[Zbrafish] Cabinet Question continued.

[Austin Bailey]

Rebecca,

I've never heard of phenolic resin breaking down or having any  
adverse reactions in a laboratory setting.  Its really what they're  
made for.  What I'd be more concerned with is the cabinet hardware  
and detailing which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.  I've  
seen products out on the market that have plastic casework but fairly  
cheap steel hinges and drawer tracks.  Find out what sort of  
protection the company is using for these components.  They may be  
powdercoating these components or using higher grade steel.  The  
cabinet is only as good as its weakest component.  Sure, the  
countertop will be the most important.  But although these cabinets  
are intended for laboratory use, most have not been tested under  
extreme "wet" conditions.  And it may not just be filtered tap  
water.  It may be system water with a higher salinity or it could  
even be brine from the brine shrimp hatchers.  Take a look at the  
drip edges of the countertop.  This is especially important if the  
hardware for the cabinets is less than optimal.  If the countertop  
has no drip (meaning that water can runoff the edge of the counter  
and wick back directly into the cabinet - possibly reaching the  
hardware) you may want to talk to the company about adding a drip or  
have your own facilities people do this for you.  It'll keep water  
either on the counter or the floor and out of the cabinets.

Take a look at those items.  If you've found a great deal on plastic  
cabinets, it sounds like a good way to go.  Just be aware of the  
issues above, so you won't be surprised down the line.

Austin

Austin Bailey
Rowell Brokaw Architects, PC
1 East Broadway, Suite 300
Eugene, OR 97401
tel: 541.485.1003
fax:541.485.7344
www.rowellbrokaw.com