Steel Stands For Large Tanks

[wayne@bris]

Hi,

I'd like as much information as possible about steel stands for large tanks 180-250 gallons. I don't intend to DIY but I want to know as much as possible for when I go to the steel fabricators to have one manufactured (it's unlikely they'll know anything about aquariums).

Specifically...

1) What type of steel do I ask for and what size (1, 11/2 or 2 inch)?

2) Is there any particular shape or structure that works best? Are there any plans available?

3) How do I ensure it wont rust? I've heard varying reports about the effectiveness of powder coating... then there's hot galvinized dipping... and then galvinized AND powder coated. I don't mind investing in the best process.

4) Is Stainless better than steel? If so, what kind of Stainless or is ithe question around the quality of the Stainless? I heard even Stainless Steel will rust from saltwater.

5) What are the advantages/disadvantages of metal over wood? Is a large metal stand lighter or heavier than an equivalent wood stand?

Any help, plans, pics etc would be greatly appreicated.

[IMAGINEER]

preference on the size tubing !! I am using a 2x2 tube

I am having it powdercoated to prevent rust ($200.)
Its lighter that the wood sufficient stand by far

It can be simple skeleton designed cage type, make sure you leave room for overflows or sump

[nyvp]

1) What type of steel do I ask for and what size (1, 11/2 or 2 inch)?

>>>For my 560g I used 2x2x1/4 inch

2) Is there any particular shape or structure that works best? Are there any plans available?

>>>I just spaced it so I could by 24" and 48" cabinets later

3) How do I ensure it wont rust? I've heard varying reports about the effectiveness of powder coating... then there's hot galvinized dipping... and then galvinized AND powder coated. I don't mind investing in the best process.

>>> i went to the marine store and got rustloc paint and then did 2 coats of that and then 4 coats of oilbased then 2 coats of clear from a autobody shop. Thinking back I would just get it rhinolined or have an autobody shop paint it for me


4) Is Stainless better than steel? If so, what kind of Stainless or is ithe question around the quality of the Stainless? I heard even Stainless Steel will rust from saltwater.

>>>Yes stainless is better lighter but again just coat it

5) What are the advantages/disadvantages of metal over wood? Is a large metal stand lighter or heavier than an equivalent wood stand?
>>>yes its heavy but I didnt intend to move it often
its alot more open inside and can handle more weight
you can space the beams more apart.

[wayne@bris]

Thanks for the replies and the pics... very helpful.

[ChemE]

Stainless will absolute corrode in the presence of salt water, and in fact the flavor of corrosion you'll get is pitting corrosion which is very aggressive and autocatalytic (once it starts it is self-sustaining). You're much better off going with plain Jane carbon steel and giving it two coats of a good quality epoxy (this is the field I work in so I'm not shooting from the hip here).

The Chinese have been buying up all the world's stainless so the prices of high nickel content alloys (like stainless steels) have absolutely shot through the roof. Do yourself a favor and go carbon+resin.

[wayne@bris]

Thank you for your input. Can you suggest the name of a good epoxy paint to use?

[ChemE]

It seems that a lot of people have good luck with West Marine Systems but I know first hand that Belzona 5811 holds up for 10+ years on offshore oil platforms.

[wayne@bris]

Thank you again... You've all been very helpful!