Stainless vs coated steel vs aluminium

[Misha]

Hello, my current tank is on a wooden frame. I want to upgrade to something more sturdy and less pain in the eye.

I can get a stainless steel frame for 200euro, coated steel for 240euro. And when I order aluminium it’s going to set me around 200euro back. What is the best option? I heard stainless will rust but takes longer and aluminium can oxidate quickly with saltwater.

 

[SPR1968]

My Red Sea S650 has an aluminium frame and is around 4 years old and no signs of any issues.

My new 2000 litre tank has a coated steel frame which is very sturdy and I think would last a lifetime.

Having both, I would go for the coated steel frame, it’s much more substantial

But, it’s all personal preference I guess.

 

[Reefpharmer]

People get steel and coat them. I just used truckbed liner on my aluminum stand and let me tell you, it’s a giant mess. However hopefully it lasts longer than I keep the tank

 

[lpsouth1978]

IMO it depends on several factors, like what size tank, where is it going to be, what is the steel coated in, etc. The beauty of aluminum is that it is MUCH lighter than steel. This can be a huge benefit when talking about a large stand as steel stands can be VERY heavy. Also, is the steel stand painted, rhino lined, or powder coated? IMO powder coating is the best option for a steel stand as it will provide the toughest protection and is least likely to rust.

 

[Ratherbeflyen]

I would use aluminum, but not all aluminum is created equal. 6061 or aircraft aluminum has descent corrosion resistance. 5052 and 5083 is even better for corrosion.

I used 6" channel 6061 aluminum for my stand. It had been sitting outside for years before I made it into my stand. It's been in use for 2 years exposed to salt and it doesn't have any corrosion at all.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Have you thought about using T-slot style extruded aluminum? It's is very strong, does not corrode, very versatile and can be "skinned" to look any way you wish.

 

[Grill]

Here is a 210 gallon (795 litre) I built with an aluminum frame. No issues and solid.

 

[Ratherbeflyen]

Here is a 210 gallon (795 litre) I built with an aluminum frame. No issues and solid.

Can you make a build thread on that tank? I love your "center" brace.

 

[GlassMunky]

Mine is Powder Coated Steel

 

[X-37B]

My 120 is steel. I coated it with POR 15. It is an automotive undercoating that seals the metal. You can touch it up if you scratch it. It goes on easy and is very tough.
No magnetic panels yet after 10 months lol.
No center brace and 36" tall. Easiest sump maintenance ever. Just need some panels now lol.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Aluminum. Sure the coated steel will work but it will be much heavier. The coating can chip off. That’s the main issue I’d have with the coated steel. I would get aluminum because it’s much lighter and will be just as good as the coated steel. Personally, I would get the aluminum and have it powder coated. I would then build a wooden frame around it to make it more appealing. Aluminum is chemically more resistant to rust than bare steel. I’ve seen powder coated steel frames rust beneath the coating. The coating eventually bubbles, cracks and falls off. Granted that was over a time frame much greater than the life span of 99.9% of tanks (30 year old structure) and had much more stress applied. Either options would work but aluminum would last far longer

 

[45ZoaGarden]

I would use aluminum, but not all aluminum is created equal. 6061 or aircraft aluminum has descent corrosion resistance. 5052 and 5083 is even better for corrosion.

I used 6" channel 6061 aluminum for my stand. It had been sitting outside for years before I made it into my stand. It's been in use for 2 years exposed to salt and it doesn't have any corrosion at all.

+1 make sure to pick a high quality aluminum like 6061.

 

[Jrod381]

This is a great topic, and I don’t want to hijack your thread but I was thinking the same as to what metal to use for an upcoming project. I plan on building a hanging light canopy and I am not sure which threaded rods to purchase ido plan on spray painting them black.