Looking for info on angle iron or tubular steel stands

DaveCush · #1 05/09/2002, 11:26 AM

Hey everyone.

Like the subject line says I am looking for info on steel stands. My present stand is bowing and beginning to make my wife and I a little uncomfortable. I am looking for any comments from those who have steel stands.

What kind of stand?

Are there any changes you would make?

How did you prevent rust? Did it work?

Tank size?

Cost to have built? Assuming you did not do the work yourself.

Also, please throw in any tidbits that I may not have taken into consideration.

LiquidShaneo · #2 05/09/2002, 11:30 AM

Have you done a search for 'metal stand' or 'steel stand' in the DIY forum? There's a LOT of people that have built them and discussed this over there...

http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/search.php

Shane

DaveCush · #3 05/09/2002, 11:42 AM

Liquid,

Yes, I have done a lot of searches over the past couple of days and am actually quite interested in Stircrazy's set up. I just want to make sure that I am not missing anything, before I contact a machine shop to get one built

Thanks,
Dave

dredawg · #4 05/09/2002, 12:32 PM

My steel stand for my 120 gallon is made of 2x2x1/4" angle iron. I paid 52 for 40 feet of the stuff. Then paid a certified welder 125 to do the welding. I primed it with oil based primer followed by 3 coats of oil based "rustoleum paint."

This stand is so strong it could literally serve as a house foundation, as pointed out by one of the engineers who worked at the design/build firm where the welder worked. It is plumb, level and true 100%.

The main benefit is the openess of the stand! No center braces to get in the way, nothing but wide open space. The steel serves as the "bones" of the stand, with a 3/4" marine grade (very fine wood tight grained) plywood exterior covering the steel skeleton.

lawndoctor · #5 05/09/2002, 06:35 PM

Sounds like you're looking to do something custom, but FWIW I have an AGA metal stand under my 75. I don't know if it's steel or iron, but it has a scroll pattern on the sides. I painted it with four coats of rustoleum (brushed on), had a plexiglass piece made to put between the tank and the stand as a barrier for salt and moisture, had a piece of glass made for the bottom shelf of the stand (which can accommodate a second tank), and put a black oak Oceanic hood over the tank. I've only had it set up for 9 months but so far no rust at all. The open space under the tank looks great. HTH

Flatlander · #6 05/10/2002, 06:31 AM

My stand for the new 180 is made from 3 inch iron tube. Built to hold a house. Cost was app. $250 Canadian. I will have some pics after I pick it up today.

StirCrazy · #7 05/10/2002, 09:42 AM

DaveCush,

if you want to know anything just ask and I will try to answer as good as I can. I also have a digital camera so if you want close up pisc od a spicific part let me know .

Steve

DaveCush · #8 05/14/2002, 11:41 AM

Thanks all for responding. Sorry I didn't check the thread until today, but I was laid up and unable to get online.

StirCrazy, I may rifle a few questions at you here in the next few days. Thanks for offering your assistance.

Now, it is back to work. Out of the office for a few days and everything goes to he!!.

Dave