the-obstacle Posted November 2, 2010 Report Share Posted November 2, 2010 Hi, I'm looking at a fairly big tank (700L+) and figuring a steel frame is probably the way to go. For those of you that have had them made can you either post here an approximate or PM me with some more specific price details for what they cost to get them made? The tank I'm looking at is a tall 6 footer if that helps. edit: appologies if this is in the wrong forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 3, 2010 Report Share Posted November 3, 2010 i priced the steel recently for one & it was around $180, possibly $120 if i changed the design a bit to reduce a small amount of material. add labour & it isn't going to be cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted November 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 3, 2010 Yeah, that's the conclusion I've come to. Thanks to you and Jennifer for the responses - I'll be plagiarising your stand design and going DIY wood build I think! Probably not as flash as the recycled Rimu that Jennifer suggested but perhaps a solid build with a black stain / matt black enamel panel surround to fit into the decor of the house (can't go upsetting the wife). Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted November 3, 2010 Report Share Posted November 3, 2010 I had a stand built to suit my 1950L x 650W x 650H 800litre tank, probably way over kill with 8 x 100mm box section legs and 100x100 angle iron on top, very heavy but ultra safe, powder coated blue it cost me $1000 all up. Looks very good to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 3, 2010 Report Share Posted November 3, 2010 wow that is overkill. i will never fall down at double the weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brennos Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 I'm in the process of designing a steel stand for a 4 ft tank. Upshot for me is that i can weld it myself. and have access to A LOT of specialised machinery at work if I get stuck. So far i have decided on the rough design, i just lack the time to start the cutting patterns. I plan to use 25mm box section and 25mm angle. around 2.5-3mm thick. I will gusset every corner. 1/3d of the way up the stand will be a " H " reinforcement for a shelf, and added strength. This will be my fist tank stand, and I might re-evaluate the design after it's tacked, or add some more reinforcements if it feels week. At worst i will need to add in 2 vertical legs top to bottom in the middle for added strength. But I reckon my current design is more than enough. Cost of steel so far is under $200. Add $100 for powder coating in satin black (might por 15 it for a lot less, depends on the bank manager and what she says... and I should have a complete stand inc wood and poly for around $400, plus beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted November 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 Cool, thanks. I've decided that wood will be the way for me as I already have most of it here and I have the right tools for the job. I'd be keen to see your stand once it's finished though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayne Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 what are the measurement for the stand you wanted done? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted November 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 the tank has a footprint of 1520 x 760 and I'd want it about 700 off the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayne Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 http://fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=48784&sid=c1f729065ee8019254e23e1589b47fd2 this may help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 Cool, thanks. I've decided that wood will be the way for me as I already have most of it here and I have the right tools for the job. I'd be keen to see your stand once it's finished though. 4x4 should do the trick? Lots of bracing, lots of legs :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted November 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 Yep, I've already modeled it on smidey's stand. The stand that came with the tank has a ton of 4x4 legs on it but the stand itself isn't as wide or long as the tank so the sides weren't supported which is why it cracked I suspect. I'll be re-using the legs on the new stand with a proper base and top like that one. My wife now wants it in the house as a display piece so I've got to make it look nice too. It has to house a 1000x300x500 sump, 2 cf1200 filters, an algae scrubber and a 2ft refugium in the stand too so it's going to take a bit of engineering before I can start putting it all together. God bless sketchup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayne Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 well good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted November 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 you too. I know which will be quicker (it won't be me) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 the best thing about using steel is it is very strong so less material is needed, here is a stand for an 6x2x2 IIRC, as you can see there isn't much required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 the best thing about using steel is it is very strong so less material is needed, here is a stand for an 6x2x2 IIRC, as you can see there isn't much required. Looks like it could use some cross pieces to avoid pancaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 i would agree if they were holding alot more weight, there are also other stands built the same way with the same box section for 8x2.5x2.5 tanks. timber requires bracing, no doubting that as it is a soft material but steel welded together is so much stronger in the joins it is not necessary. when a stand twists the pivot or bend point is the joins typically, it would take alot more force than a tank to twist a stand like that. if you want to add bracing go ahead but it is just using more material & time than is required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 & if you don't want the central support, use a larger RHS as the support Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 That is how my 2 storey 4 footer is built and it worked well during the recent shakes. The steel stands I have seen that failed have had legs rather than the ring around the bottom (which stabilises and helps distribute the weight). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smidey Posted November 17, 2010 Report Share Posted November 17, 2010 That is how my 2 storey 4 footer is built and it worked well during the recent shakes. The steel stands I have seen that failed have had legs rather than the ring around the bottom (which stabilises and helps distribute the weight). that must be the best test for a stand, a big quake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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