Metal Monster 650 is it possible? in progress!

[ShabbonaJim]

Nice start.

 

[Pharaoh]

I like where this is going.

 

[joey02]

I like where this is going.

+1

 

[Tanyoberu]

Now this is interesting! I always wondered if one could just build a strong metal frame with grids on the back and sides so that thinner glass could be used on all sides saving money for the thick glass one would need for the front panel.

I'll be watching this closely. Nice work so far.

 

[cvermeulen]

Looks cool but... it looks like your window frame along with some of the strapping across the bottom is warped. Is it just me?

 

[doubledragon]

Finally graduated college, got a real job, and can finish this long awaiting project. My metal frame has been completed by myself for 7 months now and its finally going to get its guts . A Bonus at work helped me order 4 sheets of .5'' polypropolene and a 1 sheet of 3/4'' cast acrylic. Should be overkill as is the rest of the tank. You could hit it with a car and it would probably be ok. Also, plan on heat welding the seams together like JohnPTC. ****in stoked! ha...posting pics very soon.

Congrat's on the positive jumpstart.
Can't wait to see this tank full of water and fish.

 

[prcdslnc13]

Your saw horses are awesome

 

[wednesday13]

yeah, the middle bottom brace needs 2 be cut and re-welded, the heat from the other 2 braces caused it to drop a bit. Finishing up my electric this week so i can get going again. Also im hoping the glass with raise the middle bar on the front panel. There are 2 top braces that are bolt-on and i believe this will pull the top/front of the tank back to being square. I am not a professional by any means, i went to art school and learned to weld through metal sculpture. Anyway.....this is it lol i can deal with its imperfections and its always a learning experience Any ideas on pulling the top and bottom rails back to being level are much appriciated!

 

[The1and only]

For the bottom straps I would weld some angle pieces under the straps to add rigidity and help prevent the sag. to straighten out the top and bottom straps where the main viewing window is I would just put a 2x4 cut to the proper length in there and heat it with a torch. Remember to support the bottom when you do this or it could be counter productive. For the rest of the build you really need to watch the heat. Also having it on the ground and leveled with shims is much better when welding than up in the air it stresses the metal and when it becomes heat soaked it cools in not so square way when it is supported like that.

 

[vintageAquariums]

Finally have enough work done to talk about my build, need some advice from the masters, here are the Dimensions :

L108" W48" H29" (trying to get it through a door!)

Materials 2.5" x 1/8'' Steel angle frame, .5"x.5" solid square stock supports around the sides and back every 7.5", overkill i hope. I also have some removable top supports 2" x 3" box tube, each welded to a strip of 1/8"x4" for extra strength. plan on getting the frame sprayed with rhino liner or using epoxy paint.

With a steel frame what thickness of acrylic could i get away with?
im thinking 12mm cast, but the front viewing panel of the tank is only 24" x 87". i added more steel to the front to cut the cost as much as possible by using an 8ft. sheet insted of a 9ft. i overkilled again having the sides with 4.5" supporting the glass just to be safe.

Also ideas for the bottom,sides, and back . Its either wood or polypropolene

Yes, it's possible

RE: "...1/8'' Steel angle frame..."

1/8" is the thinner material, look at the 3/16", 1/4" OR THICKER

http://photobucket.com/oldtanks