Austin goes Rimless - Dudester's 203g mixed reef

[TriggerHappyDude]

Thanks Dudester, thats what I thought it was!
Your tank is much to be envyed!

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Did you send A.G.E the printed version of these diagrams?
Is that what they built your tank from?
What about the stand?

 

[Dudester]

Thanks, Chris, for the nice comments. AGE was mailed printed versions of the diagrams, and they modified the hole placement ever so slightly due to the crossbraces on the stand. The steel stand was built and designed entirely by AGE to accomodate the tank, I only specified the height, and that I wanted the starboard bottom to place the sump upon, and the tray for the pump and topoff container. Per your request I'll email you my sketchup diagrams once I locate the files.

 

[milsaltnewbie07]

Nice very nice, more picsssss

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Is a steel stand cheaper than a wood stand of the same size?
I suppose anyone could make the starboard bottom?
The tray, how did that work, did they just find one that happened to fit that size or did they make it?

 

[mcrist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12134419#post12134419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChrisMc73
Is a steel stand cheaper than a wood stand of the same size?
I suppose anyone could make the starboard bottom?

I would think a steel stand is a lot more expensive than wood but if you need the space under the tank than steel is the way to go.

 

[stunreefer]

Dudester- I am having a steel stand built very similar to yours for my new set-up (60"x44" footprint, 30" high stand). I'm curious if you used carbon steel, stainless steel or iron? Also, what size square tube did you use (1.5", 2", etc.)?

Thanks!

Awesome tank BTW!!!

 

[ExarKun]

If you go stainless be perpared for some big bucks. A cheap carbon steel thats painted afterwards will be all you need. Much cheaper.

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12135949#post12135949 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ExarKun
If you go stainless be perpared for some big bucks. A cheap carbon steel thats painted afterwards will be all you need. Much cheaper.

Alright! cheaper is most definently better as long as I'm not sacrificing anything structure wise - painting is not a big deal at all. Thanks ExarKun!

 

[jnarowe]

But... when you paint it it should be a good powder coat or truck bed liner. Painting it yourself will not be good enough with normal steel.

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

How much are you guys talking with these stands, just give me a ball park figure for 75gal, 90gal, 120gal?

 

[jnarowe]

hard to say because it depends on what welders get in your area.

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

Ok give me a ball park of your area...

 

[jnarowe]

You couldn't get it done here. Welders are a very proud bunch around here and getting work done is next to impossible. Long story but I would be looking at 3 months at the soonest and more like 6 months. I have never been able to get a firm quote on work I have needed for my store.

 

[Dudester]

milsaltnewbie07 - Thanks, and sorry, no new pics at this time, really nothing else to photograph, unless you want some closeups of flatworms on the glass .

stunreefer - A.G.E. built my steel stand and powdercoated it, so I don't know exactly what type of steel they used. It's made of 1.5" tube steel and there are leveling feet at the bottom.

ChrisMc73 - Steel is certainly more expensive, but I needed the space beneath the tank so it was a no brainer for me. I also like the security that there will be no warping of materials when using steel. The tray was custom made by A.G.E. to fit the space allowed. As for cost, you'll probably just need to get some quotes from local manufacturers. Tell them what you want, and they'll give you an estimate. I honestly don't remember how much my stand cost.

 

[TandN]

where did you get the leveling feet

 

[tbone28]

Tanya, they come standard on AGE-built steel stands. Mine is like that too

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

So all you out there, who have the steel stands, and no one can tell me what it cost you, even a ball park? I'm just trying to see if this stuff is in my budget or if I'm wishful thinking, and people don't want to share this info...I don't understand? I know they are pretty expensive, but geeez...share any other information but prices?

 

[ExarKun]

Sorry dude. I have never built or had a stand built for me. I was just commenting from a materials stand point.

It's up to you to go around to some builders in your area and get quotes. Or make a new thread asking your specific question.

Dudester that looks like a quality stand. I doubt you'll need to worry about that failing in an earthquake!

 

[tbone28]

chrismc, the other people who replied to your post are right on. Price depends on how much welders make in your area. I live in northern california, where they make bank. The cheapest steel stand I found was $1300. That's without levelling feet or powdercoating/line-x. prices ranged up to $3000+

In southern california, I could have the same stand made and painted for $900.

I ended up ordering my stand though AGE for $680, which included levelling feet and powdercoat.