Modifying a steel stand

[hatfielj]

Hello! I have a steel stand (60" x 30") from a previous tank that I want to use for a tank upgrade. However, I'd like to go bigger this time. I want to increase the depth of the tank to 42" or maybe even 48" making the stand 60" x 42" or 48"
I'm a hardcore do it yourselfer, so I'd rather not take the stand to a welder to have it modified (although I could if that's my only safe option). I also am NOT a welder, so I can't add on to it myself with steel. I AM however a woodworker and feel fairly confident I could build a very sturdy and precise extension for it.

My question for the community is would there be any issues with using wood to add on to it in terms of it swelling or shrinking over time and causing any issues? I worry that since steel doesn't swell/contract and wood does, that it might be risky to use wood. Or am I overthinking this? Since this is a large/heavy tank and will be in my main living area, I want to be safe and not cause a tank failure.

Another option I considered is to just build an extension with extruded aluminum (the popular tank stand option that bolts together) and slide that into place and attach it to the existing frame with bolts. Seems like that would be fairly easy and would eliminate any concerns of swelling/contracting over time.

Or should I just bite the bullet and find a local welder with tank stand experience and have it modified?

What do you all think???

 

[Qckslvr]

Hello, I am new here, but have welding/fabrication experience. I would need to see a couple pictures of the stand to make a proper assessment. Is it square or round tube, wall thickness.

Curious why not make a new stand from wood? I made a custom wood stand for a 180:gallon tank. It has survived many power outages and tank flooding.

 

[W31Olds]

I see no reason why you couldn't make a wood extension. I would pick a hardwood that is stable and rot resistant (not pine). Mahogany would be my choice but would be somewhat expensive. You may be able to find someone selling shorts on FB Marketplace.

 

[get-salty]

I wouldnt risk it if this tank will be sitting in your living room.
Get some 2020 aluminum off of Amazon, they are fairly affordable and strong.