8020 vs Steel

So... I have a question for those of you who have had either or 8020 aluminum or powder coated steel stands. Which did you choose and why? I know some of the pros and cons, ie. 8020 can be spendy, steel can/will rust. I also was there for, and helped fix, when the feet on Greg Carroll's steel stand decided to fail and put the whole tank in jeopardy.. All if this is a big lead up to my (hopefully) new tank. The dims will be 12' x 3' x 2'. Big, I know.. Which is why I am thinking about metal for the stand. As some of you already know, I am a cabinet maker by trade so building with wood is right in my wheelhouse. My 15 year old 240 is on a wood stand i built with absolutely zero issues all these years in.. My real concern is the dimensions of the lumber that would be required to carry such a big tank and would I be shooting myself in the foot with wood because I would eat up space below the tank .. I am very interested in anybody's thoughts and opinions...

— Yup....

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@ktran
SCRM😎 Cool KidsSPS Slinger
Joined May 2026161 posts683 pts★5.0(1)📍 Tustin, CA
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3d ago#2

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Been doing the research on a 5ft tank. Ultimately 80/20 is the choice. You can always customize and add to it easily and esp for a 12ft tank, it's an investment knowing you'll never have to change it out or replace it if you build it right. Initial cost is high for sure and still have to figure out how to skin it, but I think you'll be able to easily figure that one out

— Always keeping it simple

@Drexl

SCRM😎 Cool KidsSPS Slinger

Joined Aug 202688 posts364 pts📍 Porter Ranch, CA

2d ago#3

Yeah, I'm in the 8020 camp from now on. Especially after making my own.

— Clams and acros

@BackbayReef

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Joined May 2026265 posts1,033 pts★5.0(2)

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2d ago#4

I got a wood stand (ok, was an old furniture) for my AIO 65gal tank. I would love to build an 8020 stand one of these days. I’m just waiting for @ktran to go first and then he’ll be build mine. Honestly guys - it’s too complicated since the various parts are in the millions! I wish if there’s a “template” (or AI bot) that will order for me? I just want a 48x24x30 stand — show me what I need to order as a KIT???

— /yolo

@ktran

SCRM😎 Cool KidsSPS Slinger

Joined May 2026161 posts683 pts★5.0(1)📍 Tustin, CA

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2d ago#5

@BackbayReef wrote: I got a wood stand (ok, was an old furniture) for my AIO 65gal tank. I would love to build an 8020 stand one of these days. I’m just waiting for @ktran to go first and then he’ll be build mine. Honestly guys - it’s too complicated since the various parts are in the millions! I wish if there’s a “template” (or AI bot) that will order for me? I just want a 48x24x30 stand — show me what I need to order as a KIT???

There's a site that has that, but you pay major tax for them to do it for you. I'm almost there on pulling the trigger

— Always keeping it simple

@BackbayReef

SCRM😎 Cool KidsReef Guru

Joined May 2026265 posts1,033 pts★5.0(2)

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2d ago#6

@ktran wrote: There's a site that has that, but you pay major tax for them to do it for you. I'm almost there on pulling the trigger

Hey — here’s an idea for you. Let’s have a “8020 Calculator” for WCR members to build a stand? Select the dimensions we want and boom: here’s what to order! In fact, it will generate an order form based on various t-slot vendors. 😁

— /yolo

@ktran

SCRM😎 Cool KidsSPS Slinger

Joined May 2026161 posts683 pts★5.0(1)📍 Tustin, CA

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2d ago#7