Rovster's Custom Reef Savvy build......FINALLY!!!

Let's continue with the doors. I had a heck of a time finding hinges, because frankly, I didn't know what I was looking for. Most of the stuff at Home Depot sucked, so I ordered them online. I needed something compact that wouldn't jut out into the stand and interfere with my dosing containers....more on that later. I had to deepen the mortises just a bit....



This is how the hinge fits in the door.



Here are the door going on...



Because of clearance issues, I could not do hinges on the side doors, but I still wanted access, particularly the right side as that is where the ato container is...

I used 4 magnetic catches on each door. Because the doors are relatively heavy, I also installed an L-bracket on the bottom support the weight. The magnets just hold the door in place.....





Another view from the inside...

 
I struggled for months trying to figure out how I was going to fit all that equipment under the stand. After all, 3 Radion power supplies, 3 MP40 controllers, osmolator, full Apex plus WXM, and back up battery was a ton to fit in there and at the end of the day, I still wanted to keep it clean. I did come up with a few decent ideas, but all would have still led to a lot of clutter.

One day I was sitting down watching TV and it dawned on me. I could mount all my electrical in the TV console!

So I started the project by moving all the TV and audio electronics to the OTHER side.

Here are the 3 drivers mocked in place after clearing out the cabinet. I drilled three large holes in the back for ventilation. I may mount some fans back there but for now it doesn't get too hot in there...



In order to keep with the clean theme, I fabricated a mounting plate/ false wall that I would fasten to the cabinet with the same magnets as I used in the stand...




I left a channel both on top and bottom to run all the wires. Here are the components mocked up...



More later.....
 
Thanks. The only problem was that my Radion cables were not long enough. Ecotech sells extensions, but for $50 each (read $150 + shipping), I just bought some cable and did it myself. It was hard to bring myself to cut brand new Radion cables, but in the end it worked out. $11.99:lol2:



I also had to cut them anyway to snake them through the wall.
 
Wow that's crazy for additional cabling...youtube is your friend. If ever in doubt I search youtube and if it seems like a diy job that I can handle I go for it. Having a reef tank really got me into the diy stuff - save so much $$$!
 
I didn't do the MPs, but that should be even easier depending at what point you need to lengthen. The power cord should be easy, not sure about the cord to the dry side? With the radion, it was pretty straight forward. The hardest part was finding the cable. Home Depot has it. I soldered all connections and used heat shrink for a "clean" install. Has worked flawlessly :)
 
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