nano tank Alumimum stand build.

[Devaji]

so after a quick and dirty DIY wood stand, I forgot the pocket screws could twist and make the upright legs on a stand uneven, witch it did.

I am thinking about a alu. T slot stand with the dems of 24"lx14 3/16"w X 25"H for a small nano tank 18.5 gallons.

my 1st thought was to use the quick connection alu. tubing at 1.00″ x 1.00″ x .050″ wall
https://eztube.com/product-category/tubes/aluminum-extrusions/

and the more robust 3 way steel connectors here: https://eztube.com/product/3-way-black-steel-core-connector/

it would be a very basic box where the top rest on the legs transferring the weight to the bottom box.


or should I go with the 1x1 T slot alu. 10 series?
here:

EX-1010-B – 1″ x 1″ Smooth 90° Bi-Slot T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion | TNUTZ

These extrusions are 100% compatible with the following manufacturers: 80/20 #1002-S T-SLOTS #650061 McMaster #47065T846

www.tnutz.com

and these corner brackets:
https://www.tnutz.com/product/hc-010-a/

or would a gusset be a stronger better option?
https://www.tnutz.com/product/cb-010-a/

do you guys think center bracing is needed at the 1' for the top and bottom?

any other hardware that is needed or recommended?

keep in mind this is for a nano tank weight should be around 200#

all thoughts and feedback welcome.
thanks
D

 

[Lowell Lemon]

I think both would work but my preference is for the t-slot extrusion and the t nut set up. It will make a very solid set up. Use a closed box design for the greatest strength. If you use the tube at least use the steel joiner for greater rigidity.

 

[Devaji]

I think both would work but my preference is for the t-slot extrusion and the t nut set up. It will make a very solid set up. Use a closed box design for the greatest strength. If you use the tube at least use the steel joiner for greater rigidity.

I am feeling the same. oh yeah if I did use the tube I would 100% use the steel coated connectors.

any thoughts on the best corner connetors for the T slot?

 

[Lowell Lemon]

I like the guset design.

 

[Devaji]

anyone else have input on this I would love to get this build going, but dont want to rush it either.

 

[coseal]

i have made a stand this size out of ez-tube! used the plastic connectors. stand works ok! if i had to buy all the materials again i would spring for t-slot.... i put the back panel on to help with stability. she still pretty shakey lol! wanted an open/minimalist style stand and could deal with a lil wobble! haha if your after rock solid ez tube not the route i would go!
frame2 by shaun s., on Flickr

Untitled by shaun s., on Flickr

Untitled by shaun s., on Flickr

3d printed some feet for it!
image by shaun s., on Flickr

this what a lazy mans planted tank looks like! LOL
image by shaun s., on Flickr

 

[Sako338]

I would use blue thread locker on the “t” slot screws, it’s a small expense, and a lot of insurance. I have used this before in an industrial environment, we had to go back and add thread locker. Just my $.02.

 

[coseal]

just saw your links to t-nutz. i would go counterbore 2 sides and use their counter bore fasteners. they are the strongest connection available for tslot IMO. if you still feel the need to use gussets then order them. but keep in mind with any tslot project the hardware can add up quick!

(AFD-010-A) 1″ Double Anchor Fastener Assembly (short) | TNUTZ

These parts are 100% equivalent to the following manufacturers: 80/20 #3090, T-SLOTS #651036

www.tnutz.com

they will machine the counter bores for you for a nominal fee. you are using plywood or some type of material between the frame and stand?

 

[Devaji]

i have made a stand this size out of ez-tube! used the plastic connectors. stand works ok! if i had to buy all the materials again i would spring for t-slot.... i put the back panel on to help with stability. she still pretty shakey lol! wanted an open/minimalist style stand and could deal with a lil wobble! haha if your after rock solid ez tube not the route i would go!
frame2 by shaun s., on Flickr

Untitled by shaun s., on Flickr

Untitled by shaun s., on Flickr

3d printed some feet for it!
image by shaun s., on Flickr

this what a lazy mans planted tank looks like! LOL
image by shaun s., on Flickr

that is a very nice looking stand and tank. I have always been timpted to start a FW planted. geven got 95% of the grear for a 40BR build. forgot what happened...oh yeah GF moved in and but a limit on the # of tank I could have.

 

[Devaji]

just saw your links to t-nutz. i would go counterbore 2 sides and use their counter bore fasteners. they are the strongest connection available for tslot IMO. if you still feel the need to use gussets then order them. but keep in mind with any tslot project the hardware can add up quick!

(AFD-010-A) 1″ Double Anchor Fastener Assembly (short) | TNUTZ

These parts are 100% equivalent to the following manufacturers: 80/20 #3090, T-SLOTS #651036

www.tnutz.com

they will machine the counter bores for you for a nominal fee. you are using plywood or some type of material between the frame and stand?

I was looking that those, but do you feel they are needed for a nano sub 20 gal tank?
and yes I agree it's the hardware that adds up fast!!

 

[coseal]

the double may be a bit overkill.. i would probably at least use the singles. those hidden inside corners use a set screw. dont know if i would be comfortable with that... if you go that route def use the thread lock that Sako suggested!

 

[Devaji]

the double may be a bit overkill.. i would probably at least use the singles. those hidden inside corners use a set screw. dont know if i would be comfortable with that... if you go that route def use the thread lock that Sako suggested!

thanks for the feedback I'll look in to those more.

 

[Devaji]

OK nest question do you guys think I need 1 or 2 anchor fasteners on the up right supporting legs?