I thought I would start here as I am sure many of you have dealt with a similar choice. I am about to order a new display tank from DSA. It will be about 275 gallons, 60x42x25. Rather than have an internal or external overflow the tank is divided into two areas, with 36" for the display, and the overflow takes up the final 6". I am crazy excited about this tank, but thats another topic :fun2:
I have been planning on going with a steel stand mainly because this is my dream tank and I intend for it to stick around a long time, and I love the idea of built in leveling feet. The tank will be in a fish room, so the added space under the tank is not a primary need here, but its certainly not a bad thing either.
Like most of you I have a slab foundation. I tore through it before and as I remember its at least 3 or 4", maybe 5 or 6. Underneath is 6"-18" of soil that is heavy on gravel, and then its solid granite. I am right near a mountain so we dont have much soil here.
In theory even a 3" slab should be able to hold the full weight of the tank on a small point, but it would be pushing the limit, particularly if the area underneath isnt offering sufficient support.
I have been thinking about switching to a wood stand, or stick with steel but no leveling feet, just to ensure I can spread the weight more. I am also thinking that I am over thinking this, as I have seen many larger builds on here that we in AZ slabs and steel stands.
Any advice, or opinions on which route to go and and why, would be much appreciated.
I have been planning on going with a steel stand mainly because this is my dream tank and I intend for it to stick around a long time, and I love the idea of built in leveling feet. The tank will be in a fish room, so the added space under the tank is not a primary need here, but its certainly not a bad thing either.
Like most of you I have a slab foundation. I tore through it before and as I remember its at least 3 or 4", maybe 5 or 6. Underneath is 6"-18" of soil that is heavy on gravel, and then its solid granite. I am right near a mountain so we dont have much soil here.
In theory even a 3" slab should be able to hold the full weight of the tank on a small point, but it would be pushing the limit, particularly if the area underneath isnt offering sufficient support.
I have been thinking about switching to a wood stand, or stick with steel but no leveling feet, just to ensure I can spread the weight more. I am also thinking that I am over thinking this, as I have seen many larger builds on here that we in AZ slabs and steel stands.
Any advice, or opinions on which route to go and and why, would be much appreciated.