Aluminum 80/20 stand on a tile floor

[reefkeeper2]

I'm assembling my aluminum 80/20 stand for my new 420 gal build. The floor is tiled and is level, but the tiles themselves don't have a level smooth surface. I was wondering if I should put something between the stand and floor so that the stand would be more uniformly in contact with the tile. Maybe 1/8 inch neoprene. Anyone else do this?

 

[Jeffcb]

IMO that seems like a good idea.

 

[mann1139]

Metal, even aluminum, should not be allowed to touch a tile floor. Water drips will cause staining.

I would plan for drips.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

I cut HDPE plastic strips the width and length of the 80/20 for my stand to sit on. Letting the bars with the strips sit directly on the floor (as in no feet) allows the weight to be distributed better.

 

[Pakman2]

I'm assembling my aluminum 80/20 stand for my new 420 gal build. The floor is tiled and is level, but the tiles themselves don't have a level smooth surface. I was wondering if I should put something between the stand and floor so that the stand would be more uniformly in contact with the tile. Maybe 1/8 inch neoprene. Anyone else do this?

Can I ask where you purchased your 80/20 stand? I’m currently doing research on the 80/20 and am curious if the stand is already designed structurally based on the dimensions that you submit?

 

[daybreaksky]

Can I ask where you purchased your 80/20 stand? I’m currently doing research on the 80/20 and am curious if the stand is already designed structurally based on the dimensions that you submit?

this company has some experience with designing stands. I use them for other business stuff all the time they are quality.

Modular Aluminum Framing Systems & Custom Engineering | Framing Tech

Framing Tech designs and builds custom modular aluminum extrusion framing systems for automation, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Built in the USA.

www.framingtech.com

 

[reefkeeper2]

Can I ask where you purchased your 80/20 stand? I’m currently doing research on the 80/20 and am curious if the stand is already designed structurally based on the dimensions that you submit?

Sorry for the late reply. I got my stand from Framing Tech. You give them the specs for your tank and they design your stand.

 

[reefkeeper2]

I cut HDPE plastic strips the width and length of the 80/20 for my stand to sit on. Letting the bars with the strips sit directly on the floor (as in no feet) allows the weight to be distributed better.

The problem I'm having is that although the floor is level, the tiles are not. Some are just slightly higher or lower than others so the aluminum is not always in direct contact. I figured neoprene rubber might be the way to go. I should have gotten feet for it but couldn't see the tiles were off until the stand was on them. Do the plastic strips have any give to them?

 

[vtecintegra]

I put a half inch piece of plywood down. Sealed it with clear lacquer and glued on a trim strip to hide the cut edge.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

The problem I'm having is that although the floor is level, the tiles are not. Some are just slightly higher or lower than others so the aluminum is not always in direct contact. I figured neoprene rubber might be the way to go. I should have gotten feet for it but couldn't see the tiles were off until the stand was on them. Do the plastic strips have any give to them?

Yes they do over time. Like any plastic they will take on a certain amount of imprint from the unevenness of the floor. I used it to protect the tile floor rather than to protect stand, so in your case, neoprene rubber will probably do just as well (although it could soak up spilled water). As @vtecintegra showed, a well sealed piece of wood would work well also. Keep in mind if you were to go with feet you would be putting a lot of force onto the tiles in a very small area, possibly damaging the tiles. (at a 420 gallon system you're looking at around two tons) Just how uneven are your tiles?

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Just FYI, my floor to stand interface.

 

[reefkeeper2]

Yes they do over time. Like any plastic they will take on a certain amount of imprint from the unevenness of the floor. I used it to protect the tile floor rather than to protect stand, so in your case, neoprene rubber will probably do just as well (although it could soak up spilled water). As @vtecintegra showed, a well sealed piece of wood would work well also. Keep in mind if you were to go with feet you would be putting a lot of force onto the tiles in a very small area, possibly damaging the tiles. (at a 420 gallon system you're looking at around two tons) Just how uneven are your tiles?

In some places there is 1/8 inch space between the stand and tile. My only concern with the neoprene is how much it will compress over time and is the 1/4 inch thick I ordered thick enough.

 

[Twitchy]

Check these out I use them for my 80/20 projects, they can hold a lot of weight, and make leveling a breeze
Tnutz Leveling foot

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Yes they do over time. Like any plastic they will take on a certain amount of imprint from the unevenness of the floor. I used it to protect the tile floor rather than to protect stand, so in your case, neoprene rubber will probably do just as well (although it could soak up spilled water). As @vtecintegra showed, a well sealed piece of wood would work well also. Keep in mind if you were to go with feet you would be putting a lot of force onto the tiles in a very small area, possibly damaging the tiles. (at a 420 gallon system you're looking at around two tons) Just how uneven are your tiles?

Adjustable feet are available in assorted diameters. Load from six feet for this stand won't be a problem. Besides, the horizontal members are not supporting vertical loads. You will be much happier with feet than barefeet.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Yes they do over time. Like any plastic they will take on a certain amount of imprint from the unevenness of the floor. I used it to protect the tile floor rather than to protect stand, so in your case, neoprene rubber will probably do just as well (although it could soak up spilled water). As @vtecintegra showed, a well sealed piece of wood would work well also. Keep in mind if you were to go with feet you would be putting a lot of force onto the tiles in a very small area, possibly damaging the tiles. (at a 420 gallon system you're looking at around two tons) Just how uneven are your tiles?

Adjustable feet are available in assorted diameters. Load from six feet for this stand won't be a problem. Besides, the horizontal members are not supporting vertical loads. You will be much happier with feet than barefeet.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

One more thing. You have pretty strong connections at the corners. Gussets and plate. But depending on the height, width and number of crossbars, you may also want to consider 45 degree braces made from the profile. You can use outside 135 or inside 45s to connect them. This is for shear load

 

[Reefer Reboot]

When the vertical beams join up to the top of the horizontal beams (as in @vtecintegra and mine) it does indeed transfer the loads to the horizontal beams which in turn distribute the loads across the length of the horizontal beams to the floor. Granted, a well made and laid tile floor most likely will not have a problem with using feet. But without knowing the quality of the flooring, if the overall floor is level then distributing the forces over a larger area would be preferable.
For @vtecintegra, I'll have to laugh at myself and admit that I when I think of neoprene I think of what I'm most used to, wetsuit material (foam neoprene). ;Facepalm Then it dawned on me that you were most likely referring to solid sheet neoprene. I agree with you that it would work great. A little bit may squeeze out under load but could easily be trimmed off if the look bothers you. After all, it's not like your going to be sliding the tank around once it's full!

 

[air_run]

Not the best picture but, for my 80/20 stand I used the non-skid adjustable leveling feet. Flooring is tile.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

@air_run nice stand, well thought out, easy removal of sump if needed. What size DT are you going to put on it?

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Here are two design options for you to consider. The first is for a 60 and the second is for an 84. Notice the top horizontals are doubles as well as the crossbars. I don't recall seeing what profile you are using but for a 450 it should not be less than a 45 series, 45/90 on the crossbars. I would also again suggest 45 degree braces