"How To"change over to magnetic doors

[cardiff_reefer]

Hello SD Reefers!

I have a 120 gallon tank and I want to go from hinged doors to magnetic doors. I don't have much room when doing water changes and it would be nice to take the doors off completely while I am working on my tank. I am not very handy and would love to hear any recommendations on what magnets to use and ideas on how to do it. Below is a picture of my doors.



Thanks everyone!

[acbaldwin]

I'd take the doors off the hinges, measure a good spot for the magnets on both the stand and the doors (probably ~3/4" from the opening), use a 1/2" forstner bit to drill a ~3/16" deep hole into the stand and doors (not all the way through - the magnets will sit in these holes), epoxy these magnets into place (6 pounds pulling force, probably will equate to ~10-15 pounds supported per door assuming ten magnets per door (5 in stand, 5 in door), make sure to get the polarity right!, then cut slices of 1/2" dowel pins to use to glue in over the tops of the magnets for a totally seamless look (and to hold the magnets in better). Alternatively, felt pads over the top would work, and will soften the snap when you put the doors on. Felt will also look better if you don't refinish the plugs to match.
Been thinking about doing this when I skin my 35g cube, this is how I'd do it.
Not much to it, and an easy starter project for those of the not-DIY-nature, but I'd be happy to come help for a coupleo frags.

[cHRoNzZe]

Should be easy.......build a frame around the inside of the doors..place magnets where you want them and screw them in.......it shouldn't be that hard just time consuming.... A lot of tweaking the magnets to get them in the right spot..... Shouldn't cost no more then 20$ to do so.......

[cardiff_reefer]

Thanks acbaldwin! This really helps a lot especially the links to amazon on all the product! I like the idea of using felt to soften the snap. What epoxy do you recommend?

[acbaldwin]

Thanks acbaldwin! This really helps a lot especially the links to amazon on all the product! I like the idea of using felt to soften the snap. What epoxy do you recommend?

Glad to help
Permatex and 3M are always good choices for adhesives. A general two part epoxy would hold fine, but may run a bit if you don't lay the stand on its back. Epoxy putty might be easier to work with for that reason. Either of these:
Two-part

Putty

[FDdragon]

So here is an easy way (a little time consuming) to add magnets. This method, much how acbaldwin already mentioned, uses earth magnets.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Super-Stro...item486a441593

They are small but pretty strong. I use them often. I don't cover them up (just my preference) so I only drill enough for the magnets to sit flush in the hole. So the tricky part is lining up the holes...but I got a solution, you can either measure them all out (which is time consuming and a lot of room for error) or you can but these..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dowel-Join...-/150999115625

You can drill the holes (the size of the magents) on the doors first and then place the markers inside...line up the door where you want it and push. This will leave a mark on the exact position of the holes on the stand you need to drill. Drill the new holes and add the magnets (DO double check the polarity first) and you are done.

I also epoxy/glue the magnets in. Depends on the size of magnets you get (which can be bought at just about any hardware store, along with the dowel markers) will determine how many you will need to add for strength.

BTW, I only use Super Glue for my magnets...and not had a problem yet.

Good luck

[acbaldwin]

these..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dowel-Join...-/150999115625

Oh I am buying a set of these right goddamn now... I hate measuring dowel holes.

[Jhuneke]

Is your stand/ tank from SCAquariums? Looks exactly like mine Am following along,and would like to do the same... Let us know how it goes

[RussM]

JK Magnetics is a great place to get stronger magnets than you can get locally. I've used their magnets for the doors on my old 120g stand, for frag racks, and other things.

http://www.kjmagnetics.com

[cardiff_reefer]

Thanks again everyone for all the tips and suggestions. I will start next week after my wife and I take our daughter off to college in Oklahoma, go OSU! I will keep everyone posted on how things go.

[cardiff_reefer]

Is your stand/ tank from SCAquariums? Looks exactly like mine Am following along,and would like to do the same... Let us know how it goes

Yes this is an SCAquarium. How are you liking yours?

[FDdragon]

Oh I am buying a set of these right goddamn now... I hate measuring dowel holes.

yup!! I saw these at the store and I think I heard harps playing and angels singing!! LOL

[davocean]

You do know they make quick clip off hinges that would do the same for you w/ a whole lot less effort right?
Also look up french cleats, you could do a very small cleat and slide doors right off, but me personally I like the quick clips.
Magnets will need dowels or a block to support weight.

[cardiff_reefer]

Davocean, where is the best place to grab quick clip hinges?

[Milmikee]

Have you thought of making a hose lead off from your return pump to do water changes? I attach a water hose to mine and the tank return pumps the water out for me. Then I use another return pump separate from tank to pump water in to the sump. here is a picture of my sump with the hose bid visible on the right side of the tank. It is very handy.