how about some details on the cabinets? are they permanent or stuck on with Velcro/magnets. what wood did you use ect.

Also +1 on picking the right skimmer there is no better

Thanks! The skimmer is still my favorite piece of equipment on this tank, although the radion is a close second.

As for the cabinetry:

It's one single piece of MDF. Took some moulding and glued it on to make the appearance of doors, drilled half way through on the back side and put 4 of these magnets in:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pcs-N42-1...ht_2104wt_1141

We used carpenter glue to make the magnets stay where they were supposed to and placed them strategically to all 4 sides of the metal stand for maximum safety:

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...9/IMG_4142.jpg

These magnets are a bit overkill but I will rarely need to go under the main display because my sump is in the basement. I also have a little one who gets involved with everything so I wanted something strong enough to keep him out until he's old enough to understand not to hang off of the handles and risk having the whole piece come crashing down on his head. Safety first!

Anyway if anyone was interested in some of the magnets I have 5 left over. Hubby broke one testing the strength of them, it smashed into another magnet with such a force that is shattered. Watch your fingers when working with these!

After the magnets were in and the glue dry I painted the cabinetry. I wanted a cream color to go with our kitchen cabinets which are directly across from the tank. It didn't turn out a very nice color so I redid it by mixing a slightly different color out of the original cream paint by adding some leftover paint from the main walls in the house and brushed it on sparingly. I then mixed another darker color and cut it with water to make it spread not as thickly. Brushed that color on too, and you can see the final result turned out kind of rustic looking. I like it, I'm happy.

Total project cost for the cabinet piece was $65 not including the magnets or tools to cut it. The company that built our cabinets quoted us $700.00.

Here's how the tank looks in the room:

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...9/IMG_4139.jpg

Now we just need to finish the fireplace and the rest of the neverending home projects :rolleyes:

Looks GREAT! I love the rustic look, it compliments the rest of the room quite well.

That Is EXACTLY what I was planning!! Thanks for the post now I need to get to work (after skiing this week lol)
I don't think there is overkill for the magnets you don't want it falling down or sliding ect. stronger the better (just a little more dangerous)

how long did it take to get the magnets?

I am jealous of the Purple Tang, and Copper.

Looks fantastic, glad you upgraded from your "In Floor Sump" to the basement route I think this will pay off greatly in the future, and have alot less head aches!!

Think you need a few more radions :mrgreen: $$

sub man lee valley has the rare earth mags in stock all the time i have my 12lbs sledge hammer hanging in the shed with one for the last couple years no issues or signs that it wants to fall lol it takes a good pull to get it off the wall

I think it was less than a week from that seller but if you need some I have 5 left I'd sell for cheap. I thought we would need 6 or so magnets but after seeing how strong of a pull these guys have 4 is more than enough. I have to pull pretty darn hard to get the cabinet front off.

I totally agree. Not having to bend over and crawl underneath your tank to do maintenance is great.

What do you mean about the radion? Don't you think one is enough? I get a 6 foot spread with this baby! Haha yes more are on their way soon. For the record I'm getting by surprinsly well with only one of them. I might just get one more and leave it at two and save myself the extra money. We'll see.

My main priority with this tank now is increasing the flow. I'd noticed I have far too many dead spots for my liking. I've ordered a few more goodies that should be arriving within the week to help me with that problem.

Got a present in the mail today:

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...9/IMG_4183.jpg

yaw yaw.....das tunze is guut:mrgreen:....I love mine for the pointability and they are near bullet proof!.......good choice