Steel Stand Build!

[Rortreefer]

So after lots of research, questions, even more help from fellow reefers... I finally started and finished my Steel stand and got rid of the wooden stand that caused me and my tank so many problems.I would have to say that this was my first real tank build. When i first bought this tank, it came as a complete set up with piping and everything. So this was definitely a new experience!Before I really get into it I need to thank quite a few reefers who have really come thru and helped me out immensely!

dodwyer or Doug who had his company BUILD MY STAND when my originally welder backed out last minute.
John at Advanced Acrylics for totally hooking me up with the sickest sump I have ever seen!!! (AND at a great price!)
Eswgato or Danny, my long time reefing buddy, who hooked me up with more than enough high end tools that allowed me to complete this tedious job in a much shorter time.

And countless others who have continued to answer ALL my questions and never ceased to help in times of need.

THE BUILD

Equipment list
- 48"x18"x20" Acrylic Sump from Advanced Acrylics
- ASM G4 Skimmer
- Maxi-Jet Utility Pump 4500
- 60"x24"x38" STEEL STAND!
- 120lbs CaribSea Sugar Grain Sand
- 6' of 1/2" Acrylic Rods for AquaScaping

The Sump
John at AA totally hooked me up on this sump and worked with me over a few weeks to get down exactly what I wanted for this new stand build. I wanted my sump to be designed after Melev's Model F Sump. With the Skimmer Section on the left, fuge on the right, and return in the middle.

John was able to go one step further and add my RO/DI Top-Off Reserve into the sump and it looks great!


John was able to go one step further and add my RO/DI Top-Off Reserve into the sump and it looks great!

The Sump Pan
DaveJ's build in the large build forums made me realize that if I was doing a steel stand I would need to have a basin for the sump to sit in so that if anything splashed or in the worst case, leaked, it would not spill all over the floor. He was able to PM me a lot of help through making this.

 

[Rortreefer]

THE STAND
So the idea came from fellow socal reefers recent build of his 60g Steel stand. Had so much room for a sump, and a lot stronger with less material to hold up the tank. I originally started with these plans:

and then with the help of Dodwyer (Doug) it became this:

Brought it home:

Acetone'd it, and buffed the metal to grip the primer better.
(put the GF to work!!)

And primed it:

For painting the stand, a lot of people recommend powder coating it but I chose to go a cheaper way but still gave me a great result. Konadog (Ken) had his steel stand coated with Linex (a truck bed lining) that looked great and seems to hold up strong against saltwater. This LineX is still expensive so I purchased Herculiner, an almost rubberized paint that is used for DIY truck bed lining.

It was a messy job but I think for the price it worked really well.

Here is the first of two coats:

I then added the wood and foam padding.

Pluming
Eswgato (Danny) helped me out a lot with this and gave me the idea to us the extra self-tapping screws and to drill in "u" hooks to hold up the 1-1/2" PVC plumbing.

I used a 1" SCWD on the return from the Maxi-Jet Utility Pump. The SCWD then connected to 1" Vinyl Tubing to the two returns.

After a few trips to Strictly fish for NSW, you have a huge dust cloud!

And after a lot of re-aquascaping using 1/2" Acrylic Tubing i finished the tank! I went for a more open feel with the rock and ended up with a LOT in my sump. It was still pretty cloudy so I will get a better picture up when i get home!

 

[MechaSamurai]

Looks good, and congrats on getting it built.

 

[Wes]

I REALLY like your aquascaping. very nice.

 

[Rortreefer]

Thanks guys! I will be getting some more clear pics up tonight! Moving the coral in kicked up a bunch of sand...

 

[firereef310]

Ive been looking for someone to build me a steel stand. How much did you pay? PM me Thx

 

[Rortreefer]

I will post some new pics up soon! I have done a lot of new things and additions INSIDE the tank along with building a 90g+ hex tank!

Tanu i will PM yoU!

 

[SPEARGUNHUNTER]

Good job Bobby!!! Can't wait to see it in person..

 

[Wes]

I'm also interested in what a steel stand would run. I'm sick of my stand and could use a new one...

 

[LAReefKeeper]

I paid $350 for a 25" cube and a 36"x18"x36", but I live in Hollywood (probably farther then you're willing to drive). That being said I looked up welders on craigslist and that how I found him, JMO. Good luck Rortreefer, looks great so far.

 

[DETANE]

Ooohhh No. :afraid:

You have open ends on the stand. That will lead to rust/corrosion in the near future, so try and have those sealed asap. I would hate to see such a nice stand's structural integrity be compromised by such a small oversight. :top: Im surprised the stand builder didn't know about this. :alberteinstein:

 

[DETANE]

I love your Aqua-scape. You have the eye of a designer for sure!

 

[gumbii]

that's hot stuff bobby... gotta check it out someday...

 

[Rortreefer]

LOL this is an old thread you guys brought back!

Ooohhh No. :afraid:

You have open ends on the stand. That will lead to rust/corrosion in the near future, so try and have those sealed asap. I would hate to see such a nice stand's structural integrity be compromised by such a small oversight. :top: Im surprised the stand builder didn't know about this. :alberteinstein:

I actually really dont have any rust in there at all because I have been too busy to go and get the plastic end caps... But I probably need to do it anyway!

I love your Aqua-scape. You have the eye of a designer for sure!

I took a long time designing this and used acrylic rods to get exactly what I wanted. But because of that I really can't change it at all.

I have been happy with it and it just now is covered with corals! :rock:

that's hot stuff bobby... gotta check it out someday...

Thanks man! Come by anytime... im there... haha