFUN]

I'm setting up a 180 that isn't going to have front access. I will have the other 3 sides accessible. I wanted the picture frame look. The only problem that I foresee is scraping the front pane of glass. I won't put much in the front of the tank and my rockwork will be near the back of the tank. Although it may be a pain, I don't think it'll be a huge deal breaker for me.

 

[fireiko]

I am putting up a 230 with no front access. I wanted the clean frame look and I am really happy with how it turned out. I did build a catwalk so I can stand level with the tank and reach everything....

Work in progress

 

[SHOmuchFUN]

Very nice Chris!!!

 

[Indymann99]

Mine tank is only a 120g but here is how I did my front access.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tank12132009.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankdoorsopen.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Basement52009.jpg