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#2
06-17-2014, 11:57 AM
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I have a guy locally that can weld aluminum for me. I'll probably go for 2" square tube for a beefier look. It just won't finish as well as wood with the welds. I have 2x4 mounts built into the stand already, so mounting the arms is taken care of.
I would hang it from the ceiling, but I have set the tank up in a temp location before I move it into position and I don't want to suspend it twice.
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Brad 
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#3
06-17-2014, 02:36 PM
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Brad, I can't remember, do you have a table saw? or access to one?
I like the idea of metal, doesn't have to be aluminum if your going to paint it, and there are lots of paints out there that you can get any look you want really. but if you are set on a wood look you could go with 1" AL or steel tube and then dado a 1" channel in your wood to conceal it in the wood. now I would do this for you, but you never come to visit  Steve
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 *everything said above is just my opinion, and may or may not reflect the views of this BBS, its Operators, and its Members. If cornered on any “opinion” I post I will totally deny having ever said this in a Court of Law…Unless I am the right one*Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive.
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#5
06-17-2014, 04:55 PM
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I did aluminum and then painted it black. It hides the welds nicely but is a bit dramatic. Then again its only seen from the "tank room" side of things....
I found anything with wood gets covered in salt and swells a little from the moisture. Then again, I do have some seriously splashy a$$hats for fish...
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#6
06-17-2014, 05:41 PM
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Have you thought about acrylic? I saw a couple years ago in cayman islands a light hung with acrylic and when light went through it it was pretty much invisble so it looked like the light was floating. I don't know if you would be able to do it with the way you want to hang your light. Its still a pretty cool idea though.
On a separate note I agree with the guys saying to router it in then add aluminum where you can't see it. Good Luck !! 
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#7
06-17-2014, 06:27 PM
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Quote:
If you have your welder do the job, he could grind the welds flat so that you would not even see them. Seamless look. Just a bit more $ If he uses the proper grinding grit, you would not even see scratches.
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#8
06-17-2014, 08:22 PM
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2" is fine, my LFS has it over their tank. I don't want too thin, as it might look out of place. Haven't decided yet. Might try and add a metal core to a wood arm. I have the tools, just questionable skills, and I'd like to keep my remaining fingers in tact
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Brad
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#9
06-17-2014, 11:45 PM
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If you use a hardwood like oak it should be fine.
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