Steel frame specifications

[Tobes]

Hi Guys, is there a thread on Masa somewhere that has a formula to work out what size square tubing needs to be used to support a specific tank size/weight?
Or if one of you guys know it perhaps?

Thanx

 

[OCELLARIS]

hi tobes are you gonna DIY the structure

 

[Tobes]

hi tobes are you gonna DIY the structure

Yes, I wanna build it myself - I can weld anything

 

[OCELLARIS]

i too will be tackling this later on myself, i have square metal tubing, not too sure if it 20mm x 20mm or 25mm x 25mm
what size tank have you got

 

[Tobes]

I'm still planning it. Don't want to go too big like a 6 or 8 foot, was thinking of a 1300L x 800W x 600H with a full width(800) overflow and have the 2 1300 sides and the 1 800 side for viewing. One of the small sides will be against the wall. The reason for 1300 is 100mm will be for the overflow so I won't loose water volume and for the standard 4 foot (1200) tank that I wanna use as a sump. Should fit nicely underneath. Still thinking about it though...

 

[leslie hempel]

what size tank?

 

[Tobes]

what size tank?

Must have posted 2gether, a 1300L x 800W x 600H. Also at the bottom of the frame will be a 4 foot sump and all the equipment.

 

[OCELLARIS]

dont rush yourself, take it easy and plan yourself well, ive been planning
my tank for month and its taking shape slowly, ive been to my LFS and seen the stands they have and it is the same size as my tubes, tell me how will you cut your tubes? with a saw or a grinding disc?

 

[leslie hempel]

my suggestion is 38 x 38 x 2mm square tubing

 

[Wetty]

sorry to hijack the thread. But iv got a 1000mm ( actual water volume is 900mm) x 490mm x 490mm tank thats gona be set up soon..and i needa build a stand, cant find a stand for it.


Was thinking of 32x32x2mm tubing?

 

[OCELLARIS]

when i get home im gonna measure up my tubing with accuracy just incase...

 

[lindsay pollard]

SPOT on Leslie 38 x38 mm square tubing is more than strong enough,just remember to weld cross braces in as well for more support and stability A 4 AWAY

 

[Mekaeel]

Agree with Les, 38*38, rather be safe than sorry

 

[Tobes]

I will use at least 38 x 38 then. Thanks guys. I got a cut-off grinder to cut 90deg and 45deg for the corners
I'm not in any hurry, will plan this one thoroughly. I want to make it safe, user friendly and get the best equipment I can afford for it, even if it takes me 2 years.

I will take pics of all progress and post when I set everything up - could be a few months or so. I know how you guys like pics

PS: Not moving to JHB for now, decided to stay. Wanted another tank anyway, so the selling of my previous one was not in vain

Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HenkHugo]

mmmmmm.... my 2.5 is on 74mm sq tubing thats been galvanized and powdercoated

 

[Andreas]

can you powercoat over galvanised steel?

 

[Tony]

Don't be shy with the thickness. Rather too much than too little

 

[HenkHugo]

yea you can

 

[leslie hempel]

cool dude just remember to drill adequate holes if you intend on galvanising....

 

[Tobes]

Wouldn't an angle iron frame be better? It is cheaper than square tubing I think. Heard that in time square tubing rusts from the inside. It won't look that bad if it's painted and it's going to be covered anyway. What you guys think?