My 1st 180 build

[jahnje]

I've got a local company willing to sell me the materials pre-cut for ~$300, and pre-built for ~$350-400. Almost not worth my time to DIY. So did you only recess the long beams? That's what it looks like. Which would turn those 2 long 2x4's into 71-15/16. And the short 2x4's untouched at 21-7/16. As for the location of the spans, I don't have the tank yet, so I don't know the placement.
You have no bottom spans below the lower shelf correct?

 

[Chris8232]

I've got a local company willing to sell me the materials pre-cut for ~$300, and pre-built for ~$350-400. Almost not worth my time to DIY. So did you only recess the long beams? That's what it looks like. Which would turn those 2 long 2x4's into 71-15/16. And the short 2x4's untouched at 21-7/16. As for the location of the spans, I don't have the tank yet, so I don't know the placement.
You have no bottom spans below the lower shelf correct?

Yes only the top two recessed. You could just center the top braces and put a peace of plywood or star board on top to set the tank on expanding the load. The bottom has no bracing. I just notched 3/4" plywood then applied liquid plastic. So quoted $600 steel/ build with no paint or plywood? I'll build you one for cheaper just pick it up in FL! Think my rough math was 163 pounds built, $180 in steel and 3~ hours labor.

 

[jahnje]

LOL, no about ~$350 total built, steel only. Materials and labor. I'm in the boonies in the midwest here, so I bet steel prices are a higher. Plywood I've got. I come up with over 300 pounds built, well at least if I was going to order the steel online. hmmm... It's probably closer to ~250 in materials w/o labor thrown in. Have to see what the official quote is in a bit. But If i've got to cut it myself I'll have to get a cheap metal chopsaw. 'cause me and the sawzall aren't that good. I generally just stick stuff together, and haven't had a lot of need for numerous good cuts. I'm generally just tacking a muffler or tractor bucket back on.

 

[Chris8232]

Maybe it was 263 pounds? That was six months ago,I know it was heavy. I'm in construction we do some steel fence and hand rails so I've got all the equipment available. Free delivery and discounted material because of volume we purchase yearly. If you got a quote for 350 I would go for it. Generally we charge 100 to 150 an hour for welding.

 

[jahnje]

Right, they charge 50/hr. I've got a grinder, and a mig welder, and drill press , but never needed anything else, but I do love to weld. Probably one of my favorite building activities. I think because it's generally quiet and dry...

 

[Chris8232]

Awesome, thanks. Yeah, if you want to attach a sketch I'll take it. No sense in me having to re-think the same thoughts someone else already has.

Here you go.. You'll notice I'm 1 1/2" over the tank glass mesurements. That is because to leave a 1/2" reveal I had to compensate for the tanks bracing (black plastic trim) roughly 1/4" thick.

Cut list
2 - 2"×2"@69 1/2"
4 - 2"×2"@41"
2 - 2"×2"@21 1/2"
2 - 2"×4"@72"
4 - 2"×4"@21 1/2"
4 - 1/8"×3/4"×2"
4 - 1/8"×2"×2"

Rough sketch attached. Don't judge me!

 

[jahnje]

Awesome! Our cut lists match! I based mine off of what i could find on their website which used 7/16" in place of 1/4" Which is no real difference. I also guessed wrong at the height of the bottom off the ground, so will move that up an inch or two. I see that 3-1/2" is just enough to get your hand under there. And I don't judge. Half the greatest projects in the world wouldn't exist without chicken scratches on the back of a beer or coffee stained napkin.

 

[Chris8232]

I ended up moving the copper band to the 60. Got rid of the Achilles.

Current stock 25

Mimic
Purple
Hippo
Fox
******
Square
Lyretail
Chromis 6
Bullet
Cleaner 2
Tusk
Parrot
Corse
Peppermint
Radiant
Chisel tooth
Leopard
Solaris
Yellowtail
Skunk 4
Blood

 

[Chris8232]

Niger trigger.Post was edited.

 

[Chris8232]

 

[Chris8232]

Set up the Aquatic life hybrid with two 52hds. Gotta pick up a third.

 

[jahnje]

looks really good! I just got my tank in on tuesday, and am filling it now. My wife said the stand was too tall, but climbing under it today while fixing the some minor plumbing leaks. I'm going to go with it's perfect. Thanks for all of the design help.

 

[Chris8232]

looks really good! I just got my tank in on tuesday, and am filling it now. My wife said the stand was too tall, but climbing under it today while fixing the some minor plumbing leaks. I'm going to go with it's perfect. Thanks for all of the design help.

Thanks, congratulations on your new tank.

 

[Chris8232]

Had to build a cover for the stand. The little one will be walking soon.

 

[Chris8232]

Clearwater 200 algae scrubber.
40watt UV.

 

[Chris8232]

Weaning myself off the bio pellets