The principle is simple but it's actually no mean feat of construction to build one if you have no experience in construction or DIY to a very competent level - mainly because it must remain rigid under a great amount of weight.
There are a number of designs around but the quickest (not requiring any steel fabrication or welding) and strongest was established to be one using scaffold poles and connectors - readily available online.
Some people have cut the ceiling out between joists over their bathroom (in the loft) and suspended the tank on spanning cross pieces (like a cold water tank). It also provides a convenient way of hiding their tank in the loft.
I made mine out of scaffolding so it can support the weight of a potentially lethal box above me. Also I can use said scaffolding for jobs around the house and garden.
You can buy slot together ones that are pricey but excellent.
Honestly, I think I'd go with a specialist and just budget a good amount of money.
You can make them out of scaffolding and pipes, but in my mind they just look a bit cheap. One of the reasons people love gunge tanks is because they have an imposing look to them - stepping into a bunch of pipes doesn't quite give that off.
You need a strong metal frame (not super expensive) and a least 3 pieces of strong clear perspex (very expensive) for the sides, plus possibly another one for the door. That's before considering the system that's going on up top.
I have no doubt that there will be people out there (most likely non-fetish people) who would do this. You occasionally see gunge tanks up for sale as well.
We built ours from 2" mild steel angle welded into the frame. You have to consider the weight of the gunge above so making it strong is important. They are not cheap to build, the Perspex for the sides and the steel does add up quite a bit.
I'm definitely here to see how this one develops! I need to build one that can be easily dismantled and put away but is strong enough to hold all that weight without breaking my neck. All ideas and expertise is welcome.
GungeTankBabes said: We built ours from 2" mild steel angle welded into the frame. You have to consider the weight of the gunge above so making it strong is important. They are not cheap to build, the Perspex for the sides and the steel does add up quite a bit.
BoRnSloppy said: I'm definitely here to see how this one develops! I need to build one that can be easily dismantled and put away but is strong enough to hold all that weight without breaking my neck. All ideas and expertise is welcome.
Boltless shelving. The heavy duty units can support over 100kg per shelf, you can get units with steel mesh shelf panels so putting a nozzle through a gap is easy, and they're powder-coated so they won't rust or corrode and are relatively easy to clean. The only downside is most are rectangular, but you can always add a second tank and get a friend to join you. Put it back in the garage or shed once you're finished and no-one will ever know.
Here's one I prepared earlier, but I would definitely recommend a heavy duty unit.
Wamstuff said: Last one I built for someone. Aluminium frame, dismantles into panels. Side panels are clear (they still have the protective peel sheet on them).