Starting a 500 gallon build
- Thread starter jtalley
- Start date
The cross bracing isn't there right now, but I will put it on before I test fill it. Its sturdy as is, but going to do cross bracing on all the small sections minus the front 3.
I ordered the bracing materials today. The tank does not have any play moving left to right because the plywood is screwed into the metal at several points, so the main play is forward and back (obviously the worst type).
The bracing will be the same steel material, with opposite diagonal bracing on the sides and then a /\/ shape across the three in back.
The next trick will be getting into and more importantly out of the tank. Roughly 2 feet between the top of the tank and the ceiling, so I know I can slide in, but I am more worried about getting out. I think I have a way worked out with suction cups as steps..but I'm still working on that point.
The bracing will be the same steel material, with opposite diagonal bracing on the sides and then a /\/ shape across the three in back.
The next trick will be getting into and more importantly out of the tank. Roughly 2 feet between the top of the tank and the ceiling, so I know I can slide in, but I am more worried about getting out. I think I have a way worked out with suction cups as steps..but I'm still working on that point.
I cut and installed one of the side braces today, it makes a huge difference. That side will not move forward at all now. I will get the other side brace cut and installed tomorrow, but that will probably be it on this tank for about a week. My in-laws will be here all next week, so the final bracing, cleaning and water check will probably have to wait till after that.
I am also playing around with finishing ideas. If I can find some pre-made doors that I like I will probably go ahead and skin the stand over the next month of so.
I am also playing around with finishing ideas. If I can find some pre-made doors that I like I will probably go ahead and skin the stand over the next month of so.
an interesting diy filter you could consider is the algae filter. Its a simple filter with algae consuming up the excess nutrients in the water. Its cheap to maintain and only need to clean it about once a week and uses lights to grow the algae. a 24"x12" or a 24"x24" could do it.
just to put a thought out there.
just to put a thought out there.
