Simple inexpensive darkroom sink solution

[GregW]

While attempting to find a cheap 2 x 4 darkroom sink i happened onto hydroponic flood tables while searching the net. I got mine from Zen Hydro. There are other suppliers. I'm using one of their drain kits (less than 5 bucks) but you could probably find something else too. The frame is pine and a simple build. There is a stepped edge so you can put some cross pieces in and put three 16 x 20 trays in, 2 below and one above. I plan on making a full size insert so I can also use it as a work table for matting etc...I was a little worried about the grid floor but it drains easily so should be ok. I built to to elbow height so i can see what I'm doing better without leaning over. I still need to make the two shelves that go down below. BTW one qt of paint won't cover the frame and shelves with two coats. I lucked out b/c my new darkroom was a laundry room at one point so all the plumbing is already there. $70 bucks including shipping across the country plus the wood and screws, paint, donuts, coffee, so much coffee etc...
greg

 

[Old_Dick]

Cool, great idea. Thanks.

 

[trythis]

Thanks for that idea! I will be making a sink soon.

I will say your legs look a little thin and could use some diagonal cross bracing. Once its loaded down with liquid and is being leaned on it might start to deform and fail on you.

I would recommend 2x4 stock for future builds.


Typos made on a tiny phone...

 

[GregW]

Thanks, good luck on your build.

 

[Derek Lofgreen]

Greg,
That is great to see. Thanks for sharing.

D.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Great idea!

 

[AgX]

Just for my curiosity: what are "hydroponic flood tables" for (when not used as darkroom sink)?

(Though I do not understand that designation, it sounds great!)

 

[cliveh]

If you want a cheap darkroom sink, why not use a cardboard box lined with a bin liner?

 

[GregW]

Agx, one grows tasty things in them. In water. About 5-6" of water. One can also keep trout in the tank that supplies the water to the table, the trout fertilize the plants and the plants clean the water...that's called Aquaponics, leave out the fish and use a mineral nutrient additive to the water and you have Hydroponics. You can do all this in much less space than a farm would need.

 

[BenKrohn]

I grew California Wonders peppers and romaine lettuce in a flood and drain table like this years ago in my sun room. I was air conditioning this bright room and decided get some use out of all that light and mild indoor climate. The peppers were great on a cheese steak, super fresh no pesticides. My table was made out of a recalled baby crib and some masonry mixing tubs from the hardware store with drains installed in the middle. The good thing about the purpose built tables is the variety of sizes for difficult spaces.

 

[jeffreyg]

Another suggestion/addition: cut 1/2 or 3/4 inch plywood to cover your sink. When not being used as a wet sink you will have additional counter- top.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

 

[mr rusty]

I believe the reason for the prevalence of hydroponics equipment is the same as the number of people selling "darkroom tents" on ebay. Something to do with growing certain stuff out of sight maybe? :devil::devil:

 

[AgX]

And those tents can be useful for us Apuggers too.

 

[pbromaghin]

My wife grows orchids. One of the advantages of legal dope in Colorado is that there is now much more really great indoor growing equipment available than a few years ago.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I made mine out of plywood and epoxy. Been using it for over 30 years. But your idea is genius!

 

[Sirius Glass]

I put a board over the two sinks, place four trays and safelights on the board. No sink.

 

[BenKrohn]

They have enough hydroponic farming in Southern Spain that it's visible from orbit.