Prattreef tank build

[prattreef]

Here are few shots of my brand new iron stand 95% complete. The work is being done right here on campus by recent Pratt grad (and fellow hobbyist) Leo Ostrawski.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

wow. great stand.

what are the dimensions Randy?

 

[masterswimmer]

Randy beautiful work. Are you planning to protect the steel with a rust inhibitor? You know how salt creep can damage steel :wink1:

Russ

 

[cali_reef]

Wow! that is one HD stand..

Decided on a sump yet? Those 45 deg braces will make putting in a long glass sump difficult.

 

[prattreef]

8' x 2' x 33" This kid is doing an amazing job. I'll just add a removeable wood facade and have near total access to the sump. RD

 

[scarf_ace1981]

I'll just add a removeable wood facade and have near total access to the sump. RD

that a way. like the way you think.

 

[prattreef]

Russ, we will be coating the stand when it is finished.. not sure with what Rustoleum?

Cali, he did bracing to allow a sump to be slid into the ends. I'm probably going with a 75g. aquarium wich is 18" wide and there is 20+ " clearance.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

here i am trying to upgrade to the biggest tank possible(75 or 90) and your using it as sump. good grief. :wink:

 

[cali_reef]

75 gallon is a good size.. planty of space on the side for other equipment.

 

[prattreef]

Pierce it is nice to hear an engineer refer this as heavy duty I'll sleep better at night. He warned me he had a tendancy to overbuild.... which sounded like a good idea to me.

 

[masterswimmer]

Rustoleum should work fine.
I like the forethought that you put into it. I also saw the sump being slid in from the end.

That thing looks ready to hold up a :tank:

swimmer

 

[cali_reef]

Two coats of rustoleum will not do much if the stand gets wet all the time. My water holding drum stand is all rusted after about 5 years with just two coats.

 

[prattreef]

Any other suggestions?

 

[cali_reef]

That stand with some solid decking can double as a tornado shelter:lol:.
The weld seams should be grind smooth on the top and bottom surfaces before you lay down the plywood. You don't want to create high spots that can potentially crack a tank.

 

[cali_reef]

Maybe three or four coats of epoxy based paint?

 

[masterswimmer]

Any other suggestions?

Powder coating is another way.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

up the # of coats or cover the stand w/ wood?

wouldn't we need another fund raiser to powder coat that thing?

 

[prattreef]

All will be considered thanks. Cali, some of the welds haven't been sanded yet-- this baby is dead level and really quite a piece of craftsmanship... we train our kids well here

 

[cali_reef]

I think powder coating something this large won't be easy and most local places can't do it well enough for salt water protection.

The key is to provide a none porous coating so the moisture can't contact the iron stand. I think a few thick coats of epoxy paint should last a while.

 

[masterswimmer]

IDEA!!!!!!

Cali, what about the rubber coatings that Home Depot sells that you can dip the handles of tools in? I forgot what its called. But it is a rubber base. I'd think that would provide a great moisture barrier.

Your thoughts?