Adamc1303's 250 Gallon Reef Tank Build

[Tonyscoots84]

Glad to hear ur ok but that is one massive help list

 

[Adamc1303]

I know. The main thing is swapping tank off the current wood stand onto the metal one. Everything else I can do alone slowly. For the tank lifting 5 people are needed. i have 4 suction cups but if anyone has some more it wouldn't hurt. I realize I am asking for allot. If I don't get any takers by Friday i'll work on bringing in some movers.

 

[Adamc1303]

I got the new metal stand today. It's made of 2" tubular steel. They also had it primed with water proof primer. It's the red primer that they use on exterior iron work before they pain. When I put a straight level on it I noticed that there is a small hump in the center right over the center brace. It isn't anything the eye would notice. It's maybe off by 1/16 or even 1/32. The level just wont sit 100% flat over that area. Does anyone know if this is an issue to really worry about or with plywood and then foam it should absorb the difference? The bottom of the tank is flat. They didn't put leveling legs on it either but i can just use wood shims to level it and it will probably be stronger I was a little worried about legs and having all the weight on the treads. Here's a picture.

 

[ClownAquatics]

Ugh tagging along, did you get anyone to help out with the transition for you?

Try to take it easy and let that foot heal!

 

[Adamc1303]

Nope! The main thing is getting the tank on the new stand because that requires a few people. Once that's done plumbing isn't too complicated. Do you guys do maintenance work? I would love to pay someone to make this happen.

 

[jaa1456]

I would advise against styrofoam and when you say a small hump, is it an actual bend in the metal or something that might have gotten caught in the paint? Or is it a seam where it is welded together?

 

[Adamc1303]

It's not a weld or a seam. It seems like it's a really minor bend upward in the metal right above the center vertical support. They probably cut it a hair too long and hammered it in before they welded. I just want to be really cautious this time. Right now the stand is on dollies. I wonder if when I rest it on the floor if the center leg will be 1/16 shorter, that would mean all it needs is a tap with a hammer and it will even out. But I don't think 2" steel beds or flexes so easily. Here's a picture with the gap and then with me holding the level down to close the gap which creates a gap on the other side.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

If its a bend in the metal I would have them rebuild or repair it. They should do it for free. I wouldn't want the tank sitting on slightly bowed metal. There's no give and my fear would be all that weight and glass not bending equals no more tank after full. If they knew it was for a fish tank they should have made it absolutely straight with no bows, seams or anything else to put uneven pressure anywhere.


If you get dates when you want to do each stage I can arrange to be off work and come help out.

Welcome to the world of hardware. I too fractured my fibula and tibia in my right leg, my left femur and my left ankle. Have rods in my tibia and femur and a screw in my left ankle. Tore my shoulder apart and have 10 anchors in there as well.

 

[rkaragozler]

Sorry to hear about your accident. try calling a custom tank builder, and ask for an opinion.
I tink they might say to use 3/4" plywood, and a 3/4" foam under the tank.

 

[SPotter]

Tim advised me to use 1/2" plywood followed by 1/2" pink foam board. I was amazed at how little the foam compressed once the tank was full. My concern is you now have a pressure point in the middle of the tank and once you put 2000 + lbs on it you really dont know what will happen. One thing we do know in this hobby is that almost level isnt level.

 

[Adamc1303]

JimmyR1rider - Thanks for offering to help me out. I will update you as to when i can get this done. I am having the metal guy come by today to look at it. He saw the pictures he said it's probably something he can fix on site.

rkaragozler & SPotter- Tim who built the tank said half inch plywood and sometimes 1" foam. he usually uses the half inch pink foam but he said that he also likes the 1" white foam because it compresses more. Once I get the stand exactly how I want it I will decide on what to use.


Thanks for commenting guys!

 

[ClownAquatics]

Nope! The main thing is getting the tank on the new stand because that requires a few people. Once that's done plumbing isn't too complicated. Do you guys do maintenance work? I would love to pay someone to make this happen.

We do not do maintenance work, but if you need help lifting it onto the stand if we are free we will lend a hand!

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Anytime man. Just let me know. I have a job were doing on the 15th. After that ill have some free days. I have no problem stepping up. I did almost cut the tip off my thumb today but nothing 3 band aids and 2 wraps of electrical tape didn't fix lol.

Hooray meat flap!!!!

 

[cali_reef]

Have them sand or grind down the high spot on the stand. I would use a good grade 3/4 ply and at least 1/2 foam boards below the tank.

 

[cali_reef]

BTW, that's one long a$$ tank with one center cross brace. Not sure if I would be comfortable with that.

 

[Adamc1303]

I took the tank off the dollies and noticed the center legs weren't touching the floor. So what happened is that they just need to come down and it will straighten out. I am wondering how to straighten it out. You guys thing a hammer would work? I know with the weight of the water they would come down but i'm not taking that risk! Here are some pics.

 

[Adamc1303]

We do not do maintenance work, but if you need help lifting it onto the stand if we are free we will lend a hand!

Thanks!

 

[Adamc1303]

Anytime man. Just let me know. I have a job were doing on the 15th. After that ill have some free days. I have no problem stepping up. I did almost cut the tip off my thumb today but nothing 3 band aids and 2 wraps of electrical tape didn't fix lol.

Hooray meat flap!!!!

That sounds like it hurts like hell! I'll keep you posted once I get the stand issue fixed.

 

[Adamc1303]

BTW, that's one long a$$ tank with one center cross brace. Not sure if I would be comfortable with that.

It has more vertical brace but the center braces go to the floor. It's 2" steel most people use 1" or 1.5" so I am not worried about that. The biggest issue is bending it down 1/6 of an inch now so it sits flush on the floor.

 

[cmantis]

I can lend a hand or two let me know. I also have two pins in my leg so know what you are going through it sucks but you will get through it and may even have a future career as an nfl kicker with a bionic leg to boot!