metal stands needed for a 300g and tank room

[ReefingBuddha]

Hi,

I'm getting my tank construction underway and I'm looking for someone who has some experience building metal (steel or aluminum) stands for aquariums. The stands are for a in-wall tank so no finishing is required other then paint

One stand would be for a 300g tank with a 220g underneath it. The stand would be 37" tall.

The other would be for a 120g on top with a 220g underneath. The stand would be 5' tall in all.

I have some basic plans for the stands drawn up.

Thank you for any help I get.
-Tom

 

[Bullredchaser]

I need a quote too for a 155 bowfront stand as well open in the front to fit a 75 on the floor.I want mine powder coated.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I live in Winter Park by the way and used to attend ORCA meeings religiously for a little while about 2 years ago before I was stuck in England for two years. I'm back and trying to get my tank up and running and would really appreciate any support or advice I can get so I can get back in the game.

Thanks in advance for any connections.

 

[lusenut2]

Ultimate Motorsports
Dave
407-654-8890

He builds prostreet race cars but hes always up for building anything out of metal. Tell him Chad gave you his # and your looking to get some steel stands built for a fish tank. Im not going to lie, he may be a little expensive but his work is awesome. Another place that would build them for you would be, Florida Metal Craft in Winter Garden. Im not sure of there # but you can find it on yellowpages.com They are stupid expensive cause its a big metal fab shop, but again really nice work.

Chad

 

[Bullredchaser]

There is nothing expensive about steel stands.The last one I had built for a 475 cost me 575.00 not coated and overly built.It was on Dixie Hwy in Pompano Beach.Should be cheaper in Orlando.

 

[dugg]

I would spend the extra $$$ on the powder coating if it were me. The powder coating will give way better rust protection then paint will, and with the cost of the stand i would consider the little extra for the rust protection well worth the cost. Always better to do it right the first time then to have to re do it later over saving a few bucks.

 

[Yellotang]

Powder Coating Rocks!!!

 

[ReefingBuddha]

What kind of steel is used? I got a quote for the two stands and the builder stated that he uses stainless steel and the quote is incredibly expensive. Is it normal to use stainless for a stand?

 

[dugg]

NO, regular iron is fine if you are going to powder coat. If you are just going to paint it, the stainless would be a good idea though. Saltwater can really rust metal up fast. Powdercoating actually bonds to the metal and is almost chip proof. I have parts on my race car that are powdercoated, that have been beat with a hammer and not one scratch on them. The metal will dent and the powdercoating is still perfect. REMEMBER, this tank will most likely be on this stand for many years.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

Thanks for the response. Any idea what the difference in material cost should be from iron to stainless?

 

[dugg]

No idea what the difference would be, but i would think considerable. I had 2 small plates made for my car that are ingraved on my valve covers about 4X7, and without the ingraving i believe thay cost me around $60 just to cut them out and drill the mounting holes using stainless. Stainless is not only expensive, but it is harder to work with, and the tools to cut it and weld it are VERY expensive. Powdercoating is way cheaper then you would think. If you just use iron and spray paint it, you will have some pretty bad rust issues with it within a year or 2 if not sooner.

If you want to test my theory, just take a nail and lay it in your sump cabinate (not in the water) for a week or so and see what happens to it . It will be solid rust in under a month.

 

[dugg]

I know a guy here where i live that could build you a stand probably pretty reasonable, and powdercoat it for you too. I don't have his # or know the name of his shop, but you could call Lake Forklift (352) 343-8099 and ask him for the # to the metal shop where he parks his truck at. It's in Tavares in lake county, but it may be worth your drive. He does very good work. He doesn't specialize in tank stands, but he is a master metal fabricator.

 

[dugg]

You could also try this guy. He is VERY good at welding and fabrication. Not sure about if he can get it powdercoated for you or not, but he does great work, and is pretty cheap too.

Belew's Welding Service
15701 Old US Highway 441
Tavares,FL32778
(352) 343-5868