Guide to DIY with T-Slot Aluminum

[BZOFIQ]

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

I'm in the process.

Borrowed the idea from here

 

[neonreef3d]

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

I don't think its that hard to do, Ive been working with the 3030 frame, and Im positive you can install hinges in the slots and a magnet catch to close the doors.

 

[polyppal]

I'm in the process.

Borrowed the idea from here

 

[polyppal]

I gotta give a huge shout out to @neon_reefer for the custom 3D printed parts!
Top notch! Perfect custom T-Slot adapters for my new Quanta Pro setup!

 

[neonreef3d]

I just put up my rail frame, Using 3030 from zyltech, got rid of that stupid useless ecotech RMS rail. These rails are the future for the Aquarium industry. Thank you @polyppal for putting up this thread!! your a pillar to the reefing community!!!

 

[polyppal]

I just put up my rail frame, Using 3030 from zyltech, got rid of that stupid useless ecotech RMS rail. These rails are the future for the Aquarium industry. Thank you @polyppal for putting up this thread!! your a pillar to the reefing community!!!

Looking good!
Time to end that crappy RMS rail monopoly!

 

[neonreef3d]

Looking good!
Time to end that crappy RMS rail monopoly!

I completely agree with you, The price of RMS rails are 4-5 times the price of 3030 rails.. I'm currently working on a Nylon Carbon-fiber printed tank mount for those who cannot mount them via suspension cables.

Im going to include mounts for XR15 XR30 Radion, Kessil a360 a500, Aqua Illumination, Orphek, and other brands as well.

Also working on 2020 rails for the nano tanks as well...

 

[infinite0180]

Those of you who added leveling feet, did you just use a tap to add threads to the profiles? Or did you use some kind of insert?

 

[BZOFIQ]

Those of you who added leveling feet, did you just use a tap to add threads to the profiles? Or did you use some kind of insert?

Tap

 

[infinite0180]

Tap

Did you go with die cast feet or nylon? Im looking to build a stand for a 25 gal nano. Wondering if the nylon can handle the load?

 

[BZOFIQ]

Did you go with die cast feet or nylon? Im looking to build a stand for a 25 gal nano. Wondering if the nylon can handle the load?

Nylon.

Load calcs were done at framing tech.

Here is their selection. Look at load rating of each and multiply by amount of legs supporting your stand.

Leveling Feet | Framing Technology

Find the perfect leveling foot for your needs at Framing Tech! Choose from our wide range of materials, diameters, stud lengths, and more. Need a bespoke solution? Contact us today!

www.framingtech.com

The weight of your load is easy to calculate too

 

[infinite0180]

Nylon.

Load calcs were done at framing tech.

Here is their selection. Look at load rating of each and multiply by amount of legs supporting your stand.

Leveling Feet | Framing Technology

Find the perfect leveling foot for your needs at Framing Tech! Choose from our wide range of materials, diameters, stud lengths, and more. Need a bespoke solution? Contact us today!

www.framingtech.com

The weight of your load is easy to calculate too

Thanks for your help! Saved me some money!

 

[infinite0180]

Thanks for your help! Saved me some money!

Are the gussets fine for my nano tank or do i pay extra to have them machine in those quick locks?

 

[neonreef3d]

Are the gussets fine for my nano tank or do i pay extra to have them machine in those quick locks?

Gussets should be plenty strong,, the quick locks are more for aesthetics

 

[polyppal]

Did you go with die cast feet or nylon? Im looking to build a stand for a 25 gal nano. Wondering if the nylon can handle the load?

Most should handle the weight on a 25, I actually tap these cheapo pads in (with different screws) on my stands and have done so on much larger tanks with no issue.

(granted they aren't adjustable)

Everbilt 1 in. Heavy Duty Anti-Skid Surface Pads (4-Pack) 49644 - The Home Depot

The caster features a combination of red polyurethane and steel construction, ensuring a silent and smooth rolling experience while protecting delicate floor surfaces from marks and scratches. The polyurethane

www.homedepot.com

 

[BZOFIQ]

Most should handle the weight on a 25, I actually tap these cheapo pads in (with different screws) on my stands and have done so on much larger tanks with no issue.

(granted they aren't adjustable)

Everbilt 1 in. Heavy Duty Anti-Skid Surface Pads (4-Pack) 49644 - The Home Depot

The caster features a combination of red polyurethane and steel construction, ensuring a silent and smooth rolling experience while protecting delicate floor surfaces from marks and scratches. The polyurethane

www.homedepot.com

These will hold but they are not adjustable, if you don't care about adjustment you can just use cheap endcaps like I did on my AWC station's storage tank.

 

[infinite0180]

These will hold but they are not adjustable, if you don't care about adjustment you can just use cheap endcaps like I did on my AWC station's storage tank.

Im going to go with the adjustable because my basement floor is not level. Should make things easier to set up compared to my last tank i had to shim…

 

[BZOFIQ]

Im going to go with the adjustable because my basement floor is not level. Should make things easier to set up compared to my last tank i had to shim…

You absolutely should.

 

[Djordan719]

This is amazing. I’m having a 120x36x24 tank built and I think I will utilize this for the stand. Thanks for the write-up!

For those of you who have used aluminum stands, what would you place below the tank and on top of the stand? In my mind I’m thinking about abs or 1/4” aluminum sheet with a rubber mat on top. The aluminum sheet is probably a waste of money though. Probably like $1000+ for something that plywood could do. Any feedback appreciated!

 

[BZOFIQ]

This is amazing. I’m having a 120x36x24 tank built and I think I will utilize this for the stand. Thanks for the write-up!

For those of you who have used aluminum stands, what would you place below the tank and on top of the stand? In my mind I’m thinking about abs or 1/4” aluminum sheet with a rubber mat on top. The aluminum sheet is probably a waste of money though. Probably like $1000+ for something that plywood could do. Any feedback appreciated!

I used 3/4 plywood.