Clint's 120 to 280 gallon in wall tank upgrade build thread (1 Viewer)

[GotFrogs]

My problem is that I want the front to be open and unsupported for easy loading and access for the sump. For my tank that is like a 68" span and everything I have read says that the maximum span for 1" square stock is 24". I will draft something in solidworks and see what deflection I get with a very basic FEA.

 

[GotFrogs]

So the other fun toy I bought during the black friday sales was a Bubble King Supermarin 200 Internal Protein Skimmer + RD3 Speedy pump. I really wish I could give it a test drive but don't have space for it with my current setup.

As far as equipment goes, I have everything I need with the exception of more lights and the sump.

 

[TexanReef]

That thing is prudy.

 

[GotFrogs]

So I am trying to decide on what kind of stand I want for the new tank. Here was my first attempt at designing a stand with an open sump area and a 4" overhang on the top surface to account for the wall thickness. The construction material is 3"x1.5" tube steel. As you can see in the third image, I am getting about .1" of deflection in the middle and need to make some major changes to prevent this.

Top view of original stand design.

Bottom View

FEA showing deflection

 

[jskeen]

Nice CAD work. So, would you try to build that tenth of an inch positive displacement at the center of the front rail, or just let it sag that much when full?

Or possibly build the stand flat,and cast or machine a top plate with the positive displacement?

Should I assume that is for a flat bottom glass tank, or are you allowing for a rim ?

 

[GotFrogs]

Jskeed - I will not be building the design posted above. The deflection is way to big. I need to redesign things to get the deflection under .02".

 

[kgk]

Jskeed - I will not be building the design posted above. The deflection is way to big. I need to redesign things to get the deflection under .02".

Did you try it with 2" steel? The open space in the front would be huge for serviceability but you're right, it's a pretty big span.
You probably want to add an "X" structure across the back and sides for rack prevention. The welds are pretty strong but it's a common practice. Personally I'd be OK with it as-is but only because we're not in earthquake country.

 

[GotFrogs]

Currently it is made out if 3"X11.5" rectangular tube stock. I don't recall the wall thickness.

 

[kgk]

Ah yep reaf that wrong. I saw 1.5" for some reason.

 

[GotFrogs]

More planning/CAD work!
View from the back/Fish Room

Side view

 

[GotFrogs]

After dealing with all of the comotion of my sick fish, I finall got to work on one of my scheduled projects. I finished up the duct work for my air exchanger.

Duct running from air filter to exterior eave of house.

 

[GotFrogs]

I think I have finalized my sump design and am ready to pull the trigger and order it. What do you guys think? Any suggestions?
PDF Drawing of Sump

 

[Reefahholic]

Looking great guys!

I love those green slimers. I must have one.

 

[GotFrogs]

Sump ordered!

 

[GotFrogs]

Today I ordered 120 pounds of BRS Pukani Dry Rock and finally got the 10V apex interface adapter for my return pump that I ordered online back on Black Friday!

 

[Reefahholic]

Nice!

 

[RR-MAN]

So jealous!!!!

I was not impressed with the Pukani dry rock. It looks great, and very easy to scape but the pieces were too big and round. I guess it can be cut with a saw and masonry blade.

 

[GotFrogs]

What size tank were you using it in? All of the reviews I came across were very positive. I plan on doing all of my aquascaping prior to adding water so if I am not happy with the look I can change things out with out much trouble. I already have some large plate/slabs of dry rock that I also plan on using.

 

[RR-MAN]

My tank was 63x33 (200/g).


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[RR-MAN]

My tank was 63x33 (200/g).

I completed the scape before adding water. I also didn't like the porosity. It's nice to have porous rock but this was too porous. Over time detritus builds up in the crevices regardless of how good of a flow pattern you have in the tank. All just RRMANs opinion.

You are doing it right. Make sure you have with the scape before adding water.