Stand and Canopy for 1.8m 650l tank

So I got my tank still need to clean it. I need to think about a stand and canopy.

The guy I bought the tank from has got an unassembled stand that he was intending to use with the tank.



The photo shows more or les how he was intending to assemble it. The rectangle piece on the ground is the top piece where the tank will rest on. It's oregon pine.

He wants to sell the stand with 4 power heads(no idea of the specs) in working order for an additional R1000.



















So:

- Do you guys think its worth it?
- Will I need all the power heads?

Thanks

 

nah. get a metal stand built

 

Be carefull buying second hand equipment.I bought some and some of the items was not working.So it was not a bargain any more.The tank is a good buy but rather spend a bit more and get new equipment.It will give you longer service.Steel stand will be stronger.

 

Thanks Guys. Some good advice. Will then spend the extra and get new equipment. Will also go for a metal stand.

 

I agree with Ryno. Metal is the way to go for big and heavy tanks. You can always build a cabinet around the stand to match the canopy.

 

yeah you can also have an open top tank. i like open top tanks more than tanks with a hood. but it limmits you to what fish you can keep

 

Ok so after scratching around I found some steel. It is 50 x 50mm 2mm square tubing. I have the following pieces:

1 x 2,3m
2 x 2,1m
1 x 73cm

Now for the task to design a stand using the above and figure out how much additional steel I need. I have a basic design in mind, after doing a bit of research. I am not 100% sure of the height of the stand though. My idea is the bottom of the tank about 800mm high.... Any advice?

 

well when i pick a hight for a stand i think about 2things. working in the tank and a nice viewing level for when im sitting.

 

design wise. cut the two 2,1m for the length of the tank. then the 2,3m one in cross bracing for every 60cm of the tank. im not good at explaining it. you then need 6 legs for for the stand and bracing at the bottom same as the top length wise and for whith(spelling probably) of yhe tank. also cut tri angles maybe to support the legs at the top also

 

Thanks Ryno. Ok i have considered what you have mentioned, and for comfort of getting to the bottom of the tank, I am going to drop the stand height to 700mm so total height 600mm(tank) + 700mm(stand) + 40mm(give or take for polystyrene and piece of wood) = 1340mm.

 

I have my stand at 700mm and tank at 600mm. It's a decent height and I just about reach the bottom of the tank.

 

Thanks Mxz.

 

Rough idea of the design:









Any comments or advise appreciated.

Thanks again!!!

Also just want to say this is an awesome forum you guys have here!

 

Was also thinking instead of the flat bar I could use the left over square tubing for the triangle strengthening braces. Just need to cut them to a set length and the ends to a 45 degree.

 

Will I'm no DIY guru, however, my stand is just a wee bit taller than my couches arm rest at 63cm. Also makes it a nice viewing height when sting down.

 

Yip aiming for about that height. Hope it all works out. Hehe.

 

Filled the tank this afternoon.





And started with the stand build. My welding is not up to scratch might have to redo. Its going to take some time but I'll get there.

 

Was cutting the steel last night with a small grinder.... Took about 15min per cut. Diceded to rather get the new steel cut by supplier. Much quicker an easier. Lol

 

Hi All

Tank still holding water. Slowly but surely progressing with the stand.




Once the stand has been built what can I treat the metal with for rust prevention?

 

Looking good. I wish I had some skill like that.
IS one cross bar sufficient?