Guide to DIY with T-Slot Aluminum

[Projects with Sam]

Just wanted to update the build. I need to do some wire management. I bet there's a way to use the same thing as I do on network cabinets. Loom would be a pita.

I make a bunch of wire management stuff at ParlAquatics. Can do custom twist nuts if I don't have what you're looking for.

Though, What I suggested to a pal was to just get a vinyl gutter and cut it the length of the stand. Use the metal screw-to-lock style nuts and just put the gutter along the top back extrusion. Now its super easy to just toss all the wires and power bricks up there.

 

[Adamc13o3]

This is my first time working with this material. I placed an order today to build a light rack and just came across this thread. Can anyone tell me if I am missing anything or if my order will suffice? I want to build a light rack with this design.

 

[Adamc13o3]

The tank is 35.5 x 35.5 made by innovative marine. It's on an aluminium stand made from similar material to 80/20. the light being used will be the Neptune sky.

This order is all from 80/20

SKU: 1515 1.50” X 1.50” T-Slotted Profile - Four Open T-Slots (18 inches) - To go from bar in back of the tank to the front of the tank.

SKU: 1515 1.50” X 1.50” T-Slotted Profile - Four Open T-Slots (24 inches) - To be the bar the actual light mounts to

SKU: 1515 1.50” X 1.50” T-Slotted Profile - Four Open T-Slots (40 inches) - To be the bar that is attached to the stand (vertical bar)

SKU: 3368 90 Degree Inside Corner Connector - To use as connectors for the 2 points of connection between the bars (2 pieces)

SKU: 203GRA 15 Series End Cap with Push-In Fastener - To cover the ends of the bars, I should have two visible ends (2 pieces)

SKU: 6535 15 Series 3 Slot Mount - Double Flange Short High-Cycle Linear Bearing with Brake Holes - To screw into the back of my aluminium stand and have it pinch and hold the vertical bar

SKU: 6807 15 Series "L" Handle Linear Bearing Brake Kit - This appeared to be needed for the linear bearing to tighten it down. I also figured I can use this handle to loosen it and increase or decrease the height of the entire thing.

I was going to get a radion RMS slide mount (works with the sky) and then make a hole in the top of it. I would then

SKU: 3117 5/16-18 x .875" Button Head Socket Cap Screw (BHSCS) - Put through the hole drilled in the RMS mount

SKU: 2849 15 Series Rubber Bumper - To put between the RMS mount and the bar it's mounted to

SKU: 3203 15 Series 5/16-18 Standard Slide-In T-Nut - To slide into the bar that the light mounts to

SKU: 2110 15 Series Standard T-Slot Cover - To cover the cord from the light and have it sit in the Chanel on the bars


I did just see the mount for the Neptune sky that neonreef3d made and will send a message to see if I can buy that. It means I won't need a few of these parts including an RMS mount and just looks so much cleaner. If anyone can let me know that this all works and is compatible I would greatly appreciate it!


Thanks in advance,

Adam

 

[Raptor72]

Great write up. I ordered a Waterbox LX 330.7 and it has a 3030 aluminum stand which I’m supplementing with a few add ons here and there.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Thanks for the write-up. This is something I'm planning to use on this build.