T-Slot Rail Stand Designs

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Hi everyone! I need some help making an aluminum extrusion stand for my tank. Tank dimensions are 36” long x 21 7/8 width and 20” high. The glass is 1/2” thick. I would love to have the front open so I can be able to work with the sump and everything. I would love to have extra space on the stand on the back so I can drill holes to the panel that the tank will be seating on and bring pipes to the sump.

Can you guys please help telling everything I need to buy? I’ll be able to purchase everything from Amazon since I have Prime.
I don’t know if I’m making sense but your help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I’m thinking in hanging the lights with extrusions too.

Try something like this, see attached. On a short tank like yours, you will need only one side. 30mm is more than adequate for this length. You can get cheaper smaller profile but then you will have sway and bounce.

 

[avp87reef]

Thank you! 30mm you mean these one?

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Thank you! 30mm you mean these one?

That should work. Make sure you choose the correct hardware. Each profile size requires different hardware

 

[topjimmy]

Try something like this, see attached. On a short tank like yours, you will need only one side. 30mm is more than adequate for this length. You can get cheaper smaller profile but then you will have sway and bounce.

That's super slick. Im considering something like that to hang three kessils, and maybe a couple of orphek type bars. Currently using the t5 kessil hybrid.

My stand is already made of 80/20 45 series. Do you think I could attach something like that light hanger right to the back extrusion?

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

If any of y’all plan to build your stand or other T-slot related projects, LMK I’ll help you out
I have the 3D CAD models and I can help you design and layout out so you know exactly what to order and how much you’re going to spend.
I like to use McMaster. Amazon has a dealer too, but with the high shipping rate, comes out the same as McMaster. And they’re a reputable company.

T-slot bracketing related items for printing too. I know someone was asking for a bracket to hold their G5’s. I have the profile so I can easily design

I have some time off before my next gig, I’ll try and hook up as many folks as possible. .

Buck on! Oh wait. Reef on!

Curious, when you build the stands are you able to perform a stress analysis for the weight that they will be holding.

For instance, I use solidworks, and I'm able to input the FEA data for the material used and then be able to see the weak points and build them up.

I recently did thos for a local on a large 600g tank and was able to design a stand that will easily hold the weight.






I fear that without proper calculations these stands aren't going to be up to the task.

At the very least it will help determine what extruded aluminum profile will be the best choice for cost and strength.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

That's super slick. Im considering something like that to hang three kessils, and maybe a couple of orphek type bars. Currently using the t5 kessil hybrid.

My stand is already made of 80/20 45 series. Do you think I could attach something like that light hanger right to the back extrusion?

These light mounts will be ready for purchase in a few days and easily attach to the 45 profile, the wall or to the back of a wood stand.

I have a question for you and anyone else following : how much distance would you like to see between the horizontal light mount and the water surface? This design can be adjusted so what would be the ideal height range assuming lights are mounted to the BOTTOM of the t slot?

 

[Stang67]

T slot is great for stands and light mounts.

 

[topjimmy]

These light mounts will be ready for purchase in a few days and easily attach to the 45 profile, the wall or to the back of a wood stand.

I have a question for you and anyone else following : how much distance would you like to see between the horizontal light mount and the water surface? This design can be adjusted so what would be the ideal height range assuming lights are mounted to the BOTTOM of the t slot?

I would say most people are about 8 inches above the water.

 

[tharbin]

I like your design for the mounts. I feel that most users run their lights at 4"-12" above the tank with 8" probably the most common. That 8" is the light lens, not the mounting bar.

My light mount crossbar sits at 10" above the top of the tank which puts the lenses at 7-3/4" above the lid or 9-1/2" above the water line.

The crossbar behind my tank gives me a lot of available vertical movement in case I go to different lights, a Kessel 360 needs a higher mount than an AI Blade for instance.

 

[10000]

Curious, when you build the stands are you able to perform a stress analysis for the weight that they will be holding.

For instance, I use solidworks, and I'm able to input the FEA data for the material used and then be able to see the weak points and build them up.

I recently did thos for a local on a large 600g tank and was able to design a stand that will easily hold the weight.






I fear that without proper calculations these stands aren't going to be up to the task.

At the very least it will help determine what extruded aluminum profile will be the best choice for cost and strength.

Can you please DM your fee if you’re still up to help people with these CADs? I’m getting a acrylic tank built with dimensions 96x72x30. 1 inch thick all sides. Wanting 30” stand height that holds all my equipment under the tank