2"x2" square tube steel strong enough for 120 stand?
 

Would 2x2 inch steel square tubing be enough strength to span the 4 foot span for a 120 gallon tank? I would like to build a tank stand out of steel.

Thank you.

This is what I had in mind. What do you think? Would it work?

[img]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/2949Steel_Stand_1.jpg [/img]

I think it would be fine with the weight.

Do you plan on putting a piece of plywood between the stand and the tank?

this is a joke right?

Not sure why you think its a joke, a lot of people use steel to make stands. They are stronger and often give you more room to work with under the tank. As far as whether or not its strong enough I'm not sure. I would add some corner pieces from the legs to the front and back lengths. That would decrease the length of unsupported distance plus add some lateral support. Maybe you could call your local steel company and run it by them. BTW my 120 is actually 48 1/2 X 24 1/2 so you might want to double check your measurements (if yours is an AGA). Good luck.

What wall tubing are you thinking? I would not go more than 3/16 wall. 1/8 would be fine. I would also consider adding a cross brace that bisects the 48". Top only. It looks like you plan on angle for the bottom ring. Nice idea! Is the plan to made a waterproof ring around the base?

The plywood or a plastic top would be nice. When I set up my 180, I put a 1/2 foam sheet under it. This would help with any out of square issues you might have with the floor or stand.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11003895#post11003895 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by latazyo [/i]
[B]this is a joke right? [/B][/QUOTE]

Steel, not wood.

Why not thicker than 3/16? Simply because that's all that's necessary, or some other reason?

The drawing is with 1/8th steel. I hadn't thought of the corner pieces, but you may be right about that. I will put a bottom fill in as well, and make it waterproof. I'd like to linex the whole darn thing. And then I have a surprise for you all! :D.

So perhaps this.

[img]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/2949Steel_Stand_2.jpg [/img]

Just looking at this it makes a ton of sense, and would make it a lot stronger. Thanks for the tip! I love reef central!

Re: 2"x2" square tube steel strong enough for 120 stand?
 

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11003702#post11003702 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74 [/i]
[B]Would 2x2 inch steel square tubing be enough strength to span the 4 foot span for a 120 gallon tank? I would like to build a tank stand out of steel. [/B][/QUOTE]

Way, way, way more then enough. I'd probably drop that to 1-1/4" .125 wall HSS to lighten the stand and save money.

If it were me i would prefer middle braces as well. Remember, water weighs 8 pounds per gallon. If you center brace wont interfere with your plans, you should error on the side of caution and install it. Hope this helps. GL with the new build. Show us some pics.

Paul

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11004518#post11004518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74 [/i]
[B]So perhaps this.

[img]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/2949Steel_Stand_2.jpg [/img]

Just looking at this it makes a ton of sense, and would make it a lot stronger. Thanks for the tip! I love reef central! [/B][/QUOTE]

I would not be afraid to put two 120's on that stand !!!

bg

i asked if it was a joke because it couldnt possibly be too weak for a 120

[url]http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1156852[/url]

Check out Treg's stand (and the tank for that matter). I'd think you'd have quite a bit of overkill factor with 2"...

Tim:cool:

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11004687#post11004687 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pcurry18 [/i]
[B]If it were me i would prefer middle braces as well. Remember, water weighs 8 pounds per gallon. If you center brace wont interfere with your plans, you should error on the side of caution and install it.
Paul [/B][/QUOTE]


Any middle bracing on that design, assuming the corner joints are properly welded, will be a total waste of steel and money. They would receive 0% of the weight of the tank, add weight to the frame, add more welds, more $$, and more time to build, all while adding zero strength to the stand in the vertical direction.

It would take an enormous amount of force (aquarium/relatively speaking) to bend 2x2 HSS over a 3'-8" span. As someone already mentioned, I wouldn't be afraid to put several 120g tanks on that stand.

Not to sound cocky, and I'm no structural engineer, but I do have a building science degree and took several structures classes in school. After running the numbers and seeing first-hand how strong wood and steel can be when used properly, it's amazing how many people grossly overbuild their aquarium stands. 1000lbs sounds like a lot of weight, but only because we're human, and to us, 80lbs is a lot of weight. Wood can carry those loads all day long....and steel, come on guys. It's steel for crying out loud! :) A little goes a very, very long way for our purposes.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11004518#post11004518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74 [/i]
[B]So perhaps this.

[img]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/2949Steel_Stand_2.jpg [/img]

Just looking at this it makes a ton of sense, and would make it a lot stronger. Thanks for the tip! I love reef central! [/B][/QUOTE]

Thats exactly what I meant, looks great. I think that would be all you would need as far as strength. One last suggestion; depending on if and how you are going to sheath the stand (like with wood panels or something) you might want to add some tabs on each of the sides. This would give you something to attach your panels to.

[QUOTE][i]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11004518#post11004518 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dogstar74 [/i]
[B]So perhaps this.

[img]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/2949Steel_Stand_2.jpg [/img]

Just looking at this it makes a ton of sense, and would make it a lot stronger. Thanks for the tip! I love reef central! [/B][/QUOTE]

That looks very strong if that's the completed stand except to keep it from wracking forward or backward. Maybe som ebraces on the ends as well.
Depending on how you intend to sheat the stand, if you do, that material could take the place of welded in braces and serve the same purpose...
If I remember right Treg had his powder coated to help prevent rusting.

Tim:cool:

Nice, sounds like I have a winner! Thanks everyone for the input!
As far as front to back, it shouldn't be a problem, like you said, I'll be paneling it very securely. And after all, it's only got to stand up to a 6, 3, and 20mo year olds! :D

Definatly dont need those angle peices or a center brace... you could even use 2" Angle.

Again all assuming this is properly welded.

Ive seen a stand that has had half that support for a 120 made out of angle

What would be the problem with overbuilding this? Is it just a weight consideration?

doesnt steel + salt - RUST

I believe he mentioned before that he was going to get the stand covered with linex. That should keep it from rusting (I would guess a good powder coating would also keep it from rusting).

Probably a combination of the two.

This is a 210g steel stand. It is made with 1 1/2x1/8 inch. It has been up for about 7 months with no problems.
This pic the tank is full of water during a leak test.
[img]http://www.thereeftank.com/photopost/data/505/19974DSCF0047.JPG[/img]