Author Topic: 250G BUILD IN PROGRESS (Read 16053 times)

NEWMAN · « **on:** September 06, 2011, 19:28:38 »

Upgrading to a larger tank has to be done because my clam has outgrown the 120g. I have put it off for so long but now its time to get the ball rolling. I'm starting with a Marineland 250g deep dim that is 5ft x 3ft x 27"in. This tank being 36" deep is a perfect choice knowing that I need the depth more than anything having the gigas. I was going to build the stand completely out of wood but hated the fact that I was losing space inside the stand for my sump area because of the bulky wooden frame. Giving this alot of thought I decided to build the skeletal frame out of 2"x2"x .125 wall steel tubing. This will give me a more room inside the stand area for a larger sump. I will then side it in wood to make it look nice like my 120g. Notice in the pictures how the bottom of the stand is wider than the top. I did this again for the larger sump. The tank is 36" deep, I built the stand 40" deep. So I will have 36" between the front and back of the steel frame on the bottom. Enough room for a 75g and 55g hooked together with two 2" unions that are 4" wide. 75g is 18.5"wide / 55g is 12.75" wide / 2" union is 4" = 35.25" total width needed. I want the sumps to sit between the bottom frame rails so I could still have 2" of room between the sump and wall to use the AC outlets behind them.

NEWMAN · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2011, 19:31:47 »

NEWMAN · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2011, 19:36:31 »

NEWMAN · « **Reply #3 on:** September 06, 2011, 19:38:00 »

lazylivin · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2011, 19:48:22 »

I just can't get over the size of that clam. Looking forward to seeing this come together. Keep us posted with pictures and progress

HUNGER · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2011, 22:14:22 »

looks great loved how u brought the steel home in a boat

Sunny · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2011, 01:41:56 »

This is going to be a great build. That clam is HUGE !!!!

micki · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2011, 07:38:23 »

Quote from: Lazylivin on September 06, 2011, 19:48:22

I just can't get over the size of that clam. Looking forward to seeing this come together. Keep us posted with pictures and progress

+1!

NEWMAN · « **Reply #8 on:** September 07, 2011, 18:04:48 »

Thanks for the replys... I was concerned with getting the steel home because they were over 22ft long. The 12 utility trailer I have wasn't a option, so the boat and boat trailer came to the recuse.

The steel tubing still hung over the boat 8 ft were legally your only aloud 4ft. Glad I didn't see any highway patrol on the way home.

HUNGER · « **Reply #9 on:** September 07, 2011, 20:28:48 »

if theres a will theres a way

Boonjob · « **Reply #10 on:** September 08, 2011, 08:09:03 »

Quote from: NEWMAN on September 07, 2011, 18:04:48

Thanks for the replys... I was concerned with getting the steel home because they were over 22ft long. The 12 utility trailer I have wasn't a option, so the boat and boat trailer came to the recuse. The steel tubing still hung over the boat 8 ft were legally your only aloud 4ft. Glad I didn't see any highway patrol on the way home.

You probably should have taken the camper trailer instead then...

slandis3 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 08, 2011, 08:18:25 »

Looks good so far. make sure you put some gusset braces to help with racking. The steel stand for our tank didn't have any and it would move then you pushed on the tank.

cyberwollf · « **Reply #12 on:** September 08, 2011, 14:30:20 »

how much was the metal and whered you get it from?

NEWMAN · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2011, 18:04:55 »

+1 with slandis3. You got to install gussets in-order to strengthen the frame from moving side to side or horizontally. I have welded most of them in place already, still have a few welds to finish but with the crappy weather didnt want to take the stand outside and have it rust on me. Cyberwollf, I bought the steel at first street recycling in dayton. Its close to the dragons stadium down town. I paid $35 per stick, used steel price(each one is 22ft 2ins), I bought 3 sticks then went back for a forth. The guys down there are always super nice and easy to deal with. I have $140 in the stand so far minus having already the wire, tips and cut wheels.

NEWMAN · « **Reply #14 on:** September 08, 2011, 18:16:10 »

I called a few local places for quotes on getting it powder coated and the average price is $250. Thats to much for me so what do you guys think about herculiner for truck beds. Its a bed-liner and cost around $90 at the local auto parts stores. I have read online that its pretty tough stuff and is corrosion resistant. Also having a $50 gift card now to advancedautoparts and I get 15% will sweeten the pot.

Myreef55 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 08, 2011, 18:28:31 »

This is looking really good! Waiting to see more...

slandis3 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 08, 2011, 20:21:29 »

If you can sand blast it before you put the coating on it. It helps the coating to "dig in" and also removes and oxidizes on the surface that would keep it from sticking real well.

NEWMAN · « **Reply #17 on:** September 09, 2011, 13:32:00 »

HELPED NEEDED....I need to drill a total of 5 60mm holes into my sumps. 2 holes in a 75g and 3 in a 55g. I have never done this so any help would be awesome.

Blazinreef · « **Reply #18 on:** September 09, 2011, 13:46:41 »

glass or acrylic??

NEWMAN · « **Reply #19 on:** September 09, 2011, 13:50:10 »

O yeah, glass

aquavista99 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 09, 2011, 20:36:09 »

Very nice build

You may need to upgrade again just to keep pace with your giant clam.

HUNGER · « **Reply #21 on:** September 10, 2011, 02:38:48 »

Quote from: aquavista99 on September 09, 2011, 20:36:09

Very nice build You may need to upgrade again just to keep pace with your giant clam.

+1

Boonjob · « **Reply #22 on:** September 10, 2011, 11:15:55 »

Quote from: NEWMAN on September 09, 2011, 13:32:00

HELPED NEEDED....I need to drill a total of 5 60mm holes into my sumps. 2 holes in a 75g and 3 in a 55g. I have never done this so any help would be awesome.

When do you need this done by?

NEWMAN · « **Reply #23 on:** September 10, 2011, 13:59:08 »

I plan on doing it in the next two weeks or so.

NEWMAN · « **Reply #24 on:** September 10, 2011, 14:09:07 »

I ordered two 60mm diamond hole-saw bits from ebay so they should be here anytime. I don't no how many holes each bit will drill so hopefully two bits will work for 5 holes? I have read to make a clay damn to lube the bit

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Author Topic: 250G BUILD IN PROGRESS (Read 16053 times)