New 150 shallow reef

Kammetal · Jun 3, 2017

Picked up a new toy yesterday! 150 shallow . It has a steel stand its rusting at certain areas and the screws are brown wondering if i should replace them? Im also looking to see what i should put between the top of the stand and the tank. I know there is levelling mats. I plan on making a center rockmass, that comes out of the water. The mountain will also be home to a couple small land crabs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]

Kammetal · Jun 3, 2017

tested for leaks and cleaned off the giant frag rack. I was worried about bowing but its not to bad....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]

Kammetal · Jun 3, 2017

I plan on dropping the stand off monday to be powder coated in orange to go along with the apex system. Im going with powder coat to protect the steel from rusting.

jboone82590 · Jun 3, 2017

Kammetal said:
I plan on dropping the stand off monday to be powder coated in orange to go along with the apex system. Im going with powder coat to protect the steel from rusting.

Great idea. I recommend to anyone to powder coat.
Me and my buddy built steel stands at the same time he powder coated and I did not. His looks brand new and mine looks like it's been under water for a year lol

Kammetal · Jun 4, 2017

wow sanding is a ton of work! went 500,800,1000,1200,1500, 2000 grit.... followed by in between wipes and hose downs. Got to buff the front with novus 2 turned out ok some scratched still but will work on it

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

All done buffing not 100% but not bad. Its been alot of work. Dropped off the the stand to be powder coated

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/
Tank is filled for a vinegar bath!

[IMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170605/6b21d5d2e0a1b88264a8e0b089cd42e8.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

Trying to figure out the plan for the tank to be placed on the stand. I currently have a 3/4" plywood underneath wondering if i should add foam on top any suggestions?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Husker · Jun 5, 2017

Those are sweet dimensions on that tank. The center island that comes out of the water will look really neat surrounded by corals. I would add foam on top of the plywood stand with that rimless acrylic. Better safe than sorry.

Mind saying a ball park figure on powder coating costs? I am building a steel stand and I was just planning on adding a few coats of paint. Powder coat looks nice, though.

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

well so far they said 200 but will let me know[emoji45], depends on how much work its going to take to remove the existing coat. I was thinking this this for foam?https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/297882-humane-4-x-6-x-3-4-rubber-cow-mat.html

Husker · Jun 5, 2017

That's not too bad to prevent long term rusting issues.

I'm not an expert on under tank mat selection, as I've always had rimmed tanks, so I'll defer that question to other experts.

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

ahhhh and the next battle.....how to plumb this thing! going to need help!

justingraham · Jun 5, 2017

Husker said:
Those are sweet dimensions on that tank. The center island that comes out of the water will look really neat surrounded by corals. I would add foam on top of the plywood stand with that rimless acrylic. Better safe than sorry.

Mind saying a ball park figure on powder coating costs? I am building a steel stand and I was just planning on adding a few coats of paint. Powder coat looks nice, though.

I searched this thread twice for actual dimensions are you just saying it looks sweet or am I completely blind?

Also what is the size of this tank?

Husker · Jun 5, 2017

I was just eyeballing the dimensions haha

justingraham · Jun 5, 2017

Husker said:
I was just eyeballing the dimensions haha

Ok I'm not blind

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

its 5ft x3ft i believe 150 gallons

Kammetal · Jun 5, 2017

I am a little concerned there is not top bracing? i have searched google and seen open top aquariums with out bracing but will this cause problems down the line?

Husker · Jun 6, 2017

I am no engineer, but with how shallow it is I think it would be fine. On a taller tank there would be more torque on the seems (torque takes radius into account). Those are also pretty thick walls, and you said you didn't see any bowing.