Steel I-Beams??

[danbrown1010]

Designing a new fish room with a low ceiling and I am try to conserve vertical space. Any one ever tried, done or thought of doing something like this:

http://brownphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Aquarium-Pics/i-Bqgq26H/0/O/Capture.jpg

I know it's not pretty but it seems to have a great load capacity per dollar spent ratio??? Plus I think a may be able to get away with 3 inch beams? Am I missing something?? I, of course, would need to coat the steel in something to prevent corrosion...but seems doable? It also gives me a lot usable space under the DT (plywood).

Thanks in advance! It good to be getting my feet wet again!

 

[danbrown1010]

 

[mcgyvr]

Personally I would never rely on cinderblocks..
They IMO are just too fragile/uneven,etc...

But yes using steel members can obviously allow you more strength per "width" vs wood/aluminum,etc... thus allowing lower profile.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

My friend did his stand entirely with it.
265 gallons.

 

[EnderG60]

Many people make stands from box steel and weld it.

While that would work it just screams sketchy to me.

Look into making one of plywood. My stand is 2 layers of 3/4" ply and the rails are all only 4". Holds my 300g perfectly well.

 

[woodnaquanut]

There are examples of that very type of stand on RC. It's plenty strong. It's not the most space saving design because the cinder block is so large. I'm not sure how laterally stable it would be in an earthquake. Do you get quakes in Seattle?

A completely steel stand is probably the best space saving design.

 

[Puffcrusader696]

Personally I would never rely on cinderblocks..
They IMO are just too fragile/uneven,etc...

But yes using steel members can obviously allow you more strength per "width" vs wood/aluminum,etc... thus allowing lower profile.

Definitely agree with this"¦ been working at a marina for a few years and seen many small boats (weighing much less than this tank loaded) that have been destroyed from cinderblocks failing. Also some large cruisers (31ft). Very scary. Would hate to have something insurance doesn't cover go down the drain, especially when there's all that life. I'd play it safe and avoid the cinderblocks.

 

[danbrown1010]

Good feedback...as always much appreciated.

I am really interested in creating a serviceable sump. I wanted to put the sump on heavy duty casters so I can roll it out when necessary. Looks like I might need to ditch that requirement.

 

[guserto4]

You're right, you are going to want a lateral tie on the floor to strengthen the shear. I don't adhere to what looks "good enough", considering how much water weight there is. Hire someone to do the calcs- you'll sleep better. You are going to want monumental connections at the top of the vertical support to th horizontal, and again at the bottom to that horiontal support. Cinder blocks = no good.

IMO a completely steel stand is the best way to go. Especially for saving room.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Good feedback...as always much appreciated.

I am really interested in creating a serviceable sump. I wanted to put the sump on heavy duty casters so I can roll it out when necessary. Looks like I might need to ditch that requirement.

I have a friend that designed and implemented a roll out sump. After a couple of years in operation I asks him about it. Turns out he never pulls it out!

YMMV, but simple is always better.

Enough about the cinder block being strong. Check out:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=834556

 

[Fishmommy]

The trouble with I beams is in an unmachined state they are not flat/straight enough for a tank to sit on directly. Also agree on cinderblocks being a bad idea.

 

[danbrown1010]

Thanks for sharing woodnaquanut that thread covers exactly what I was thinking...

I also understand the concern with cinder blocks (though I may not agree )...

Looks like I have more thinking to do. I think I am going to give up on the roll-away sump idea. I think I maybe getting too cute with the design. Holding the weight of that water is way more important all other factors. KISS

Any one have ballpark estimates of what a all-steel stand of that size would be from a fabrication shop? Just want to have a going in idea, so I don't get taken to the cleaners.

thx!

 

[IN OVER MY HEAD]

if you're looking at making a stand of steel I beams , you know you are taking this to a whole nother level.

 

[Hot Spoonz]

Check the UK reef site. 70% of all the builds in the 'Large Tank' section have stands designed like this. Very cost effective and strong although theres no chance of earth quakes in the UK!

 

[Squatch XXL]

Most beams and angle comes in 10' and 20' lengths. If this is built from steel, it must be rated to serve the weight. Use of "tube steel" (Square and hollow) versus "I" Beams and possibly angle iron (L shaped) would be at the choice of an engineer at that size. With a few hundred pounds of rock and sand you will be coming close to 5,000 lbs.

I worked in a fabrication shop for a large mechanical contractor for 2 years during an apprenticeship. They are known to have plenty of left over stock of materials, and usually have engineers who are familiar with creating stands to hold chillers, roof-top units and boilers. Contact any mechanical contractor that has a metal fab shop, and you will get the best possible conditions for creating a flat surface.

Something of your size I would certainly not leave up to a mom and pop outfit, however I would not be surprised to hear an estimate nearing $600.

It could probably be done with 3" i-beam, but I certainly would have a support run between the legs near the base for stability....and have adjustable legs created using 3/4" threaded rod, a few nuts and a base plate.

 

[danbrown1010]

Great feedback! Thx everyone!:bounce3: