Sliding Frag Tray

revhtree · Feb 17, 2009

This may be a stupid idea and one that can't be done, but with my new tank coming, I got to thinking.

I am not going to be able to plumb my new 240g to my garage, and to be honest I don't want to right now at this point. So I was thinking is there any kinda sliding tray system that could handle a small frag tank?

I was kinda thinking of a tray that the frag tank sits on and then it slides out with a pull and then you manually flip two legs out or something to support the weight. Why would I want this? Well because I like having the frag tank plumbed into the system, and when I had my other frag tank under the stand there was no way to take good pics. This way I could pull it out and snap some pics.

Like I said, I may be dreaming here, so lets here the verdict.

ARB_REEFER · Feb 17, 2009

this is very possible. they make sliding bearings, made for drawers, you would have to have a shelf on top of the bearings, then the tank on top of the shelf. that would solve the sliding issue. as for the support issue, i would just put a 2-4 cut length wise to size under it, only when you pull it out...if this isnt very descriptive, let me know and i will try to make something on paint for you.

macawmagic · Feb 17, 2009

being an engineer/architecture student...I would say it's deff possible, just a matter of time and money to get it working right. If I ever do my upgrade something like that would be nice for me too! One thing I would think of would be the plumbing. but i'm sure you could easily use some vinyl tubing to solve that.

I'm sure there's drawer slides somewhere that could support the weight of a frag tank without using any extra support. You would just have to find them and shell out the big bucks for them. If you figure it out, please post something as I'd be interested in case I ever upgrade to the 250 that I want!

jimmybling31 · Feb 17, 2009

depends on the size of the tank, but yes you could. be hard though and cost dough

ARB_REEFER · Feb 17, 2009

i dont think it would be hard, nor cost much. message me if you want more info.

JuniorMC8704 · Feb 17, 2009

they make crazy strong drawer slides for commercial applications that could support several hundred pounds i imagine. this would eliminate the need for legs. or perhaps even extending the tank out only half way. even half way would be good enough for pics i would imagine.

JuniorMC8704 · Feb 17, 2009

google heavy duty drawer slides, i have found ones that will support any range, even up to 1500 lbs

ReefArtist · Feb 17, 2009

This is very easy and you can do it without spending much at all.

Make the drawer slides out of wood. Make the bottom slide out of 2x2 or 2x4 and then the piece of plywood to hold the tank (I would use 3/4+ plywood) and then the top slide I would again use 2x2 or 2x4. When you pull it out two legs release (use standard door hinges) for support. Every easy and cheap. I would however put a stop on the wood sliders so you would not inadvertently slide it out to far - that would be very bad!

revhtree · Feb 18, 2009

Awesome news!

I would be interested to see what you could come up with CT Football.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

revhtree · Feb 18, 2009

How about something like this? I would love to do it without a support under neath the tray.

http://www.amazon.com/Drawer-Slide-Extension-Heavy-Capacity/dp/B0009ODZMM

revhtree · Feb 18, 2009

Now I am thinking I could do like a 2-3 tier frag system that flowed down from the top. They would just pull out like little drawers tucked away in my stand. I could use low profile T-5 fixtures that would not take up to much room and do tanks only about 12" deep. My new stand is going to be 32" wide 40" tall and 72" long.