steel stand help

[vasilithegreek]

I was going to have someone build me a steel stand and they wanted to use angle iron. Anyone ever use this for their stand or have any suggestions on it.
This is for a 48x24x25 120gal tank. I wanted to build a stand 64"L x 25" w x 34" h and he wants to use 2"x 3/16 angle iron.I attached a picture. Im not sure about this steel and 3/16 thickness doesn't seem very sturdy in this application.

Design wise I would want to remove the center brace and put them in the back and maybe add some gussets.

Im interested in building something similar to this and I like the length

(side note, anyone know of or can do a stand build like this?)

 

[DgenR8]

Honestly, the design you posted, with cross bracing in three places is probably plenty strong for 120 gallons plus anything you could pile up alongside the tank. If you want overkill, go 2X2X1/4 inch. It won't have much effect on the price in the end.
Something else you can do for piece of mind is talk to a structural engineer about how much load the stand will hold as pictured.

 

[Volcano1]

This stand was made out of angle iron ,for my 300. 96 x 30 x 24.





This one was made out of 2x2 tube for my 420, 96 x 36 x 28.It was designed by a structural engineer.








Here's a thread I used to get ideas.


http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1330053


HTH's,


Todd

 

[DgenR8]

Square, or rectangular tube would be stronger than angle iron, providing the wall thickness is comparable.

 

[2clown]

I'm tagging along on this one. I'm considering a similar build. How about powder coating or painting, which would be the better choice?

 

[Volcano1]

Mine was primed and painted with auto paint. Still a few rust spots. I see alot of people going the truck bed liner route.

 

[vasilithegreek]

Yea I'm trying to find someone to do a powder coat. I have an killer idea I would like to do with the nice look of powder coat. But if not I'm going to do the bed liner. I just need to find somebody to skin the stand for me because I don't know how or trust myself to do it correctly.

I have two visions of the tank the white stand that I posted on top and something like this.

 

[Duc1098]

Powder coating is strong but very porous. I would think it would absorb a lot of moisture and rust quicker. A good marine based paint would work best.

 

[2clown]

I never thought of the porosity of powder coating. I thought that it would be great because they us it for high end heavy duty auto applications. But I think a Marine paint is a good idea and much cheaper. Thanks

 

[vasilithegreek]

I talked to a few custom stand builders around the country and they only recommend powder coating unless your using aluminum or stainless stell for a stand. They did say truck liners and those sort of paints are good to if you don't care about that professional polished look.
I want a powder coat I have a cool idea I'm hoping to be able to share with everybody on this 120 gal build. It possibly might include butcher block style tops and sides

 

[johnike]

Mine should be done any day now, I went with three inch channel.
8'x30"x36" high.

 

[DgenR8]

Mine should be done any day now, I went with three inch channel.
8'x30"x36" high.
http://no need to repost the picture[/IMG

That thing will probably support 50, maybe 60 gallons!! :uhoh3:

 

[johnike]

That thing will probably support 50, maybe 60 gallons!! :uhoh3:

'Ya think?