polyppal
2500 Club Member
After a long break from reefing, I'm bored with my planted tank and decided to waste a bunch of money and setup a small zoa nano by my desk...
I have a lot of experience working with T-Slot (https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/guide-to-diy-with-t-slot-aluminum.855) but came across something even easier and better looking - '8020's Quick Frame' - Its 1 inch bar that connects with friction-based connectors. I decided to give it a try instead of my normal T-Slot style
Worked Great! The connectors are no joke, you will need a mallet/hammer to firmly put them in place, but one they are attached they aren't going anywhere (so make sure you get it right the first time). Here is the IM15 stand i build for about $120 (the acrylic panels were an additional 70$). I put some Amazon industrial casters and a cheap aliexpress LED strip light along the inner frame and got a really cool effect!
(note - the acrylic i used is a flat-black translucent acrylic I purchased from TAP)
8020 Parts:
8020.net
Since it is currently only offered in 1-inch bar, I would recommend the quick-connect type for something under 40 gallons or so...
I have a lot of experience working with T-Slot (https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/guide-to-diy-with-t-slot-aluminum.855) but came across something even easier and better looking - '8020's Quick Frame' - Its 1 inch bar that connects with friction-based connectors. I decided to give it a try instead of my normal T-Slot style
Worked Great! The connectors are no joke, you will need a mallet/hammer to firmly put them in place, but one they are attached they aren't going anywhere (so make sure you get it right the first time). Here is the IM15 stand i build for about $120 (the acrylic panels were an additional 70$). I put some Amazon industrial casters and a cheap aliexpress LED strip light along the inner frame and got a really cool effect!
(note - the acrylic i used is a flat-black translucent acrylic I purchased from TAP)
8020 Parts:
Quick Frame Connectors | Aluminum Extrusion Framing | 80/20, Inc.
Quick Frame connectors for building 80/20 Quick Frame projects: 2 way connectors, 3 way connectors, 4 way connectors, 90 degree connectors.
8020.net
Since it is currently only offered in 1-inch bar, I would recommend the quick-connect type for something under 40 gallons or so...
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