finished ATO cabinet

[bigJPDC]

Finally. Not quite the perfectionist woodworker that YB is, but wanted to share.

 

 

I found out that if I took the cabinet out I could actually smash together two of the wrapping paper holders, giving me the capacity I was after (16 gallons, about 10 days' supply) for under $20 including used bulkheads I got for $2.50 each at F&F.

 

 

The top is actually a bunch of pine boards edge glued, attached with a big piano hindge.

 

 

Since I only pour my topoff into one of the containers, I am also convincing myself that less settled kalk will be in the side that holds the pump. I haven't seen any calcification in the tank.

Now I gotta build one more for the other side.

 

 

jp

[jnguyen4007]

Nice.

[Nitro Junkie]

Looks great ! A+

[jason the filter freak]

Looks good to me!

[dandy7200]

Well done! The only problem I see is that now your tank area is much bigger and you are going to look at that entire space and think "man, I need to upgrade to a 180"

[dbartco]

Just in time to finish the basement in put in an inwall. 180 fine, but 300 better.

[HowardofNOVA]

Nice work!!

Tank looks great too!

 

TANK TOURS!

TANK TOURS!!

[bigJPDC]

Thank you! Things are much more in proportion now that the stand is wider than the 65. It looked more like a pulpit than a fireplace mantle when I got done and I should have made it much wider not only for a bigger sump, but to put your elbows (and margarita) on when viewing.

 

Dandy - nice one! I have thought about doing an add on but would get stuck with only a 20H for a sump since I didn't knock out the sides of the stand. It would be too much demo.

 

Dbartco - I have been brainstorming how to light a 4x4x2 cube all morning . . .

[dandy7200]

 

 

Dbartco - I have been brainstorming how to light a 4x4x2 cube all morning . . .

 

Single 1000w halide. I almost got the same tank except 30" depth.

[bigJPDC]

Single 1000w halide. I almost got the same tank except 30" depth.

 

NO way! and then four VHO actinics or T5's in a box shape around the square hallide fixture?

[YBeNormal]

Nice job JP! I agree with Dan, it's time to upgrade your tank now!

[zoozilla]

Nice Job

[kngfisher]

great idea, mind sharing the plans. would love to re-create....tired of the ugly 5 gal bucket on the side of my tank......maybe mod it to be a little wider for a 3rd container or for my co2 tank. again, great idea

[bigJPDC]

you mean it looks like this?

 

Oh yeah, Mrs. Bigjpdc was a big fan of the ATO.

 

For plans, there's not a lot going on. Basic cabinet construction with 3/4" ply set in dados and nailed. The front is a rail and stile face frame, everything cut on the tablesaw. To get the column all you do is add firring strips, build out the column and mitre trim shoe molding. Any end grain is covered in real wood or iron-on strips but there really isn't any since two sides are never visible.

 

I left the back open to run hoses and wires to the main stand, in case I change functionality in the future.

 

jp

[lanman]

Looks great - and gives you a place you can put a decorative item or two - that will have to be moved to fill with water, but look good nonetheless. I like the idea of bulkheading together two containers.

 

bob