Discus' Diy Stainless Steel Stand ADA style

[DiscusIt'sWhats4DinneR]

I have been gone quite a while guys. You probably think that I fell off, but Now im back on the scene I want you to see what i have been up to since you havent heard from me.

This is my Stainless steel stand. it is constructed of a solid 4x4 frame with cross bracing wrapped in 3/4" ply, skinned with Real 22ga 304 stainless.

The tank is a custom built 125. it is rimless with glass eurobracing and super clean silicone edgework that rivals ADA. I drilled the tank on the bottom for the filtration and added 1"schedule 80 bulkheads with gaskets on both sides of the glass on the advice of Tom Barr.

Took the Catalina Solar 48" 4x54t5ho and stripped off the black finish. It did not match my decor. Here we have it in a nice brushed finish that goes well with the stand.

The light hangers are bent from 3/4" EMT with a giessman adjustable cable suspension kit.

The Reefkeeper 2 control panel is flush mounted on the front of the stand. Lets me see what is going on in the tank and program/ control all of the power outlets from the front. It also looks really cool at the same time.


I will post updates to this, Will be planting soon and I will show you the inside of the cabinet and the framework. this thing is solid as can be and weighs about 300 pounds. (just the stand.)

[DogFish]

Very nice!

Looking forward to see what you do with it.

And Welcome back

[AaronT]

Setting it up in front of a window might not be the best idea. I had a tank next to a window and constantly battled algae in the summer months.

Nice looking setup though. It's nice to see something different like this.

[talontsiawd]

That is awesome. I really love the industrial/medical look. I know a few people started to make full stainless stands but ended up skinning them in wood for cost reasons. You should polish it lol.

[DiscusIt'sWhats4DinneR]

Aaron T,
After i visited AFA in san fran I really liked the way that one of their display tanks is positioned at the front of the store where you can look through the tank and out the window. To me, It added a lot of depth to it. it looked like the tank went on forever.

The other side of my window has japanese maple trees and some bushes outside. when you look through the tank it is as though they are growing out of the tank in the background.

the window is facing north and is shaded by the roof overhang and never really gets direct sunlight so I think that it will be alright. I can close the shutters if it becomes problematic.

I was fortunate to have a friend who works with stainless for a living and he helped out a lot with the skinning of the stand. The materials we used were mainly scraps from other jobs so the cost wasn't so much a factor.

On the mechanical look, I got something else to show you guys when I really set up my co2 and the rest of the equipment. I think youll like it.
Stay tuned

Originally Posted by AaronT

Setting it up in front of a window might not be the best idea. I had a tank next to a window and constantly battled algae in the summer months.

Nice looking setup though. It's nice to see something different like this.

[sick lid]

Something wicked this way comes

[Hoppy]

Will that stainless steel show fingerprints the way stainless steel kitchen appliances do? That would be the only downside I can see to your stand. It is certainly unique and great looking.

[Matty R]

Wow! Looks really cool so far. Cant wait to see it come along.
I think I want my next large tank to be rimless. Very clean looking set up.

Regarding prints/smudges on the stainless. I'd recommend trying Weiman Stainless cleaner/polish. Aerosol can NOT the pre-moistened wipes. I updated all my appliances to stainless last year, so I researched it fairly well. Aerosol Weiman was Consumer Reports top pick. Best applied with 2 clean micro fiber clothes. 1 to apply, and one to buff after its set up. And of course always go with the grain of the stainless.
disclaimer: I have no affiliation with stated product. Its easy to find and has worked for me thus far.

[DiscusIt'sWhats4DinneR]

I think I have that weiman cleaner. It doesnt really get smudges too bad because im not touching the metal very often. Its not like a refrigerator, oven or something where it has hands getting all over it.

Will post some update pics soon. Hang Tight everyone

[woomdawg]

Bravo on that tank. that thing is incredible looking and the stand is pimp as well.

[discuspaul]

That is one superbly cool looking tank and stand !!
I can just visualize that tank fully set-up with 8 or 10 good-sized Blue Diamond discus in it !

[Seedreemer]

Bumping because I'd like to see it up and running....??

[manzpants92]

Originally Posted by discuspaul

That is one superbly cool looking tank and stand !!
I can just visualize that tank fully set-up with 8 or 10 good-sized Blue Diamond discus in it !

Or some jumbo cobalt piwos

[HD Blazingwolf]

HEY lemme know if u wanna shine it? i polish metal on the sides and wold love to give some tips !!