MTS - Multiple Tank Stand??

[vince0]

You know your suffering from MTS when it starts to stand for many things lol. My fish have been breeding like crazy lately but I do not (currently) have the facilities to raise fry or even offer them a chance of survival. After so many months of watching breeding behavior, and dreaming about raising the fry, I started to make plans for a stand that would allow me to have storage, and hold a few breeder tanks. Since i already had a ten gallon, and ten was really as small as i wanted to go, I started to incorporate a few into my design. But Alas i knew ten gallon tanks would only do so many species, and anything bigger or with larger tank requirements would just not do. So I started looking at various breeder tanks in the 20 gallon range and realized that two 20 gallon long tanks had more or less the same length as three 10 gallon tanks.

My plan was almost ready to put down on paper.

My next step was to call my engineer father over for coffee and get him into the idea of building this stand out of wood. We did a few rough drafts and discussed properties of wood as well structural integrity and many other things. I have to say, father-son time can be pretty cool when you get into the mid-twenties! After a few hours, my dad left with a rough draft that he was going to get his buddies to check out and possibly give him more ideas (Engineers like to get other Engineers to check out their work i guess?)

So my dad emailed me some plans he'd drawn out for the basic frame of the stand, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he'd actually went to the trouble of autocading it all out! (i attached it to this post, it'll be a the bottom)

I gave him a quick call last weekend, and we got started on the build. I have to say, it is way more labour intensive to do things the right way, but the finished product is much nicer (so my dad says).

First thing first was to get the first round of supplies, 14 2x4's and a slew of bolts... yeah thats right! Bolts! My Dad's design will be bolted together! He designed it this way so that i could take down this monster of a stand when i have to move in a couple years.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290003c.jpg

We then laid out the pieces to make a "dry fit" and give us a rough idea of what the stand will look like, as well as do some rough measurment on the 4 outter pillars of the stand.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290005c.jpg

The next part was to cut those 14 2x4's into the 22 pieces of the basic frame. Which was probably the fastest step of the whole process (so far)

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290006c.jpg

And then came the long and tedious task of measuring where all the bolts holes will go, as well as making first rounds of holes. the exterior sides of the stand had to have bores made prior to the holes so that the plow bolts are recessed, which he says will look nicer.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290007c.jpg

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290008c.jpg

We got most of the measurements done that day, most of the bores, and some of the starter holes and then packed her in. It took us close to three hours but everything matches perfectly.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P8290009c.jpg

That's the end for this post. Ill have more pics in a couple weeks as this build progresses.

[Dan_G_Calgary]

Looking good Vince! Can't wait to see the finished product, and some fishie fry tanks!

[CACAdmin]

In my opinion, furniture of any kind which can be taken apart and reassembled are the best. I rarely move but the few times I have, it has made things so much easier.

Thanks for sharing the details of the project with us (including the drawings). I'm looking forward to seeing this stand project through to completion. :yes:

[vince0]

Living vicariously through other people eh jay?

[CACAdmin]

Living vicariously through other people eh jay?
:yes: ... and I can dream of what I could do if I had a bigger place and a workshop.

[vince0]

yeah having a father with a well equiped workshop is very handy, and i work in a shop that does alot of steel fabrication, so its very cost efficient for me to do it either way.

For this stand i wanted more of a finished product because of the location the stand will be occupying in my house. When i finally get my 180 over here, that stand will be made out of metal. With finished magnetic wood panelling for easy removal :) I just love having show tanks lol

[CACAdmin]

Can't wait to see that stand you plan on making for the 180. It sounds really cool.:waycool:

[vince0]

Hi everyone,

My dad and I got together on thursday and got a little further. The front and back frame sections are almost complete. I have to say this stand is pretty fricken huge. 7ft tall almost 6ft wide and 2ft deep. Im getting very excited to start loading it with fish tanks!

Heres some pics from thursday

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P9090010c.jpg

As you can see the central pillars are still missing.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P9090012c.jpg

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P9090011c.jpg

[Dan_G_Calgary]

looking good Vince. You're going to have to reach those top tanks with a ladder like I do! haha!

[vince0]

The highest tanks will be at 4ish feet, but yeah I got a small step ladder to make things easier on myself

[Kimr]

Wow, thats great! Looking fwd to seeing it completed with tanks on it.

[vince0]

My father and I have been busy over the last few weeks. The stand should be ready for paint tomorrow, and will be put into operation in the next few weeks (hopefully). Unfortunatly, my father will be going for eye surgery on tuesday and will not be able to work on this project while he heals, so a few of the finishing touches will be a while coming, most notably the doors to the storage area.

Heres so pictures to keep you folks happy.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/PA070021c.jpg

The frame is complete, we will be adding all the shelves and exterior panels (minus the front ones) tomorrow. (And that is my thumb in the corner, I was using my dads camera but its still no excuse :P)

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/PA070025c.jpg

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/PA070024c.jpg

All exterior bolts are recessed so that they will not be protruding when the stand is complete.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/PA070022c.jpg

The interior bolts were all cut off so that they would nut extend past the nuts. This was also done on the exterior bolts.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/PA070026c.jpg

This is me with my stand. I stand at 6'1", so this thing is huge! I'm getting more and more excited every day. And with our local club annoucing a yearlong breeding competition, it couldn't come at a better time! The fun part of setting up the tanks is coming soon!

[CACAdmin]

That's going to be quite the stand. Looks fantastic. I love the idea of the recessed bolts.

[Cowboychris]

Looks Awesome!!! can't wait to see with all the tanks on it

[Kimr]

Your stand is definitely put together with craftmanship, its awesome. It will be fun setting it up.

Are you painting it, staining it????

[vince0]

both actually. the frame, shelves, rear and side panels will be painted black. The bottom storage doors will be stained, as well as the light shades. Last night we managed to get the last of the pieces cut for the side panels, and the plywood was added to the shelves. We took it apart after that, it comes apart in 8 pieces so far. The shelves all come apart as a unit, the side post assemblies come out as a unit with the cross pieces. AT this piont i will be painting it, which should take a couple weeks and cutting the final pieces to close off the back. Which will let me set up the stand in its final location.

[Kimr]

well it certainly will look great once its done, I think its neat your doing both staining and painting. its great that its designed to come apart for easy manteling and dismanteling.

[vince0]

yes it is, the reason why it was designed this way was because i currently don't own my house, im just renting. So when the time comes to buy a house, i wanted it to be able to make it through a door, and into a normal sized vehicle, such as a pick up or mininvan

[CACAdmin]

Smart thinking. Although I don't move often, I do rent and therefore refuse to own anything large that doesn't break down into smaller pieces for transport.

[vince0]

Painting has commenced! Over the next couple of weeks ill get the frame/shelves painted and the backing pieces. Then my father and I will finish up the removable side panels as well as the light shades. The nice part about doing it this way is that ill be able to set up tanks prior to finishing the build. I just need more tanks!

[CACAdmin]

I just need more tanks! The way tanks seem to find their way to you, I don't think that'll be a problem. :wink:

[vince0]

So I finished painting the stand last night. I put it back together today so that i could get my measurements for the backing peices. I couldn't help myself and did a test fit with 3 10 gallon tanks i had kicking around. Im getting really eager to get these tanks started.

heres apic

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020190.jpg

[Cowboychris]

That Looks Awesome!!!!

[vince0]

Thanks, there's still so much work to do on the stand, but now I can get the tanks ready and maybe even get one started on the weekend

[CACAdmin]

The stand looks great! You have the perfect spot for it too, I see.

[Namor]

Great job Vince. :TipMyHat2U: I agree with Jay, that's an outSTANDing location. :yes:

[vince0]

The location was part of the plan, although now that its in there, my plan for removeable side panels for easy access is kinda thrown out the window. Theres only 6 inches on each side! Im going to build them anyways for future use... since i rent my house, i know im not going to be there forever, so when i finally move, the panels will come in handy. The first tank should be started this sunday. The first inhabitants will be either a pair of fundulopanchax gardneri or fundulopanchax sjoestedti as well as a pair of white cheeked gobies. I have so much painting to do! between all the tanks that need back grounds, as well as the staining and painting of the remaining pieces of the stand. Im going to be busy for another month or so...

[vince0]

Another busy night tonight. I got all my power bars and timers put on. The side panels got started. I used 2 sided tape to temporarily join the various pieces while i was making sure all the spacing was ok. Heres a pic

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020218.jpg

Also the magnets were installed in the stand.

First I had to drill the holes to fit the magnet cups into

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020218.jpg

Then the cups went in

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020214.jpg

They were then secured to the stand.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020216.jpg

And finally the magnets go in.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020217.jpg

This is the most updated picture of the stand. I put down a piece of cabinet lining underneath the tanks to allow for better drying capabilities when I spill water

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020210.jpg

As you can see the light is mounted, as well as the backing pieces.

At this point, the stand no longer needs to be moved and ill be starting to set up tanks on it. I started painting my first tank tonight, tomorrow ill be washing gravel and getting said tank ready for the first inhabitants. Ive got 2m/2f wc white cheeked gobies waiting for me to pick up at one of the LFS. I tihnk im gonna do that wed/thurs depending on how cloudy my water is.

Here's a pic of the tank drying... just for kicks

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020227.jpg

From this point on the progress will probably slow down. Ill be slowly assembling the side panels over the next two weeks while my dad assembles the storage area doors. Theres still some painting and staining to do. And theres also the light shades to purchase/build. Ill keep you guys posted. Hope you enjoyed!

[CACAdmin]

It looks great. You do realize that when you're done, people are likely going to try to recruit you to build a stand for them. :wink:

[vince0]

I got the plans drawn and put on a PDF file for anyone looking to recreate the build. Thats as close to helping anyone as im getting, between my father and I, we have over 100 hours of work and were not done yet. The cost so far, is about $300 including the lights, power bars and timer. What I like about this build is that its not only functional, but also esthetically pleasing, or it will be once its done lol

[CACAdmin]

That's a lot of work but well worth it once it's completed. You'll be glad to have put the time and money into what will be both a highly functional and beautiful stand. That's awesome that you're willing to share the plans.

[vince0]

part of the reason why i did get the plans done on autocad is that i couldn't find any good clean well drawn out plans on the internet. Most of the people building racking systems were just wingin' it, so I thought it would be a good idea. They plans are just for the frame of the stand. If anyone is interested, I can prolly get plans drawn up for the remainder of the side panels and such, but I thought those were pretty straight forward. I'm not really much of a wood worker and even I thought it was pretty simple but if anyone needs guidance your more than welcome to ask.

[Xiph]

The stand looks great, can't wait to see it filled up with tanks.

[vince0]

So this weekend I finally got the side panels all glued and fitted so that they come on and off really easy. Ill be mounting the missing magnet pieces to the panels sometime this week. I'll start staining/painting on monday when I get back from vacation.

I also purchased the 2 20gallon long tanks last night and they fit perfectly where I wanted them.

And finally, I learned that spray paint needs to be applied at a minimum temperature of 15C. When I put on the second coat of paint on 2 of my 10 gallon tanks last night at a temperature of 2C, the new coat lifted the old coat and gave me some aweful results. I had to remove the old paint from the tanks and reapply. That is more work in itself than I thought. I still have one tank to redo. It would appear that I have to get these tanks painted inside to get good results now. If I didn't like snowboarding so much, I'd be real mad at winter creeping up and my garage is getting too cold to work in comfortably. I may also start looking for a propane heater.

[CACAdmin]

What a bummer having to redo the tanks. I would never have thought that the 2nd coat at a low temperature would have that effect. Watch those fumes when spray painting inside. :Worried:

[vince0]

yeah i know, the fumes from painting my 120 inside were horrible, I had to take a break halfway through.

And after painting lots of tanks, this was the first I experienced of this. I guess its all part of the learning equation. The paint comes off farily easy, its just a pain. But now i know why they recomend painting at 15C or higher. Always read the label kids, theres a reason why they put them on there.

[vince0]

Update Time!

Even though I haven't been posting much, its not because I've been sitting here doing nothing. In actuality, It feels like I've been running around non-stop doing fish stuff for the last few months. Don't get me wrong, I love it and wouldn't give it up for the world. I just thought that I should point it out :)

First off, me and my dad finished fitting the side panels onto the stand. They got glued and then had to have some pieces trimmed so that they would fit into the stand easily. I also mounted the remaining magnet peaces and for the most part they work great. I may have countersunk a few of them a little too deep and they are having issues connecting on some of the peaces. Ill be getting my dad back over to help me fix my inexperinced workmanship. I guess it's all part of the learning experience. I also finished painting all the tanks that are going on the stand, sorted out my air system, and installed the second light unit onto the stand. At this point, I just have the light shades to figure out and the storage doors to mount. As well as stain/paint all the side panels, light shades, and doors. I also have to purchase 2 heaters and 2 glass tops for the last 10 gallons. Oh, I almost forgot about the gravel too, Ill be buying 2 bags of fluorite and 1 more bag of fine dark river gravel. After that I should be pretty much done buying stuff for this project and in full set up mode. I have to say, I kind of timed everythign perfect and will have all the tanks set up by the time the new killi eggs arrive.

Heres an updated pic of the stand

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/P1020252.jpg

Thanks for watching

[CACAdmin]

Looks fantastic. A really professional looking job. As for the magnets, it could be that they are recessed to deep as you mentioned or simply the strength of the magnet.

[Dan_G_Calgary]

looking good Vince.

What was the total cost of the stand project?

What did you do for air supply? Did you set up a central air system?

[vince0]

Including tanks I think im getting close to 400, and I prolly got another 100 or 2 before its completed

[Kimr]

This really looks great!!!!

[vince0]

Thanks! There hasn't been much improvement lately. I've been busy caring for fry and setting up a 120g tank. Ill probably get back to finishing this project in the near future.

[vince0]

I figured it was time I updated you guys on this project. I finally got the last of the tanks set up tonight. I've been so busy with other projects that this one was on the back burner for a bit. Tomorrow I'll be introducing the aphyosemion josplate european red to the tank, as they are starting to develop colours. I also got another tank set up a few weeks back for aphyosemion autrale chocolate, who have been breeding non stop for me. I also finally got my sterbai Cory's into their breeding tank today, and set up my breeding pair of rams in their own tank as well, in the hopes that the peace and quiet will get them breeding. Im still waiting for the weather to warm up to finish all the doors for the stand since my garage is too cold to work in.

I will be setting up another stand now, probably store bought, for fry tanks, and small breeder tanks. I've realised that with all these breeding tanks, I don't have a proper area set up to raise fry. This will be my next project to start planning over the next few months.

[vince0]

So the weather finally warmed up enough in calgary to let me start working in my garage. I had to do some compromising with my roomate so that she would let me set up a shop in the garage. She was previously using most of the space for storage, and to park her car. I figured that if reorgarnized all her stuff, I could probably make enough room to have a decently work area. So last weekend, I moved my 55g to the basement to make more room for my roomate on the main floor. It was the compromise we made so that I could claim some garage space. Enough rambling about my home life though. Since I got workshop space, I took the time to finish building and painting the light shades for the stand. Here is a pic of the finished product.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/Vince_O/Multiple%20tank%20Stand%20Built/IMG_01551.jpg

As of now, I only have the storage compartment doors, and the side panels left to paint. Ill have to install the storage doors, and this stand will be done ... for now.

More to come.

[CACAdmin]

Looks great! :thumbup: What a perfect spot for the stand, too.

[Rabadswompe]

clean-cut, eaestetic, elegant and chic! Great work !!!!!! :notworthy: :yes: :notworthy:

[vince0]

Its also utilitarian :P Theres 12 inches of work space abover either rows of tanks, and 18 inches of storage underneath. Its also economical or green, with 2 lights operating up to 10 tanks and 1 air pump :P. Its many things... Mostly a young boy's dream come true. I've been planning this stand since I was 12. It took till I was 25 to make it happen. Now its time to build a second one and make it better.

[Rabadswompe]

Now its time to build a second one and make it better.

and sell them as "pre-fab-you-put-together-kits" !!!!!:wink:

[GaryofMontreal]

Nice work, and a sweet use of space.

[vince0]

Thanks Guys! My Dad suggested I start building these for people, but I don't think I'm quite set up to really get 'er done quite yet. I still want to build a few more stands to work out some of the kinks and make the builds a lot quicker and easier to do. This one has taken me over 6 months to build, mostly due to winter and not having a proper work shop area.

[CACAdmin]

and sell them as "pre-fab-you-put-together-kits" !!!!!:wink:
Now there's an idea.

[vince0]

It really is a niche market. I guess once I learn to build the tanks to go with it, maybe then I'd have more to go with it... I dunno. Or maybe I can make it a retirement project, in 40 years when I get close to qualify for retirment.

[vince0]

So I finished this stand. Here is the final look. i took this picture today before I started to shut down the bottom right tank.

I like this stand but it was a little too tall to fit in my basement.

[calebj]

That looks amazing. Now I want one even if it would only hold two tanks.

[CACAdmin]

Vince, that stand sits in a perfect spot. It's nice to still have a tank or two upstairs and that makes for a nice showpiece.

[vince0]

I took this stand down yesterday. It is now up for sale. My fishroom is 100% up and going and all the fish I own now have they're tanks set up. You can keep posted on updates in my Fishroom v1.0 thread in the photo area.

[silvak]

If I was in Canada I would be making a serious inquiry about the now available stand, but alas.

[mikebike]

One of the best actions/purchases I ever made was buying 100 lineal ft of 6 foot high by 24" wide EZrect shelving it has post every 4 ft.

One section can support 800 LBS on each shelf.

I had 2 post not in use so I cut them in 1/2 and made a 3ft tall stand for my 75 gallon and put another shelf under it 6" off the floor for my 33 gallon.
It works great not pretty but it works.

[vince0]

I quite enjoy building stands, and it got quite cheap once I got the hang of it. Plus this way everything fits in there perfect (granted I measured twice, cut once and followed the plan). My fishroom has a couple storebought stands, one of them is a nice wood one, the other is a cheap generic black tank stand and after 4 years its starting to fall apart. Its a good thing I'm not taking that tank with me to the next place.