Metal Stands: Where can I buy one ???

Finatik · Apr 18, 2017

I would like to get a metal stand for my new 120-gallon build (48 X 24 X 24). My vision is to use a sturdy metal stand to support the tank, and then have someone build me a nice wooden cover with doors that I can just slide in place to cover the front and sides of the metal stand.

Can anyone suggest a few good companies that I can check into to buy a metal stand ???

Greybeard · Apr 18, 2017

I designed this one for my upcoming build. Local metal fabrication company quoted me $600. It's about $130 worth of materials, plus a few cans of krylon, in 11 gauge 1.5" square steel. I think a friend of mine and I are just going to piece it together ourselves.

Heliarc19 · Apr 18, 2017

Any fabrication shop should be able to knock one out, but they are not cheap. They know what they are doing and will know where you need support and plates, do not just paint with spray paint it will not last at all. Auto epoxy or powder coat is what I have done.

Finatik · Apr 21, 2017

Greybeard said:
I designed this one for my upcoming build. Local metal fabrication company quoted me $600. It's about $130 worth of materials, plus a few cans of krylon, in 11 gauge 1.5" square steel. I think a friend of mine and I are just going to piece it together ourselves.

Nice ! I'll have to check around and see if there are any companies around here that would build one for me.

Greybeard · Apr 21, 2017

Heliarc19 said:
Any fabrication shop should be able to knock one out, but they are not cheap. They know what they are doing and will know where you need support and plates, do not just paint with spray paint it will not last at all. Auto epoxy or powder coat is what I have done.

In my case, Krylon (over a decent primer) is just what I'm planning. There will be no water below the tank, sump and such are located on the other side of the wall, so this area will remain dry. If you're going to put a sump under the stand, exposing the steel to salt creep and moisture, then yeah, powder coat would be the way to go.

Finatik · Apr 21, 2017

Greybeard said:
In my case, Krylon (over a decent primer) is just what I'm planning. There will be no water below the tank, sump and such are located on the other side of the wall, so this area will remain dry. If you're going to put a sump under the stand, exposing the steel to salt creep and moisture, then yeah, powder coat would be the way to go.

Yes... I have a Sump.

Heliarc19 · Apr 21, 2017

Agreed

JoshH · Apr 21, 2017

Also possible to go with stainless steel or aluminum stand, powdercoat can flake off and rust anyway. Definitely something that will lat MUCH longer than krylon but if this is a long term set up might be worth spending the extra money and getting something that just won't rust out.

Heliarc19 · Apr 21, 2017

JoshH said:
Also possible to go with stainless steel or aluminum stand, powdercoat can flake off and rust anyway. Definitely something that will lat MUCH longer than krylon but if this is a long term set up might be worth spending the extra money and getting something that just won't rust out.

Aluminum yes, stainless will quickly get surface rust in sump area. If it is powdercoated well it will last forever , if powder coating is "flaking" then something was not done properly. Steel with powder coat is strongest and most cost effective

Finatik · Apr 21, 2017

I thought that I had seen a post here on R2R one time that talked about some companies that sold "plug-n-play" aluminum stand kits that were super strong, and pretty reasonably priced, but I can't seem to find that post anymore.

Heliarc19 · Apr 21, 2017

Finatik said:
I thought that I had seen a post here on R2R one time that talked about some companies that sold "plug-n-play" aluminum stand kits that were super strong, and pretty reasonably priced, but I can't seem to find that post anymore.

For a factory stand I am sure they are out there and a very good option, for custom built the steel is best for many reasons imo

Heliarc19 · Apr 21, 2017

You could try sign companies if you want aluminum as the skeletons for large signs are almost always aluminum frames

JoshH · Apr 21, 2017

Heliarc19 said:
Aluminum yes, stainless will quickly get surface rust in sump area. If it is powdercoated well it will last forever , if powder coating is "flaking" then something was not done properly. Steel with powder coat is strongest and most cost effective

Powder coating can be chipped, during transport, installation and so on. Yes it's a thousand times better than plain steel and if handled properly will last just as long as stainless and such. But it is possible for flaws to exist and all it takes is the tiniest hole in the finish. Dont get me wrong it would probably be my route if i had to given the vast difference in cost not only in material but labour. But with aluminium there's 0 chance of there being a problem. stainless will definitely develop surface rust I was just throwing it in there as another alternative to the wonderfully expensive aluminum.

JoshH · Apr 21, 2017

Finatik have you ever thought of using the aluminum rail system (Aluminum T Slot) to make your stand yourself?

(Not my system in pic)

Finatik · Apr 24, 2017

JoshH said:
Finatik have you ever thought of using the aluminum rail system (Aluminum T Slot) to make your stand yourself?

(Not my system in pic)

I'm not familiar with the Aluminum Rail System, but I'd like to find out more.
Who sells that ? Or where can it be purchased ?
And would that be "strong enough" to hold 120 gallons plus rocks ?

JoshH · Apr 24, 2017

You can purchase it on ebay just search aluminum T-slot there is also an Aquarium stand manufacturer that uses it.

Finatik · Apr 24, 2017

JoshH said:
You can purchase it on ebay just search aluminum T-slot there is also an Aquarium stand manufacturer that uses it.

OK... I'll check it out. Thanks for the heads up.

JoshH · Apr 25, 2017

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/80-20-or-t-slot-aluminum-extrusion-stands.156918/

A Thread here, and below a manufacturer that will custom build a stand to match your tank with the T slot.

http://primoreefacrylics.com/

Manufacturer of the T Slot aluminum

https://8020.net/

Finatik · Apr 25, 2017

JoshH said:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/80-20-or-t-slot-aluminum-extrusion-stands.156918/

A Thread here, and below a manufacturer that will custom build a stand to match your tank with the T slot.

http://primoreefacrylics.com/

Manufacturer of the T Slot aluminum

https://8020.net/

Thanks Josh !

JoshH · Apr 25, 2017

Any time, Hope it all helps. Didn't realize it until after I posted last but in the R2R thread I posted there is a member that actually has a stand and sump from Primo Reef Acrylics. Might be worth shooting them a message