My new 180g

[Satori]

I know, I'm starting this thread a little early, considering the tank won't be here for another 2-3 weeks, but I wanted to share some "good to know" information.

Apparrently, Euro-Bracing costs an additional $400. I wanted it so there wouldn't be a glass brace across the top, just wide open space. I changed my order and eliminated the Euro-bracing. Turns out, It'll still have the glass bracing along the ends with a wide open top like I wanted. The only difference will be it will have plastic trim because part of the Euro-Bracing process is polishing all the glass edges.

I don't care about the trim; the stand and canopy will hide that.

Just something to keep in mind if you order a tank. The overflow was extra, and it was $12 per hole, a total of 7 holes. The overflow and back will be be black, so I won't have to do any painting.

Oh, one more important point: I already bought all schedule 80 bulkheads so I knew exactly what size holes it would need. They won't drill schedule 80 holes, only schedule 40 holes.

I'll post again when there's something to post.

Mike

ps- here's the "floor plan" I drew up and submitted:

 

[cerreta]

Mike, so does that mean you have to buy different bulkheads? If so, save the $48 to drill the 4 holes and I will loan you my diamond bits, if you are willing to try drilling it yourself.

I was going to place an order soon for another sch 80 bulkhead, so if you are stuck with those, I will buy one for the price you paid.

 

[Satori]

Scott, Thanks for the offer, but I'd rather not try to drill a $950 tempered tank.

I'll probably borrow a bit from you to drill a hole in my 55 when I'm ready to use it for the sump, though.

I have all the s80 bulkheads. I was going to return them, but You can buy as many as you want. Do you want the 1" or 1 1/2"?

 

[cerreta]

Mike, I did not even think about returning them. I only needed one, so go ahead and return them, I'll just buy one with my next order.

 

[Satori]

I got my stand welded today. I'll build the wood skins next weekend. My tank should be here this week or next week.

 

[Roll221]

I would have built it out of 6 x 6s then reinforced it with 2 x 4s!! JK, finally a tank stand that is not way overbuilt!! Can't wait to see if covered with a tank on it.

Ed

 

[Satori]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7098431#post7098431 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Roll221
Can't wait to see if covered with a tank on it.

Ed

Me too!

I should also thank Scott and Erin for letting me loosly copy thier stand design.

 

[cerreta]

Looks good Mike. How do you pull that off in a day! I should try welding:lol:

I think my wood stand took two days.

 

[fishaholic911]

Looks great and you can move it without getting an army to help you

 

[Satori]

Thanks guys.

It took about 5 hours start to finish. What really took the longest was grinding the outside welds flat.

 

[Satori]

It turned out to be an expensive day. First, my Oakleys were in my shirt pocket while I was welding. Turns out, sparks were going in my pocket and pitted the lenses. Then, a piece of slag melted into my wedding ring and blistered my finger. Then, my truck broke down on the side of the road on the way back from my friend's house. (Thanks Ed for towing me home)

It's all good, though! I'm going to primer and paint the stand tonight, and post pics when that's done.

 

[sidewinder770]

Sounds like yesterday was a fun day . Did you make your out of 1" square? I know what you mean Ed- I have seen so many steel stands build out of 2" square tube using 1/8" thick material and all the beams are like 6" apart- way over built. I tried not to overbuild mine and it looks MSM did the same- nice, clean and simple. Just wait till you have it painted- it will look even better!

 

[Satori]

Yep, 1" square. I didn't do the fancy 45's on the corners like you did, but I like the way it came out.

 

[Satori]

I guess I won't have painted pics tonight. I've decided to take it for powdercoating Thursday.

 

[Roll221]

Good move, I think that will be much nicer. I was kind of afraid of what you might destroy as you were panting it. I think you will have a tough enough time replacing and fixing all the stuff you wrecked welding the stand yesterday. LOL

Ed

 

[Satori]

So you're saying I should leave it to the professionals? It will probably be cheaper in the long run!

 

[alien9168]

Cool man

-alien

 

[Satori]

The new tank came in today, but the bottom is cracked! They're going to ship it back tomorrow to be fixed.

I dropped off the stand at the powdercoaters this morning. It should be done Monday.

 

[Satori]

The crack in the overflow area:

 

[fishaholic911]

That sucks! I hope that does not happen to me.