375 gallon stand!!!!!

[The R/C Man]

Hey everyone!

This was just dropped off at the house. It will hold my 375 gallon acrylic tank and 100 gallon sump as well as all of it's equipment. The stand was made from 2x2 steel. It measures 96"x30"x36". Today I will make a trip to the marine store to get the paint. The tank and sump will be completed after I get back from the desert in November. Boy I am excited!!!!

 

[Stang69]

Thats a monster



Looks Great


Jeff

 

[big t]

I think that steel is a great way to go on the bigger tanks. Nice. So you stationed at Fairchild? If so are you a tanker guy? Sucks you have to go to the 'sand box' Try to have fun, I have a buddy that is just getting back in a week. He says its HOT!

 

[The R/C Man]

Jeff,
Thanks dude!

Tom,
Yes I am at fairchild..... Since I have to move every few years metal was the only way to go. I was in the "sand box" last year this time also. I think it is about 118 degrees or so... YUK!!!

The plan will be to build some cabnet work around three sides and use the gussets as mounting spots.......

Greg

 

[Playa]

Greg it looks terrific, I look forward to see the progress of your reef. I hope you use this thread to do a nice chronologic description of your new reef.

Best wishes!

Luis

 

[NaH2O]

Looks good Greg! I have been very happy with my steel frame. We used a marine topside paint on our frame. The great thing....if you ever want to go longer, you can always weld a new frame onto the old one

 

[mojoreef]

Excellent greg, that puppy isnt going anywhere. Good beginings.


Mike

 

[acropora]

Nice stand. keep us posted. Nikki,your right about being able to add on to it.You never know when you will want a bigger tank. :lol:

 

[The R/C Man]

Thanks Everyone!

What do you all think about painting it. I was going to use boat paint like Nikki did but when I talked to the guys at the marine place they just recommended Rustolium. They said that should seal it just as well and is much cheaper. I thought about powder coating it but it is going to be hidden anyway...

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Greg,
Looks great! Rustolium works just fine. You have to make sure there is no rust under it. Just wire bush the stand before you paint.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[CarlaW]

Lookin' good Greg, That ought hold that monster once you get it!

 

[big t]

I would use a 2 part epoxy type paint.

 

[The R/C Man]

Hey everybody!

Well I have started the prep work. I have rubbed it down with denatured alcohol to get most of the dirt off. I will drill the mounting holes in the gussets for the cabnet and use a wire brush to clean the corners and around the welds. Tomorrow the stand will be cleaned one more time with acetone and then primed. I should also be able to the first coat of paint on. I will post some pics during the primer phase......

 

[The R/C Man]

Ok, the prep work took much longer than expected. The good news is that it is finally completed. Today the last few mounting holes where drilled and the stand was primed. Boy is my pointy finger is sore... Tomorrow I will start painting the final color (black)...

 

[kevinpo]

That looks like a great job!

Regards,
Kevin

 

[NaH2O]

Wow, nice work!

 

[The R/C Man]

Thanks Nikki!

Hey Everyone!

Here is another update. The stand is painted and I filled the ends with expanding foam. The next step will be to purchase some plywood for the top and bottom. I will probably seal the wood with an exterior paint to match the stand.

Unfortunately I will be out of the country for a couple months so the project will be on hold until then. The good thing is I will have plenty of time to design the cabinet.......

Cheers!!!!!