Steel instead of timber?

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waynes world

waynes world

Candiru
MFK Member
Oct 12, 2010
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North Manchester UK
Still planning on this 800g tank, i mite of missed on a few threads but,

What do all you monster tank diyers think of using say 1.5inch with 1/8 wall square box section steel, instead of timber as the frame then line with ply and fibreglass to seal.

Can rust in time yes but if treated correctly wouldlast aslong as wood..then again longer, i know a lad who can even galvanise it :)

From my reckonings it would need less bracing etc.

So what you think?


wayne:)
 
I have looked into this as I have the same idea for a 6'x3'x2.5H tank with a 1.5" bent metal frame to hold plywood in place. for all the welding and cleaning up I was priced $410. And to powder coat, rust protection, it was another $80. My concept would only place the front face of the glass against the metal(thick bead of silicon as gasket to pad and seal). My concern is that a small imperfection in the metal could create a pressure point! I also thought aluminum to keep the weight down but it was more expensive. I know nothing of metal work and can hold my own with wood so it would seem to be the cheaper (DIY) option.
 
BadOleRoss;4595032; said:
I would want to see a plan before I gave an uninformed opinion. The steel would need to be outside of the tank to support the glass. Galvanized steel is harmful to fish if it was inside the tank....
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As said the frame is lined with ply then grp so no metal in the tank.

You could build the whole thing out of steel if designed and coated properly. Just need a welding machine a good chuck of change for material steel isn't cheap.
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Had that idea but very expensive and i can get cheap steel.

I have looked into this as I have the same idea for a 6'x3'x2.5H tank with a 1.5" bent metal frame to hold plywood in place. for all the welding and cleaning up I was priced $410. And to powder coat, rust protection, it was another $80. My concept would only place the front face of the glass against the metal(thick bead of silicon as gasket to pad and seal). My concern is that a small imperfection in the metal could create a pressure point! I also thought aluminum to keep the weight down but it was more expensive. I know nothing of metal work and can hold my own with wood so it would seem to be the cheaper (DIY) option.
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So not just me then:)

I can do all the welding myself and get free off cuts for the short lengths so i will just need to buy the long 9 foot lengths, maybe the 5 foot aswell, depends who i sweet talk:)

If i can i will do a sketch of the plan and post up, no good on the PC tech stuff.

thanks

wayne
 
Not sure if .065 wall would do the trick, really depends on your spacing and welding technique. I know we use 1 1/2" S/S tube of that thickness for saltwater stands but they're only holding about 300 gallons. The beautiful thing about using metal tubing is you could incorporate some really heavy duty levelling legs, either the insert style or the flush plate style. Was thinking about using steel myself instead of lumber, until I realized I had to build the tank onsite. Couldn't see myself welding away in my finished basement. If you have access to a variety of steel I'd personally go with the .100 wall for that size.
 
Just make sure the welds are good and load design is adequate and steel is plenty strong. Coat it with something to waterproof seal it i.e. primer/paint or powder coat.


And I would recommend a piece foam between the metal and the tank to prevent any pressure points.
 
Search "MetalMonster650" on here and my tank should come up...Still no pics updated since its been full but they are to come. Its been running for a couple months now. I list all materials and sizes used. You can see the amount of bracing aswell. If i could do it again i would use square stock tubing instead of angle for the main frame because i battled some isues with warping in my frame. Wood vs. Metal- not even a question, Metal wins every time. IMO....good luck...glad to see some more metal heads out there ha
 
wednesday13;4622839; said:
Search "MetalMonster650" on here and my tank should come up...Still no pics updated since its been full but they are to come. Its been running for a couple months now. I list all materials and sizes used. You can see the amount of bracing aswell. If i could do it again i would use square stock tubing instead of angle for the main frame because i battled some isues with warping in my frame. Wood vs. Metal- not even a question, Metal wins every time. IMO....good luck...glad to see some more metal heads out there ha
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Hi there mate, i have been trying to find the post but nothing, i mite be doing something wrong, if you can can you out a link up to it please.

For the braces U channel will be best i think as box section can rust internaly fast but with channel it will be fine.


thanks wayne.
 
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