I can't get rid of the idea to use a metal stand for my future 6x2x2 tank project. I think that it will be much sleeker and more stable than a wooden stand if the build is executed properly. And the cost of material shouldn't be much higher considering that I would not need to double up everything. Instead of welding, I would prefer to make the bolted construction to make disassembly easier in case I move one day.
The problem is: I don't have the experience to choose between available materials. I don't know what might be the best way to joint the bars of the stand. And on top of that I don't have the equipment and skills to prepare the raw metal.
Does anyone have any ideas/experience with a metal stand or know someone who could help out?
Have you considered plywood for your frame & stand? 3/4" plywood is very strong and would weight less than a 2x4 or 2x6 construction. You could get one-side finished in oak or ash and just add stain and doors.
My first thought was that the nuts and bolts idea might not be a good one. Admittedly, it would be much easier to dismantle and move. You would have to pay particular attention to the shear capacity of the bolts. If they were even slightly loose they might fail with that much weight. You would have to tighten them religiously. I expect welded steel would be considerably stronger and more durable. Also bolts and nuts might make it difficult to level properly.
These are just thoughts off the top of my head. I am not an expert in welded steel construction. (although I have a design engineering degree)
I would be interested to hear what a professional would have to say. It sure would be great to have the ability to take the stand apart for moving or storage.
I think if you could ideally you want the top sitting on legs and mounted with screws vertical... I would not trust the weight of the tank to the shearing strength of some bolts.. unless you had a ton. There must be a way to have the screws just basically holding the top frame in place (not like it would be able to go anywhere anyways!).
my work builds aluminum framed kitchen cabinets sometimes. The frame is tubular aluminum 2"x2" square. And since it is aluminum you cut it with a mitre saw(chop saw) to the disired length and bolt it to pre-bought 3-way corners or T joints (almost like doing ABS plumbing pipes)
The results are increadibly strong and beautiful. Very modern and clean looking (straight lines) and you can add (screw) wood panels to it. If you predrill little holes in it, you can screw self tapping metal screws in it....
KennyP
Where do you get the sock materials? The fittings are what I'm curious about... that could have SOOOOOO many uses... VERY COOL
I am not very experienced with plywood either. Also, my concern is that the stability of plywood will suffer over time when it gets in contact with water - and that cannot not be avoided when dealing with aquariums in my experience. With a 6ft tank on the stand I don't want to take any risks.
In between I have learned that it is possible to bolt the frame together. The best solution seems to be that L-shaped brackets are used to support the horizontal bars. It might be also good to weld these brackets to one of the bars (horizontal) and use bolts to assemble them to the vertical bars. I have got an approximate price of the material and will receive a quote for a completely welded stand. I might just get it as one piece to safe me some trouble.
Those 3-way corners and t-joints sounds interesting. Is an aluminum frame stable enough to hold a large fish tank? Any idea how it would compare to a steel frame (stability and price?)
Fischkopp;
You're worries about water/wood mixture is natural, but maybe a bit unfounded. I would wager that 99% of all stands, if not more, are made of wood. And of that, 90% of those from some kind of laminated board that the mfg use (perfecto stands). Given the difficulty in working with metals, to a finished furniture level, I think you might be on a road that leads to some heartache, if not headache.
Wood is good! haha...
Metal is better, for sure... but just because it's better doesn't make it a good idea. A set of concrete cinderblocks would be stronger still, and never have any issues with rusting, but I doubt many people want to go that route! I'm all for working with metals, if that's the way you want to go. But I get the feeling that you think for safetys sake you NEED to go with metal and avoid wood so you can sleep well at night. I just do not think that is the case. Wood is good... ;)
Tim
Fisch -
Short on time to give this a proper response, but wanted to quickly post a few comments (for discussion sake).
I'm sure you are familiar, but take a look at the common metal stand. I have one for my 55G - it is made from 1" square steel stock, with simple welding.
The advantages to using steel are appearance and less weight (it is very easy to move around the stand by itself).
Cutting / drilling steel is a obviously more time consuming, and might require some extra tools.
I expect material cost might come out to be somewhat similar between wood or steel.
There is a store named Metals Supermarket located on / near Walkely that you can check for materials. Home depot also has bar stock in the hardware department but you might be surprised at how expensive it is.
Aluminum is a lot lighter and easier to drill and cut than steel, but more $.
The standard black steel stand would be the best, but I imagine that it doesn't fit your custom dimensions. I would investigate if you could arrange some standard off-the-shelf steel stands for your needs.
Keep in mind skirting / covering the bottom. Basic cabinet doors can become one of the more expensive and difficult parts.
If the proper dimensions don't fit, consider and ikea hack; might be possible to find a piece of furniture that can handle to weight. Might be worth web searching for people who have done this in the past.
Also, IMO sleek-ness of appearance is determined mainly by lighting / canopy than the stand itself. Maybe that is the best area to go DIY?
Thanks, Steve.
Hi guys
sorry, the aluminum square tube stock has been discontinued because it was not cost effective. They said predrilling and setting screws by hand (because the drill would strip the screw hole soooo easily) and you had to be so presise, it was not worth it. I was told our supplier does not carry it anymore, so we were not the only ones who thought so........ :(
KennyP
hi
I'm a welder by trade, and have been welding for over 10 yrs. Now a fully welded stand would be ideal to prevent any stress points on the tank. Your best comprimise is 50/50. Have certain parts welded to increase rigidity.
And with steel and aluminum, it just neededs to be built properly to maximize the strength yeild of the steel beimg used.. A don't go to metal supermarket if all possibaly. On sheffield in front of Ottawa Truck centre you will find pemco steel. They recently started selling to the public, and better prices then metal supermarket.
In the end it all boils down to how much you want to spend. And to save more money i can purchase your steel for you from one of my suppliers,
if you have anymore question just pm
Hey fischkopp,
I saw this ad on usedottawa. Its bigger then you need but maybe the guy will give you some info on how he had it custom made or at least let you take a look at it.
http://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/10016039
Quote from: fischkopp on August 31, 2009, 01:04:54 PM
I am not very experienced with plywood either. Also, my concern is that the stability of plywood will suffer over time when it gets in contact with water - and that cannot not be avoided when dealing with aquariums in my experience. With a 6ft tank on the stand I don't want to take any risks.
In between I have learned that it is possible to bolt the frame together. The best solution seems to be that L-shaped brackets are used to support the horizontal bars. It might be also good to weld these brackets to one of the bars (horizontal) and use bolts to assemble them to the vertical bars. I have got an approximate price of the material and will receive a quote for a completely welded stand. I might just get it as one piece to safe me some trouble.
Those 3-way corners and t-joints sounds interesting. Is an aluminum frame stable enough to hold a large fish tank? Any idea how it would compare to a steel frame (stability and price?)
If you seal the wood properly and silicone all joints you shouldn't have any problems. The amount of water that is spilt or splashed is not usually that much.Some boats,canoes and paddles are made of wood and last a long time in water all the time, I have even seen some plywood aquariums on the internet lately.What ever material you decide to use for your stand just needs to be built properly or even the steel stand wont hold the weight.
Wood for sure is a great and stable material. I basically set my mind on a metal stand because of its sleeker appearance and its light-weight construction. The idea is to add panels and doors to all visible sides in a modern way. We are already browsing ikea for any possible options. After all I have learned so far I will be going with a completely welded stand. I got the material costs from Metalsupermarket and will check Pemco as well.
Quote from: Quatro on September 01, 2009, 11:34:04 PM
Hey fischkopp,
I saw this ad on usedottawa. Its bigger then you need but maybe the guy will give you some info on how he had it custom made or at least let you take a look at it.
http://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/10016039
That looks like a deal, I wish I could fit 8ft ::)
Thanks everyone for the brainstorming! Will let you know how this ends.
If you buy the 8' stand you could get a welder to cut and re-weld it to the right size.This should save a fair bit on material cost.