Metal stand VS wooden stand!!

hihikeke · 11/21/2009, 12:03 AM

I am thinking about an upgrade, found a tank without a stand. I always love wooden stand because they look nicer I think. But then I love the opening from the metal stand.. What will you prefer?? And do you think metal is not as strong as wood?

sedor · 11/21/2009, 12:07 AM

I vote a metal frame, skinned with wood...
IMO metal is much stronger than wood and doesn't pose near as many issues (not that there is many with stands).

boehm742 · 11/21/2009, 09:33 AM

As you can imagine there can be alot of problems with wood and saltwater. Take the time to avoid excess moisture on it and keep it clean and you will be fine!

stanlalee · 11/21/2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boehm742

As you can imagine there can be alot of problems with wood and saltwater.

I've always heard just the opposite. many people could have metal but go with wood due to problems associated with metal and saltwater over time (rust ect). the 2x4 and 4x4 wood used on the other hand are good enough to build th foundation of our homes aught to be able to hold a fish tank.

sjames · 11/21/2009, 11:33 AM

obviously, either one is fine. so if you like the idea of a steel stand, go for it.

Most diy (wood and steel) stands i see posted on this, and other sites are massivly overengineered, so strength isnt really an issue.

I dont really see corrosion as much of an issue assuming you at least paint the steel. Same with wood, a few coats of poly will be plenty to protect against occasional spills.

price? not sure which would be cheaper if you have to have someone else do the fabrication.

luther1200 · 11/21/2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedor

I vote a metal frame, skinned with wood...
IMO metal is much stronger than wood and doesn't pose near as many issues (not that there is many with stands).

+1 Do if like the way the wood looks. You get the best of both.

noahm · 11/21/2009, 12:46 PM

Try a hybrid as mentioned above. fully skinned or not. rare earth magnets work awesome for holding the skin on.

My recessed panel hybid: was going for clean, modern lines, with the warmth of wood.

hihikeke · 11/22/2009, 02:16 AM

That's creative!!

aquariumclown · 11/22/2009, 02:24 AM

Great stand noahm!

As to the poster, either is fine, it's a personal preference actually. If your going with wood, just be sure you use a hardwood like maple and use good amount of sealant.

Hephalump · 11/22/2009, 02:25 AM

OMG is that tiger maple?

Frick-n-Frags · 11/22/2009, 04:03 AM

magnets + skin = brilliant.

what a clean, slick idea.

Lightsluvr · 11/22/2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frick-n-Frags

magnets + skin = brilliant.

what a clean, slick idea.

I agree. Steel stand from the manufactuer = warranty. Skin with custom sized panels (purchased on eBay) held in place by Home Depot magnets, easily removed for maintenance...

Just one way of doing it...

LL

salteebox · 12/22/2009, 08:30 PM

I know this thread is a month old, but I saw some good ideas so I have to ask:

noahm: Do you have a picture of your stand without the skin on?

Lightsluvr: Did you really purchase custom sized pannel on ebay? How did it turn out?

davocean · 12/22/2009, 08:52 PM

I actually prefer metal as long as it's made right, and powder coated, as it takes up less space/gives more access, but since I'm a carpenter I just frame my own.
Either way, I still make the cabinet as a removable facade for access.
I make mine a 3sided freestanding facade, no magnets needed.
Maple looks really nice, but make sure to seal it well as it absorbs moisture big time.
I prefer mahogany or teak for marine applications.
Koa also nice, but expensive.

11/21/2009, 12:03 AM	#1
hihikeke Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 116	Metal stand VS wooden stand!! I am thinking about an upgrade, found a tank without a stand. I always love wooden stand because they look nicer I think. But then I love the opening from the metal stand.. What will you prefer?? And do you think metal is not as strong as wood?

11/21/2009, 12:07 AM	#2
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I vote a metal frame, skinned with wood... IMO metal is much stronger than wood and doesn't pose near as many issues (not that there is many with stands). __________________ Ryan

11/22/2009, 02:25 AM	#10
Hephalump Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 244	OMG is that tiger maple? __________________ You can change your socks, but if you don't wash your feet they will still stink. Current Tank Info: 65 gal bowfront mixed reef, Maxspect Razor 160w, Reef Octopus NW150, Aquamaxx Nano calcium reactor, vortech mp40, pair of ocellaris clowns, starry blenny.

11/22/2009, 04:03 AM	#11
Frick-n-Frags Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: north central OH Posts: 10,740	magnets + skin = brilliant. what a clean, slick idea. __________________ Only Dead fish swim with the current. Current Tank Info: 2 50 gal tanks, sump, still BB

12/22/2009, 08:52 PM	#14
davocean Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14,655	I actually prefer metal as long as it's made right, and powder coated, as it takes up less space/gives more access, but since I'm a carpenter I just frame my own. Either way, I still make the cabinet as a removable facade for access. I make mine a 3sided freestanding facade, no magnets needed. Maple looks really nice, but make sure to seal it well as it absorbs moisture big time. I prefer mahogany or teak for marine applications. Koa also nice, but expensive. __________________ There's a fine line between owning your tank and your tank owning you! Current Tank Info: SCA 120g RR Starfire, Tunze silence 1073.02 return, 40g sump w/ fuge, SWC Extreme 160 cone skimmer,Geismann reflexx 4xT5, 2x Panorama Pro LED strips, Vortech MP40QD

11/21/2009, 09:33 AM	#3
boehm742 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Central ILL Posts: 156	As you can imagine there can be alot of problems with wood and saltwater. Take the time to avoid excess moisture on it and keep it clean and you will be fine!

11/21/2009, 11:33 AM	#5
sjames Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: PA Posts: 675	obviously, either one is fine. so if you like the idea of a steel stand, go for it. Most diy (wood and steel) stands i see posted on this, and other sites are massivly overengineered, so strength isnt really an issue. I dont really see corrosion as much of an issue assuming you at least paint the steel. Same with wood, a few coats of poly will be plenty to protect against occasional spills. price? not sure which would be cheaper if you have to have someone else do the fabrication.

11/21/2009, 12:46 PM	#7
noahm Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,736	Try a hybrid as mentioned above. fully skinned or not. rare earth magnets work awesome for holding the skin on. My recessed panel hybid: was going for clean, modern lines, with the warmth of wood.

11/22/2009, 02:16 AM	#8
hihikeke Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 116	That's creative!!

11/22/2009, 02:24 AM	#9
aquariumclown Moved On Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 3,356	Great stand noahm! As to the poster, either is fine, it's a personal preference actually. If your going with wood, just be sure you use a hardwood like maple and use good amount of sealant.

12/22/2009, 08:30 PM	#13
salteebox Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 49	I know this thread is a month old, but I saw some good ideas so I have to ask: noahm: Do you have a picture of your stand without the skin on? Lightsluvr: Did you really purchase custom sized pannel on ebay? How did it turn out?