Looking to get a metal stand made up, curious as to the best method for skinning it?
Any ideas you can share would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Any ideas you can share would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Skinning a Metal Stand
- Thread starter BfishLpond78
- Start date
- Tagged users None
I have an as yet un-skinned metal stand as well. You can see it here in this build thread. My plan is currently to use magnets, the more powerful rare earth kind which can be fastened with screws, to hold finished plywood panels in place. Tagging along to weigh alternatives....
OP
OP
Your build is a work of art, my lord.
We basically have the same tank. I also have a 150 w/ starfire glass.
I'm also looking to have a large Refugium with an abundance of different macro algae. I like your idea with the soundboard and magnets.
We basically have the same tank. I also have a 150 w/ starfire glass.
I'm also looking to have a large Refugium with an abundance of different macro algae. I like your idea with the soundboard and magnets.
Thanks. You would not believe how effective those soundboard panels are! It's incredible. I'm actually enjoying how easy it is to remove and replace those soundboard panels, and dreading once it's skinned as those panels will be so much heavier and awkward to remove, usually multiple times a day.
Just seeing your "new glass box" myself. It's a work of art, very nice!
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When you have the stand built, have the person building it add tap plates, and a ridge line at the base to hold the panels up and in place, magnets will do the rest of the work.
When you have the stand built, have the person building it add tap plates, and a ridge line at the base to hold the panels up and in place, magnets will do the rest of the work.
OP
OP
Lol I'm still leaning on you and to do it. Just trying to wrap my head around everything. Also weighing the price of metal over wood 
Sorry lol
Sorry lol
I skinned this welded steel square tubing stand:
I need help with a large tank move - Reef Central Online Community
When we had the stand built I had the welder add small welded on permanent L brackets in strategic locations, mostly behind the solid oak trim pieces. When I built the sides and front I hid counter sunk carriage bolts behind the trim so every panel is removable for service and held on with 4-8 wing nuts. The stand is all powder coated so rust resistant. The canopy is also the same construction. Not only are the sides removable but they also have hinged doors for quick access to things like pumps, ballasts, controllers, skimmer and reactors without having to remove a panel.
Not only did I build it for the original owner I was dumb enough to help the second owner move it 30+ miles and set it back up, all in one day and he wanted to keep the water too!
Here is another friends larg tank build thread using a skinned metal stand but going completely crazy:
Our 375 Gallon project - Reef Central Online Community
This was one of the most amazing systems I have ever seen.
I need help with a large tank move - Reef Central Online Community
When we had the stand built I had the welder add small welded on permanent L brackets in strategic locations, mostly behind the solid oak trim pieces. When I built the sides and front I hid counter sunk carriage bolts behind the trim so every panel is removable for service and held on with 4-8 wing nuts. The stand is all powder coated so rust resistant. The canopy is also the same construction. Not only are the sides removable but they also have hinged doors for quick access to things like pumps, ballasts, controllers, skimmer and reactors without having to remove a panel.
Not only did I build it for the original owner I was dumb enough to help the second owner move it 30+ miles and set it back up, all in one day and he wanted to keep the water too!
Here is another friends larg tank build thread using a skinned metal stand but going completely crazy:
Our 375 Gallon project - Reef Central Online Community
This was one of the most amazing systems I have ever seen.
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Justin1997
Active Member
Magnet acrylic sheets I'm in the process of it now I'll send pics when it's done
sawdonkey
Valuable Member
My stand is framed with wood, but I skinned it and you could use the same technique. Front panels are held with magnets and the canopy rests on the tank. Front of the canopy raises with gas Pistons. It's not perfect because I was retrofitting a running system, but I think the result was good.
ethridge78
Valuable Member
Very nice
OP
OP
Very nice, I look the simplistic look of those panels, that is what i am going for.
I'd like to have access to all areas of the stand.
I'd like to have access to all areas of the stand.
sawdonkey
Valuable Member
Thanks. You could do the side panels the same way, but my tank is in a nook and I can't get to them anyway. If I were doing it over, those 2X4s you see would be aligned with the vertical walnut boards that serve to fill the gap between panels. I couldn't move them with the tank full and running.
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