Welded metal stands

[Thade_hicks]

Getting a 300 gallon tank and the stand is wood. Unfortunately it has been wet and was sitting on carpet so assuming it stayed wet for a bit. I'm concerned about the integrity of the base of the stand. I would like to weld a nice metal stand for it, what metal would you guys suggest and how do I keep ot from corroding from the salt.

 

[Troylee]

2x2x.125 steel… and rhino line or powder coat.. if you don’t wanna play with corrosion use aluminum..

 

[Thade_hicks]

2x2x.125 steel… and rhino line or powder coat.. if you don’t wanna play with corrosion use aluminum..

Corrosion is exactly what I'm afraid of. Read that aluminum will still corrode with salt though. Are you talking coating the aluminum

 

[QuickrdenU]

Corrosion is exactly what I'm afraid of. Read that aluminum will still corrode with salt though. Are you talking coating the aluminum

I would powder coat any metal used. They will all rust or oxidize. Even Stainless.

Aluminum is quite a bit more difficult to work with as you need a spool gun or tig welder and a a band saw to cut the material. But might be worth it to be light. Probably best to just have an 80/20 one made for it and avoid the fuss.

 

[Thade_hicks]

I would powder coat any metal used. They will all rust or oxidize. Even Stainless.

Aluminum is quite a bit more difficult to work with as you need a spool gun or tig welder and a a band saw to cut the material. But might be worth it to be light. Probably best to just have an 80/20 one made for it and avoid the fuss.

I am aware that they will all oxidize, but I know there are ways to prevent that. That's more what I'm looking into

 

[X-37B]

My 120 stand. 4x2x2.
2x2" bottom sides 3x2" top.
I coated it with automotive top coat to protect the steel.
Better than powder coating, imo. If you scratch it you can paint over it.
My 80 is on it now. I never did put doors on it.

 

[Thade_hicks]

My 120 stand. 4x2x2.
2x2" bottom sides 3x2" top.
I coated it with automotive top coat to protect the steel.
Better than powder coating, imo. If you scratch it you can paint over it.

I'll look into that! Had seen the rhino lining as a suggestion so wondered how much better that would work

 

[QuickrdenU]

I am aware that they will all oxidize, but I know there are ways to prevent that. That's more what I'm looking into

Then build it with steel, and use a good high quality frame paint used for restorations. As long as you don’t break through the finish to the underlying metal you’ll be good to go. And if you do, you can always repair that spot.

POR 15 works good. But honestly, even regular old rustoleum would probably be plenty for a fish tank. If you go that route just make sure to clean it well and prime it first.

 

[X-37B]

I'll look into that! Had seen the rhino lining as a suggestion so wondered how much better that would work

Rhino will work just as well.
This is what I used.

 

[KStatefan]

I did mine out of 1.5" X 1.5" x 3/16" and had it powdercoated. If I was going to do another one I would design it to be hot dipped galvanized.

 

[Thade_hicks]

I did mine out of 1.5" X 1.5" x 3/16" and had it powdercoated. If I was going to do another one I would design it to be hot dipped galvanized.

Yeah, I was hoping to avoid galvanizing cause that's a hassle to do that big of a stand

 

[theatrus]

Corrosion is exactly what I'm afraid of. Read that aluminum will still corrode with salt though. Are you talking coating the aluminum

Salt will corrode aluminum, but more anodizing helps.

Honestly, cost aside, a T-slot stand is my go to for structural. Use stainless fasteners for the corrosion reasons.

 

[Troylee]

Corrosion is exactly what I'm afraid of. Read that aluminum will still corrode with salt though. Are you talking coating the aluminum

Never had a problem with aluminum corroding…I’ve built tons of stands out of aluminum it’s all I use. Just built this to match another one I did.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Never had a problem with aluminum corroding…I’ve built tons of stands out of aluminum it’s all I use. Just built this to match another one I did.

looks great

 

[Thade_hicks]

Never had a problem with aluminum corroding…I’ve built tons of stands out of aluminum it’s all I use. Just built this to match another one I did.

What's it coated with?

 

[blecki]

Know you're going with metal, but if the wood stand was actual solid wood (like a 2x4 rocket scientist stand) then it's going to take a lot of 'wet' to damage it.

If it's plywood or osb or something like that, then, I wouldn't trust 300 gallons on it brand new.

I have a powder-coated metal stand under my 230 gallon - it's great. The only real issue with it was attaching doors. Absolutely plan for that. I ended up making a removable wrap-around facade.

 

[Troylee]

What's it coated with?

A precoat aluminum.. it’s .040 aluminum that’s powder coated white from the factory.. I use it as a laminate for my fish projects lol.

 

[Troylee]

This is fully alum also.. my last tank before my current upgrade..

 

[Troylee]

I have tons more pictures but I have to go through 12,000 pics on my phone haha!

 

[Tcook]

I have a 1”x1” welded stand powder coated black under my 120 since 2003 and there isn’t a speck of rust or corrosion on it.