Stand frame is now completed, and going to Home Depot in the morning to finish the plywood/styrofoam top and a shelf for filters. Also got the suction cup holders today and starting to arrange a time for everyone to come over and help move the tank.
Starting a 500 gallon build
- Thread starter jtalley
- Start date
NICE tank! i wouldnt use a stand if you ask me..buts thats just me. cant wait til this beast is finish
Ok, stand is complete and people will be here tomorrow night to put the tank in place. Here are some pictures during the process. I can provide details about the stand if anyone is interested in strength, etc. Too tired to post all the calculations right now.
The frame is made out of single channel steel strut beams (1.625 x 1.625"), with a ~1/2" plywood top and bottom shelf, and finally a layer of 3/4" styrofoam padding to compensate for any variation in material thickness leading to slightly unlevel stand. The stand is 81.5" long, 30" wide, and 40" tall. Again for size reference, the TV in the background is 50". Also note the suction cup holders, the large box has 5 more underneath the one I opened.
This is my first stand build, let me know what you think!
The frame is made out of single channel steel strut beams (1.625 x 1.625"), with a ~1/2" plywood top and bottom shelf, and finally a layer of 3/4" styrofoam padding to compensate for any variation in material thickness leading to slightly unlevel stand. The stand is 81.5" long, 30" wide, and 40" tall. Again for size reference, the TV in the background is 50". Also note the suction cup holders, the large box has 5 more underneath the one I opened.
This is my first stand build, let me know what you think!
I decided to post some more details on the design of the frame.
Tank weight ~900 lbs
500 gallons water = 4200 lbs
Live rock in future ~ 400 lbs
Total estimated weight = 5500 lbs
Each individual leg is rated for 2700 lbs of column loading or 21,600 lbs total. Each span between the legs to rated at 1350 pounds in beam loading with a deflection of less than 0.1 inches or 16,200 lbs total. Each leg assembly is held together by two 1/2" bolts rated to 1500 lbs shear, which exceeds local loading by at least 3 times if the weight is solely on the bolt, but 2/3 of the loading is transferred through the beams for highest load, and 1/2 for lowest load.
As is, each span is holding only 460 lbs, with a maximum of 1380 lbs being supported by one leg. Giving a factor of safety of ~3 for beam loading and ~2 for the highest column loading (~3 in lowest column loading).
I am still considering any type of cross bracing to prevent rotation of the connections, and would add diagonal bracing on the sides and back.
Tank weight ~900 lbs
500 gallons water = 4200 lbs
Live rock in future ~ 400 lbs
Total estimated weight = 5500 lbs
Each individual leg is rated for 2700 lbs of column loading or 21,600 lbs total. Each span between the legs to rated at 1350 pounds in beam loading with a deflection of less than 0.1 inches or 16,200 lbs total. Each leg assembly is held together by two 1/2" bolts rated to 1500 lbs shear, which exceeds local loading by at least 3 times if the weight is solely on the bolt, but 2/3 of the loading is transferred through the beams for highest load, and 1/2 for lowest load.
As is, each span is holding only 460 lbs, with a maximum of 1380 lbs being supported by one leg. Giving a factor of safety of ~3 for beam loading and ~2 for the highest column loading (~3 in lowest column loading).
I am still considering any type of cross bracing to prevent rotation of the connections, and would add diagonal bracing on the sides and back.
I love how there is the huge tank next to the mini bowfront 
Are those cat's gonna be the livestock?
Are those cat's gonna be the livestock?
