180g stand options ?

[Sparkss]

Getting ready to start a 180G in wall tank set up. Obvious options for the stand will be to make it out of wood or metal. since it is in wall, the stand will not be visible, and therefore will only be a "skeleton", or "Base" frame stand.

What are the pros and cons for each material ?

I read on another thread where on reefer commented about "wood flexing/wapring over time", but for a properly built stand I would not expect that to occur.

As far as I can see the major cons for metal is weight (they can be very heavy) and cost (they definitley cost alot more than a comparable wooden stand, up to 5X as much, or more). Not to mention needing to "outsource" the fabrication.

Wood is less expensive and I have the tools and experience to build it myself.

Both types should be sealed, with either epoxy, powder coat, exterior paint, etc.

So, to all of the "expereinced" reefers and stand builders out there, I am asking to be sold on one or the other.

The stand will be resting on a concrete slab, the tank is 180g glass tank, with a 5' by 2' footprint.

Thanks for any and all feedback

 

[radone]

I've built several stands and would have to venture and say if you have the skill and tools to do wood then that's what I would do.
If it's built correctly a wood stand will be just as good. Pick good wood to build it with, most places will let you pick it out, if they won't let you then move on somewhere else IMO.

Wood can and will rot if not protected in this enviroment so yes covering it with something is always recommended. I personally like Sherwin Williams industrial enamel paint. If you use any glue to put it together go with a polyurethane type not a yellow glue as these glues are for exterior use. Treated lumber is not worth the money and it does warp and twist way more than kiln dried dimension lumber.

Costwise I think you'll find would will cost about the same as metal nowadays. Labor that's something else

Metal stands are nice be they to must be protected from the enviroment, these can and will twist in time especially if your floor is uneven.

The choice is yours

HTH
Good Luck

Romeo