those castors you use are beasts! literally everything in your facility is top notch. those stands are like 80/20 framing used in van builds and all sorts of things... its versatile, durable and easy to make it work for whatever your use.
After your visit I asked Alufab if they did stuff for van builds and they said they do. They don't do the installs, but they provide the kits to van outfitters. It is something I would consider if I ever got a work van.
For my build I went with another manufacturer for my aluminum stand. It was expensive but well worth the money. I was nervous because when I put it together it was so light but it was super solid. I was also nervous because my tank manufacturer sd they would not honor a warranty if I got the tank and did not use their steel stand unless I provide engineering plans for the stand I was going to get. The stand manufacturer provided them and when I sent them to the tank builder they were like we know those guys you are all good.
I just built on of these stands. They are awesome and offer a ton of options down the road. Also, I ran a lot of the finiteelement analysis that you mention and in many cases they are basically as strong as steel. You can select "heavy" extrusion options in each dimension extrusion if you want more beef without getting a larger extrusion. Lastly, I want to mention that the squish layer is something more needed for frameless glass bottom tanks, since a pane of glass is sitting flat on the structural layer. For tanks like mine that have a PVC bottom and a stainless steel frame, that layer is not needed. These also make the additon of light bars very easy!
Freshwater aquascaper here, this is a genius idea! Absolutely going to build one of these for a 60P. My home is not exactly level and the self leveling hardware looks solid so that's a big plus too
I bought my stand from Alufab after seeing them on your channel. Michael over there was really helpful even with follow up support. I haven’t gotten the tank put on it yet, but I have no hesitations as it’s built like a tank. The only other material I would consider for a tank stand is fiberglass but they are even more expensive. It’s so nice not worrying about the stand being wobbly.
I just got my first Alufab stand for my 48x48x18 tank a couple weeks ago. It's amazing! These are the only stands I will use moving forward. Highly recommend Alufab!!
I bought this stand from Michael about a year ago and it is phenomenal. I love that it's expandable so when I upgrade my tank, I can add width. Also, you can conceal a lot of wires in the slots. 10/10 💪🏼
Thanks for the overview. When I eventually upgrade (long time from now 😢) this is the type of stand I want. Black powder coat with black panels and a shelf all the way around to be used as a walk board for maintenance, etc.
Thanks for doing this Than! I am a maker and have used extruded aluminum for years making 3D printers and CNC Routers. With my latest tank I went with Innovative Marine because its an EA frame. At some point in the future when my kids move out I plan on converting my old photo studio to a frag room and was wondering if it would just be easier to buy a frame already made. I appreciate you covering who makes these for you as I may be calling on them in a couple of years :)
Hey Than , will you do any walkthrough video please 🙏? I would love to watch with some nice music your taste is awesome for music, please do walkthrough video please all your aquariums one by one ,
I follow an Australian YT who uses an aluminium stand (shout out to Parker’s reef) who had a local craftsman build his cabinetry. As much as I love the brand the cabinetry on offer looks a little cheap, if your building a custom tank and stand you probably gonna want to finish that off with something which doesn’t involve nobs hanging of the sides and see through gaps (refugium lights). I think March over at fragbox visited a Korean shop where you can similar aesthetics, both superior to what they’re currently offering. Maybe look into that if you’re watching. Having said all that I’d be interested to know of they ship international as I’m working on the design for my dream tank and have been looking for a frame supplier.
Awesome video, Than! Can you please remind me of who makes your display tanks as well? I need to order another thank as my current maker appears to have gone out of business. Thanks!
These tanks look amazing, I believe I remember you saying that were made by planted aquariums? What is that black border? Is it bracing or just for looks?
12:18 I don't doubt the wheel integrity of the caster, but I would worry about the bolts if you do not lower the leg. There will be a lot of torque on the bolts, and they are likely the weak point here. The bolts should have a rating, so potentially something to consider.
After building my latest stand with 3030, I don't think I'll ever be able to stray away from aluminum extrusions; it's the best, and looks fantastic! (I went with black powder coated extrusions.) I will probably purchase some of those side panels from Alufab to appease my wife 😅; I was going to use those shiny acrylic panels that slide right in between the groove, but the price just didn't make sense; these finished panels look much better and worth it. I also love that they are simple magnetic snap-ins, all the other options that I have seen (which are also expensive) require hinges or require taking the stand apart to be fitted.
I think stainless steel would be the best material because Aluminum corrodes. But stainless doesn't come in T-slot and if it did, your stand likely would cost 3 times the amount, maybe more.
@@tidalgardens I was discussing it with my friend and I initially was arguing against it and more for aluminium but then I kind of understood where he was coming from. You can get heaps of variations of stainless, 304, 316, etc. Although granted some variants are going to be waaay too expensive. When I think Rust proof stainless I think of Rolex's and how their steel is more of an alloy. But pondering this I was imagining Than looking at me funny and saying something like, "Oh yeah why don't you build your stands out of Gold. That way they don't rust."
Stainless steel would rust, sure you can buy super expensive steel with various alloys, but in the end they will rust given enough exposure and time. Would also be heavier, way more expensive etc etc
those castors you use are beasts! literally everything in your facility is top notch. those stands are like 80/20 framing used in van builds and all sorts of things... its versatile, durable and easy to make it work for whatever your use.
After your visit I asked Alufab if they did stuff for van builds and they said they do. They don't do the installs, but they provide the kits to van outfitters. It is something I would consider if I ever got a work van.
For my build I went with another manufacturer for my aluminum stand. It was expensive but well worth the money. I was nervous because when I put it together it was so light but it was super solid. I was also nervous because my tank manufacturer sd they would not honor a warranty if I got the tank and did not use their steel stand unless I provide engineering plans for the stand I was going to get. The stand manufacturer provided them and when I sent them to the tank builder they were like we know those guys you are all good.
I just built on of these stands. They are awesome and offer a ton of options down the road. Also, I ran a lot of the finiteelement analysis that you mention and in many cases they are basically as strong as steel. You can select "heavy" extrusion options in each dimension extrusion if you want more beef without getting a larger extrusion. Lastly, I want to mention that the squish layer is something more needed for frameless glass bottom tanks, since a pane of glass is sitting flat on the structural layer. For tanks like mine that have a PVC bottom and a stainless steel frame, that layer is not needed.
These also make the additon of light bars very easy!
Freshwater aquascaper here, this is a genius idea! Absolutely going to build one of these for a 60P. My home is not exactly level and the self leveling hardware looks solid so that's a big plus too
I bought my stand from Alufab after seeing them on your channel. Michael over there was really helpful even with follow up support. I haven’t gotten the tank put on it yet, but I have no hesitations as it’s built like a tank. The only other material I would consider for a tank stand is fiberglass but they are even more expensive. It’s so nice not worrying about the stand being wobbly.
Next tank build definitely going with that
I just got my first Alufab stand for my 48x48x18 tank a couple weeks ago. It's amazing! These are the only stands I will use moving forward. Highly recommend Alufab!!
I bought this stand from Michael about a year ago and it is phenomenal. I love that it's expandable so when I upgrade my tank, I can add width. Also, you can conceal a lot of wires in the slots. 10/10 💪🏼
Love those casters! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the overview. When I eventually upgrade (long time from now 😢) this is the type of stand I want. Black powder coat with black panels and a shelf all the way around to be used as a walk board for maintenance, etc.
Thanks for doing this Than! I am a maker and have used extruded aluminum for years making 3D printers and CNC Routers. With my latest tank I went with Innovative Marine because its an EA frame. At some point in the future when my kids move out I plan on converting my old photo studio to a frag room and was wondering if it would just be easier to buy a frame already made. I appreciate you covering who makes these for you as I may be calling on them in a couple of years :)
super informative - and timely. Thanks for the video... and the discount!
Glad it was helpful!
Hey Than , will you do any walkthrough video please 🙏? I would love to watch with some nice music your taste is awesome for music, please do walkthrough video please all your aquariums one by one ,
I've bought one stand from Alufab and will buy again, absolutely the best quality.
I follow an Australian YT who uses an aluminium stand (shout out to Parker’s reef) who had a local craftsman build his cabinetry. As much as I love the brand the cabinetry on offer looks a little cheap, if your building a custom tank and stand you probably gonna want to finish that off with something which doesn’t involve nobs hanging of the sides and see through gaps (refugium lights).
I think March over at fragbox visited a Korean shop where you can similar aesthetics, both superior to what they’re currently offering. Maybe look into that if you’re watching.
Having said all that I’d be interested to know of they ship international as I’m working on the design for my dream tank and have been looking for a frame supplier.
Awesome video, Than! Can you please remind me of who makes your display tanks as well? I need to order another thank as my current maker appears to have gone out of business. Thanks!
Who makes tanks like this?
These tanks look amazing, I believe I remember you saying that were made by planted aquariums? What is that black border? Is it bracing or just for looks?
Thank you very much for the video
You are welcome
Thanks for this video....
Suxh a great video. Thank you so much Than!
12:18 I don't doubt the wheel integrity of the caster, but I would worry about the bolts if you do not lower the leg. There will be a lot of torque on the bolts, and they are likely the weak point here. The bolts should have a rating, so potentially something to consider.
For sure it is a better idea to lower the foot.
i love these videos
Who do you buy your custom tanks through??
Love this and love AluFab, just sent you an email to check out my build few years ago
Do you know if alufab can send stands to Canada (or are there any distributors), or do you know of any similar Canadian providers?
Alufab can ship to Canada!
After building my latest stand with 3030, I don't think I'll ever be able to stray away from aluminum extrusions; it's the best, and looks fantastic! (I went with black powder coated extrusions.) I will probably purchase some of those side panels from Alufab to appease my wife 😅; I was going to use those shiny acrylic panels that slide right in between the groove, but the price just didn't make sense; these finished panels look much better and worth it. I also love that they are simple magnetic snap-ins, all the other options that I have seen (which are also expensive) require hinges or require taking the stand apart to be fitted.
I think stainless steel would be the best material because Aluminum corrodes. But stainless doesn't come in T-slot and if it did, your stand likely would cost 3 times the amount, maybe more.
stainless steel rusts
@@tidalgardens I was discussing it with my friend and I initially was arguing against it and more for aluminium but then I kind of understood where he was coming from.
You can get heaps of variations of stainless, 304, 316, etc. Although granted some variants are going to be waaay too expensive.
When I think Rust proof stainless I think of Rolex's and how their steel is more of an alloy. But pondering this I was imagining Than looking at me funny and saying something like, "Oh yeah why don't you build your stands out of Gold. That way they don't rust."
Stainless steel would rust, sure you can buy super expensive steel with various alloys, but in the end they will rust given enough exposure and time. Would also be heavier, way more expensive etc etc
Keep in mind the truck analogy is not a good one. A 1000 gallon tank (5 tons) weighs over most 1 ton pickup trucks (3.5 tons). 8:38
AWESOME VID. I TRIED TO PURCHASE A STAND AND GOT A "COUPON CODE NOT ACTIVE" :(
Anyone use these type of feet on a wooden floor instead of a concrete? Should that matter?
lol... those things are so over engineered... its crazy. that 3/4 pvc sheet underlayment for example.
So for the Alufab and casters I’d be at over $1000 for a small tank. Cool, but I’m good😂
Gekke belgen
They cost more than the tanks, screw that!
Cinderblocks & wood slabs for me!