steel/aluminum stand

[Cment]

Im in the planning stages for my next build and would really like a steel stand. I know they can be a lot more money but would like to know what the average cost would be. The stand is for a DSA 105 48x24x21. I have also seen some stands made from aluminum, is one prefered over the other? Finally, since I have no welding experience, is there some things I should look for when the stand is built?

 

[maroun.c]

I've had steel stands on all my tanks so far:
Qualtiy welding is a must.
top of the stand should sit on the legs not welded to their sides.
2-3 front to back braces on the top side and also bracing on lower level of the feet ( i keep the lower bracing 3x4 inches high so I can clean below the stand)
You might get away without a vertical support in the middle of the tank but then y uoneed some oblique supports from legs to the top to avoid a non supported long span of steel. better add a middle vertical support anyway to have the doors of teh stand close on it...
quality epoxy painting or powder coating to water proof it and prevent corrosion.
Making sure the stand is as level as possible and shimming properly. self leveling feet with screws are also an option.
I go overkill a bit on the steel tube size and thickness and have made all my last stands with 1.5x1.5 steel and 4mm thick.
her's an example of one of my stand housing the sump in the basement (this one doesn't have a center vertical support to eb able to take the sump in or out might have a shallow tank or a frag tank on it so not a very heavy top load...

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/maroun-c-390-g-build-thread.60956/page-10#post-1611061