Guide to DIY with T-Slot Aluminum

[BZOFIQ]

Will this be strong enough for aquarium rack system. Multiple aquariums stacked vertically

I don't see why not. Choose beefy profile like 45*45 and 45*90, use gussets and plates and you'll be fine.

 

[polyppal]

People underestimate how immensely strong T-Slot aluminum is in comparison to wood (with reinforced connections). Read the article/see chart:

What Aluminum T-Slot Bar Should I Use? - Motion Ai Industrial Framing Division

This document covers a simple method to decide what size and shape of 80/20 t-slot bar is required for a particular project – based on the weight the structure must support. There are infinite ways of engineering a t-slot aluminum structure, but the method outlined below is simple and...

fandl8020.com

 

[neonreef3d]

I Made these for the sky LEDS on 8020 15 series . Customer was very happy with the fitment and look. Nylon washers and SS hex bolts included...

 

[polyppal]

I Made these for the sky LEDS on 8020 15 series . Customer was very happy with the fitment and look. Nylon washers and SS hex bolts included...

That is an awesome idea! You should look into these for other bolt patterns, like Eco/Kessil/AI

A 10$ T-Slot bar vs a 100$ stupidly overpriced manufacturer mount...

 

[neonreef3d]

That is an awesome idea! You should look into these for other bolt patterns, like Eco/Kessil/AI

I already made them for the radions, also have them for the RMS rail, which I beleive will be outdated soon, 8020 will take over and be a standard in the aquarium industry!!

 

[polyppal]

I already made them for the radions, also have them for the RMS rail, which I beleive will be outdated soon, 8020 will take over and be a standard in the aquarium industry!!

you selling these in classifieds? would be glad to link you in the article to tank mount options

 

[neonreef3d]

you selling these in classifieds? would be glad to link you in the article to tank mount options

I have not listed them, but that would be awesome, I'm greatful for any help I can get.

the reason why I have not listed them is because Im not sure of the demand for such an item.. I will definitely list them tomorrow morning, and Im thankful for any help I can get from anyone...

 

[DrMMI]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 400 gallon tank (8ft x 3ft) once I move in the summer. Do you think extruded aluminum would be able to hold up that much weight? Would I have to add a few cross braces to help support the weight? I really like this idea over wood as wood cabinets and saltwater never really work out in the long run.

 

[neonreef3d]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 400 gallon tank (8ft x 3ft) once I move in the summer. Do you think extruded aluminum would be able to hold up that much weight? Would I have to add a few cross braces to help support the weight? I really like this idea over wood as wood cabinets and saltwater never really work out in the long run.

I have seen a 1000 gallon tank on aluminum t slot frames, has gussets, three row frame, and crossbars. It was a beast of a frame, but it looked really nice. The glass on the tank was 1” thick.

I’ll post some pictures next week, as I will see that tank on Saturday.

 

[polyppal]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 400 gallon tank (8ft x 3ft) once I move in the summer. Do you think extruded aluminum would be able to hold up that much weight? Would I have to add a few cross braces to help support the weight? I really like this idea over wood as wood cabinets and saltwater never really work out in the long run.

Yeah, you’ll likely want to go a larger diameter and use cross bracing and should work great

 

[rtparty]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 400 gallon tank (8ft x 3ft) once I move in the summer. Do you think extruded aluminum would be able to hold up that much weight? Would I have to add a few cross braces to help support the weight? I really like this idea over wood as wood cabinets and saltwater never really work out in the long run.

The aluminum will hold no problem but I would never design it yourself unless you are an engineer or trained in it in some way.

My 250g tank is on an aluminum stand I got from Chris Benner (he built the BRS stands and Ryan's personal tank stand.) I buily my own light rack from Zyltech and would never trust their connectors on a tank my size. Especially since their 90 degree connectors are pointless and don't hold at all. The plates are much better but will be in your way if you plan to skin the stand.

My stand uses 4040 and 4080 series aluminum and that will defintely hold a 400 gallon tank if properly built. The connectors are the key piece here and the most important. One weak connection and the stand can fold in on itself.

 

[polyppal]

The aluminum will hold no problem but I would never design it yourself unless you are an engineer or trained in it in some way.

My 250g tank is on an aluminum stand I got from Chris Benner (he built the BRS stands and Ryan's personal tank stand.) I buily my own light rack from Zyltech and would never trust their connectors on a tank my size. Especially since their 90 degree connectors are pointless and don't hold at all. The plates are much better but will be in your way if you plan to skin the stand.

My stand uses 4040 and 4080 series aluminum and that will defintely hold a 400 gallon tank if properly built. The connectors are the key piece here and the most important. One weak connection and the stand can fold in on itself.

I agree with most of this, I won’t use zyltech hardware anymore (I do like their plates) but I don’t think you necessarily need it engineered by a professional - just a basic understanding of building things and careful measurement/quality parts. If you could build a wood stand, you can build a Tslot.

With cross bracing to support the top weight at intervals, the tank wouldn’t be reliant on any one connection point - the more cross bracing the more redundancy in load strength. Even if a corner plate failed somehow, the other connection points in that bar would hold it in place and prevent collapse (sure if there was no cross bracing it would collapse - but that would be very unadvisable in a med+ size tank)

 

[rtparty]

I agree with most of this, I won’t use zyltech hardware anymore (I do like their plates) but I don’t think you necessarily need it engineered by a professional - just a basic understanding of building things and careful measurement/quality parts. If you could build a wood stand, you can build a Tslot.

With cross bracing to support the top weight at intervals, the tank wouldn’t be reliant on any one connection point - the more cross bracing the more redundancy in load strength. Even if a corner plate failed somehow, the other connection points in that bar would hold it in place and prevent collapse (sure if there was no cross bracing it would collapse - but that would be very unadvisable in a med+ size tank)

I could take my stand design and easily convert it an 8 foot tank. Assuming they make 8 foot runs.

Zyltech aluminum is good but I would find much better connectors from someone else. Who are you using?

 

[polyppal]

I could take my stand design and easily convert it an 8 foot tank. Assuming they make 8 foot runs.

Zyltech aluminum is good but I would find much better connectors from someone else. Who are you using?

I used all zyltech, no issue with the bars or plates. Trying to take apart a stand I stripped out like all the screws/bolts because they were such soft metal, so I wouldn’t use their hardware anymore.

I did notice I got what seemed like 2 different types of plates before, I sent back the ones I didn’t like. Id guess they just purchase from whoever in china I doubt they’re manufacturing any of it. They are really more of a 3d printing company

I’ll definitely try someone new next time I have a build

 

[rtparty]

I used all zyltech, no issue with the bars or plates. Trying to take apart a stand I stripped out like all the screws/bolts because they were such soft metal, so I wouldn’t use their hardware anymore.

I did notice I got what seemed like 2 different types of plates before, I sent back the ones I didn’t like. Id guess they just purchase from whoever in china I doubt they’re manufacturing any of it. They are really more of a 3d printing company

I’ll definitely try someone new next time I have a build

8020 had some good looking connectors. They are a 2 screw long connector or something like that. Might be worth using Zyltech extrusions but 8020 hardware. 8020 was about twice the cost as Zyltech for my light rack. I don't remember if it was the connectors or aluminum or both that raised the price

 

[BZOFIQ]

Somewhat limited selection but super cheap Tnutz.com

Ordered many times and never had problems.

For the whole gamut of accessories etc check out framingtech.com

 

[neonreef3d]

I'm going to be upgrading to a 400 gallon tank (8ft x 3ft) once I move in the summer. Do you think extruded aluminum would be able to hold up that much weight? Would I have to add a few cross braces to help support the weight? I really like this idea over wood as wood cabinets and saltwater never really work out in the long run.

I managed to take some pictures to share with you today of my friend's 500 gallon, I thought it was a 1000G but was mistaken... Hope this will help you understand the dynamics of the setup...

 

[DrMMI]

I managed to take some pictures to share with you today of my friend's 500 gallon, I thought it was a 1000G but was mistaken... Hope this will help you understand the dynamics of the setup...

That looks awesome!

 

[neonreef3d]

That looks awesome!

That is built with 1.5" rails, but there are better options out there on 8020.net.

Im upgrading my rail from rms to 30x30mm rails to install additional LED strips along with the existing radions g5's.

 

[Roli's Reef Ranch]

Has anybody put functional doors on something like this? Not looking for non functional panel slide ins. Love the concept, but that look...