80/20 custom stand help

[Salty_Box_Reef]

Looking to build a new tank. Considering a custom dimension tank but struggling to find a stand builder in my area. All the cabinet shops and contractors are back logged for a year or more cause I’m in Sonoma County where the major fires went through a year ago.

So I started thinking maybe I could do a 80/20 stand, however I have zero experience with the stuff and I am not really that handy. So I was hopeful that someone could break down some basics for me.

The tank dimensions I am looking to build are 40x30x22

 

[HolisticBear]

Looking to build a new tank. Considering a custom dimension tank but struggling to find a stand builder in my area. All the cabinet shops and contractors are back logged for a year or more cause I’m in Sonoma County where the major fires went through a year ago.

So I started thinking maybe I could do a 80/20 stand, however I have zero experience with the stuff and I am not really that handy. So I was hopeful that someone could break down some basics for me.

The tank dimensions I am looking to build are 40x30x22

I ordered from Anthony @ Framing Tech. Highly recommended. He worked with me to get the the sizing and options + color all set, then it's flat-packed shipped to your address.

https://www.framingtech.com/solutions/aquarium-stands/

 

[TessGlo]

I built my stand using the information on the 8020 website, they have guides and calculators, start with the guide for profiles and hardware. However, it did take me quite a bit of time and you may very well be better served by using someone like suggested above, or having 8020 help you, they offer build assistance and their customer service is fantastic. Please update us on how it goes! Below is for a tank 48x24x22. Unfortunately, I only have my drawings and order list that would be challenging for someone else to really understand, otherwise I would send them your way.

 

[AquaDaddy]

I'm currently doing the same thing, so would welcome more inputs/thoughts/suggestions. I am probably going to have someone design it for me from work with a BOM and then I'll just order and assemble. I don't even mind cutting the raw material if that'll save me money.

 

[jjflounder1]

You can cut 8020 aluminum with a good wood working chop saw ... Find tooth carbide blade .... ues some WD-40 for "Cutting oil "

 

[BZOFIQ]

I'm currently doing the same thing, so would welcome more inputs/thoughts/suggestions. I am probably going to have someone design it for me from work with a BOM and then I'll just order and assemble. I don't even mind cutting the raw material if that'll save me money.

I toyed with the idea of building it myself until i started pricing out the pieces and all the hardware needed. I was turned off by the price and the fact that I wasnt sure if it would be adequate. Few months later I saw a video by Tristan of his Framing Tech stand. I called the place and the next day I got a call from Anthony. Took few weeks to tune everything to my liking and because I was too busy to promptly respond. Once I approved it, I had it 3 weeks later at my steps....cheaper then anything I priced myself, all professionally cut with built-in fasteners pre-loaded. I would not hesitate to reach out to them if I every need another stand again.

One of the best decisions I've made with the new build.

I posted pictures here.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/show-us-your-t-slot-aluminum-stands.302935/page-3#post-5213746

 

[BZOFIQ]

You can cut 8020 aluminum with a good wood working chop saw ... Find tooth carbide blade .... ues some WD-40 for "Cutting oil "

The problem with doing it yourself is that unless you have a special jig you are only using surface mounted brackets, gussets, t-nuts, etc. It is these additional hardware pieces that cost more than the profiles themselves.

When you go with a company that specializes in building these, they mount internal fasteners that you just tighten with a hex key; it was cheaper in my case too. I was a little worried but was assured that each one of these is rated at 900 Lbs and there are dozens around the stand. Take a look at my stand at the link above. Some pieces are beefier that the design called for but that's because I wanted it that way and paid little extra. I think it couldn't be any cleaner, unless a profile with flat face was used on the outer side of the legs, which doesn't matter in my case as it is getting wrapped.

 

[Javamahn]

No to dissuade you from 8020, I have seen many custom stands lately built using only plywood that support 150 Gals +. Is wood not an option?

 

[BZOFIQ]

No to dissuade you from 8020, I have seen many custom stands lately built using only plywood that support 150 Gals +. Is wood not an option?

It absolutely is, My last 180 was standing on a plywood stand. Matter of fact, I bought Euro-Core (multi-ply) Furniture grade Birch Plywood for that exact purpose but changed my mind in the process. I now have 7 sheets of this great & beautiful ply sitting in my garage in both 3/4 and 1" thicknesses; I'm sure it won't go to waste.

 

[Gregg @ ADP]

No to dissuade you from 8020, I have seen many custom stands lately built using only plywood that support 150 Gals +. Is wood not an option?

Wood is pretty much undefeated as aquarium stand material.

People have asked me if wood is strong enough to hold up an large aquarium. Rather than explain, I just point to a tree.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Wood is pretty much undefeated as aquarium stand material.

People have asked me if wood is strong enough to hold up an large aquarium. Rather than explain, I just point to a tree.

Great point Gregg but this is an 80/20 thread so let's not derail it.

 

[Salty_Box_Reef]

The problem is sourcing someone to make me a stand. I live in northern ca dead center where the fires came through a year ago. All cabinet shops around me are booked up for the next year and my lfs’s are garbage and don’t offer anything custom.

So I figured I could do a 80/20 to get everything up and going, then in a year or more have someone skin it for me.

 

[TessGlo]

The problem with doing it yourself is that unless you have a special jig you are only using surface mounted brackets, gussets, t-nuts, etc.

Yes, the hardware adds up if you are not careful about your design and that's why its good to get help. However, just so folks know, you can order pieces pre-cut and drilled for internal hardware from 80/20. I would however recommend spending time looking at their informational materials and/or getting their help because it easily gets complicated.