DIY Metal Framed Tank?!?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
yeah i thought about using thicker angle bar, maybe some more steel reinforcments where needed. if i do that tho i think i will go ahead and use 1/2" glass and put it on front and both sides....i can't seem to make up my damn mind. which i just started planning less than 24 hrs ago so thngs take time i guess :(. anyone know how i might be able to save on the heating and sump and other things needed. maybe some other DIY parts. i'm all about doing this as cheap as possible. the more i save on building and getting tank to operate - the more i have to get the fishes i want - Arowana's is what im thinking about- hopefully a breeding pair :D
 
550g. Thats a good sized tank. I would build it with 3"x3" 1/4" angle for a tank that big...maybe even thicker like 3/8". Cost is prohibitive for me right now, but that idea also came to me for some 3/8" glass I have that I found at a job site. The glass is 4'x3' and I have 4 panels. The angle steel will not only provide vertical strength but will protect the corners also. I wish I had the moneyt for the steel cuz that tank would be built already. What are you waiting for? Get the steel and start the fab! If you can run a cad program and weld...do it. The Idea is sound!
BTW...the WATER in that tank will weigh 4,587 lbs.alone, so yeah, probably not wise to put upstairs.
 
sounds good could add extra bars across horizontal or vertical to add strength
 
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Surely that ^^ bows like a xxxxxxd without anymore supports and how thick is the angle and is it all up and running and no leaks?


Steve
 
I would use 1.5" square tubing (1/8" wall) for the frame and not angle. Or do 1"x2" rectangle tubing (best option IMHO). You are also going to need much thicker glass than 1/2" for a 3.5' deep tank. 1/2" is only good for about 24" deep I think. You are going to want to check that out. I am guessing more like 1" for glass and 1.5" for acrylic, but again check that out before you make a big mistake.

Just a note: If you choose glass that is to thin and it fails, you could have large pieces of glass with the force of several hundred pounds of water flying around which could kill someone if they were near the viewing window when it fails.
 
Thats what i said^^ lol
also i think 20 to 25mm glass would be fine.

Ive priced up a 9x4.5x 32high and they recommend 15mm glass for that and thats from the manufacturer so a maximum of 25mm or 1" to you guys over there.


Steve
 
not running yet, its 2.5'' x1/8'' angle i have 2 support beams that run across the top with 5/8'' bolts. i think its plenty strong enough. Check out john ptc's poly tank and structure support.
 
if ur keeping tabs on this thread. i made a new one "metal framed tank"
has my new layout, etc..more pictures of the redesign

CHECK IT OUT!!! :headbang2:headbang2:headbang2
 
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