Wood Or Steel

[kidjatt]

I have a 60 x 18 x 15 tank and was thinking of getting a steel frame made but ive been reading on the diy hood and stand thread that one could be made out of wood. Would a wood frame be strong enough to hold the tank, im guessing it would weigh in atleast 250kg with the water and gravel.

 

[The-Wolf]

both would do, it depends on the look you wish to have.

I have a 54"L x 18"W x30"H on a wood cabinet and it looks great

 

[kewskills]

wood is more traditional for cabinets, metal would be more unique and interesting

 

[darkwolf29a]

I made my wooden one, 2x4s with 1/4in birch ply over the top of it. I popped on some doors and have some storage underneath. I would think that would be the advantage of wood over steel, unless you are going to add something for that. Personally, I wouldn't mind building one out of steel, but I would want to make sure that storage is taken into account.

Which ever way you decide to go, let us know.

 

[andywg]

Storage will be far easier in a steel frame as the supporting structure will not need to be as large as with wood.

As for size, I have a 6x2xx2 sitting on wood, and I know that CFC and Paul_MTS have tanks over 200 US gallons on wood, so I doubt your tank size will be a problem at all.

 

[kidjatt]

thanks for that guys, I'll get my dad on the case of building a wooden cabinet.

 

[Rooster]

Just make sure the uprights are substantial enough... and the tank base is well supported, theres a few plans lurking on here - I have used "CLS" from the diy sheds for tank stands ... cheap and easy to build with.
Good luck, hope you get a nice result.

 

[kidjatt]

hi mate, what does cls stand for

 

[Lateral Line]

I have access to the necessary equipment, so build from steel, but wood is probably more common.

 

[Rooster]

hi mate, what does cls stand for

Do you know... I cant remember ! (If I ever knew ) Its the cheapest wood they sell, used to be called "3be2" when I was a lad ! lol
Comes in 2.5M lengths, and is ideal for building cabinet carcases.