8020 Extruded Aluminium Stand and tank Build

PeterBel

PeterBel

New member
Because there is few posts on building a Stand with 8020 or Extruded Aluminium, i decided to share my current build. Hopefully this would be helpful for some :-)

The stand is made of 8020 25 Series, the legs are 50mm by 50mm (5050), top and bottom frame are 25mm by 50mm (2550) and 2 transversal at the bottom 25mm by 25mm (2525)

I got it in Black anodized, which takes longer to process. I also decided to use the internal fastener type, which required some extra machining time. In my opinion, it makes the build a lot stronger and also looks better.

To overall dimension of the stand are: 64" Long x 24" wide x 36" High

I am planning to get a 64"x 24" x 18" tank to go on top of it :beer:

I ordered directly on the 8020 website after getting no follow-up from a local distributor! I had to figure out all the holes, cuts and hardware myself! By some miracles, everything came out as planned :reading:

Now that i have the frame done, i am planning to install the top and bottom shelves, some panels (doors), wire and tubing management tray, pull out shelf / tray, etc...

This will be a work in progress for a while, i will share more about the tank itself and equipment on a later post.

After 9 weeks of patience, i finally received my order from 8020!
picture.php


Unpacking the Aluminium.
picture.php


Building the top first, then legs and bottom.
picture.php

picture.php

picture.php

picture.php

picture.php
 
The aluminium frame + All the hardware came up at ~$1300 shipped. The stand setup with the doors, and all accessories will probably cost ~$1800 total when done. I know it is expensive, but it will allow me to expend the stand fairly easy if i upgrade in the future, this should be my last stand build for life lol...It is also lightweight, easy to move and disassemble.

Because of the slotted frame, it is also very flexible in it's configuration, almost like Lego's lol, only your imagination could limit the possibilities!

I am always upgrading, moving stuff around, changing equipments, etc.. To me it was a really interesting solutions!
 
That's not too bad. Heck I spent probably 600 or more and a month's time building a custom stand in cherry.

Looking forward to seeing updates.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
King StarBoard Stand Top!

King StarBoard Stand Top!

Got my Stand Top today. I selected to go with a Marine Grade high-density polyethylene 1/2" Thick in black.

I am very happy with the result, also solid like a rock! Will never rot, warp or be affected by water :-)
The bottom of the stand will be from the same material, but in light gray!

Got it from Tap Plastic, here are the specs and pictures:

King StarBoard® is the original marine-grade high-density polyethylene sheet and the industry standard. It is the product of a proprietary process called K-Stran™, the most advanced manufacturing process for superior flatness and consistency. King StarBoard® is environmentally stabilized to withstand the harshest marine conditions. It will not warp, rot, or delaminate when exposed to humidity or water. King StarBoard® is easy to fabricate with standard woodworking tools and requires little or no finishing.
Click to expand...


The stuff on the right side is just dust that i didn't clean before taking the pictures :headwally:

picture.php


picture.php


picture.php
 
Last edited:
Started to build the panels, first panel done. I decided to try to use a white laminated panel that i cover on one side with a Self adhesive wood paper. I am pretty happy with the first result.

picture.php


picture.php


picture.php


picture.php



Now it is time to work on the 3 front doors and left side panel. The back will be open with some cable trays, manifold and pipe brackets attached directly to the 8020 frame.
 
Stand Done! Here is the final result! Now i will work on building a light fixture using 80/20 and the same finish. I am planning to have the Aquatic Hybrid T5 61" and 4 Kessil in the canopy.

picture.php


picture.php


picture.php
 
I'm actually looking at 80/20 for my lights as well and employing the same lighting system. Do you have a design in mind for the use of the 80/20? I've can't seem to decide on how I want to use it (1 arm or 2, hanging wires from 80/20 or attach directly, add pivot or leave stationary)
 
ReefingHavoc said:
I'm actually looking at 80/20 for my lights as well and employing the same lighting system. Do you have a design in mind for the use of the 80/20? I've can't seem to decide on how I want to use it (1 arm or 2, hanging wires from 80/20 or attach directly, add pivot or leave stationary)
Click to expand...


Yes, i have a very specific design, i didn't draw it yet but here is the idea.

Using the same 80/20 25 series, create a rectangle "box" using 25mmx50mm, probably 10" to 12" high x 24"W x 64"L that will fit the exact measurement of my stand. Same panel and faux wood between the 80/20 to give that nice finish look.The canopy support should be 2 x 25 series 25mmx50mm attache at the back of the stand and use flange to be able to move it up or down (not sure how far i will go up yet) and hinges to push it completely up for maintenance etc...

The light fixtures will be hidden in the canopy and i will install a few fan and a thermistor to activate them.

You got the idea :-) More to come in the next few weeks when i start to work on it! For now, i only have the Kessils and need to buy the T5 Hybrid 61", i am waiting hoping that it will be on sale this Black Friday :headwally:
 
Great job, was looking at using this material for the light set up on my new tank I'm about to start building and now after seeing this I think I will build the stand out of it also. I've been on the 80/20 website looking up parts and you are right about figuring out where all the counterbore holes need to be.
 
gamjunior said:
Great job, was looking at using this material for the light set up on my new tank I'm about to start building and now after seeing this I think I will build the stand out of it also. I've been on the 80/20 website looking up parts and you are right about figuring out where all the counterbore holes need to be.
Click to expand...

I really suggest to get the 80/20 people look at your order before buying it. Especially if you are a newbie to 80/20 like i was. They will most likely prevent you to make any mistake on the locations of the counterbore holes, you can even send them your drawing with the dimension and they will create a BOM (bill of material) for you.

I say this because i didn't! I had to reorder 2 pieces that had the wrong counterbore holes location :headwally:

Also, be ready to be hit by a train when looking at the price of the anchors / fastener and how many you need :uhoh3:

The extruded aluminum by itself is not that expensive, it is the hardware that add up fast.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Funkie
DIY Wood Stand - Ned Help.
Replies
3
Views
971
shred5
shred5
S
Looking at building a diy wood tank and stand
Replies
1
Views
479
Vinny Kreyling
Vinny Kreyling
P
How can I reinforce a kitchen cabinet to support say a 90 gal tank?
Replies
16
Views
990
Philip
P
M
How everything change and keeps changing
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
kingone
K
C
DIY Stand for Flatback Hexagon Tank
Replies
2
Views
792
Drummer98
Drummer98
Back
Top