All steel tank...DISADVANTAGES

[waynes world]

Ok you DIY tank builders, in this thread let me know your thoughts on DISADVANTAGES only (another thread for advantages) on all steel built tanks, thats frame and sides.

Namely the disadavatages over a wood tank that is.

Not taking into account the fab work involved, just the finished result.

If you will please i would be greatfull.

Thanks folks

wayne ( on a mission )

 

[dlobom]

I would think that cost is one,

also weight, you'll probably need a forklift to move it.

Also, Im not sure if metal has any bad effects on fish, probably not, specially if its stainless, but if you're planning on a SW tank, I would also say corrosion.

 

[Ocean Railroader]

It might rust very fast consdering that even if you leave something made out of metal in the rain it turns to rust very fast.

 

[boredinthepeg]

You'd need to have a talented welder available and you need to stagger your welds or you end up with a lot of bowing and twisting.

 

[j.aaron08]

Steel would allow a lot of heat to escape. And I'm not sure about this, but wouldn't a steel tank become negatively or positively charged?

 

[waynes world]

Some good points, but in the construction wouldnt the steel be treated against corrosion, outside a zinc paint maybe and inside also apaint to seel it, as with wood realy.

Cost, maybe..

You'd need to have a talented welder available and you need to stagger your welds or you end up with a lot of bowing and twisting.

As said not including the fab work, just the overall finished result.

Steel would allow a lot of heat to escape. And I'm not sure about this, but wouldn't a steel tank become negatively or positively charged?

If i somebody built a steal tank, or any other it would be a good idea ti insulate it, save a load of heating bills for a tropical tank.
Good Q i think on the neg and pos chraged thing, but if its painted inside from the steel.....

 

[boredinthepeg]

Don't have to worry about the charge as it will be grounded through the feet of the tank as long as you don't have rubber between

 

[nes999]

you would need a perfect weld. the cost of stain less steel or aluminum would be horrendous. you should have made one thread for both.

 

[dlobom]

Don't have to worry about the charge as it will be grounded through the feet of the tank as long as you don't have rubber between

even if not, I think the steel part will act as a Faraday's cage, If you ground it you might actually allow current to flow through the tank.

Same principal when you have a faulty filter or heater, If its grounded it closes the circuit, allowing the current to flow through the tank.

 

[waynes world]

But if the tank inside surfaces is seeld from the water then there should be no problem......i think.

Oh and sorry i should of said




a MILD STEEL tank, not ally or stainless steel.