Ever used a steel beam in a wooden stand?

[Crazylegs78]

So I'm at the point where I need to start building some racks for my fish room. Most of my tanks will be 6 footers, and I'll be double stacking. If i build racks out of 2x6, that either raises the top tank too high, or limits the accessable space between tanks.

So I was thinking about using 2" square tube with 1/4" walls for only the front beam supporting the top tank. For cost savings, the rest of the rack will be built from dimensional lumber. I have done the distributed load calculations and the tube is strong enough to support the weight of these tanks.

I just wanted to throw the idea out here to see if anyone else has done it, or if there are thoughts/ideas that I haven't considered. Thanks for your input!

 

[jjohnwm]

I've run up against this same problem in the past, and tried various solutions and work-arounds with varying degrees of success. I think you have a terrific idea here! As long as you make sure the top edge of the beam is perfectly level and flush with the three wooden top edges I think you have a winner.

 

[Crazylegs78]

Sweet. I'll be giving it a shot and try to follow up with pics. Thanks!

 

[fishdance]

I visited a fish room in the UK that used tubular steel for the horizontal beams and in winter had warm water circulated through them to heat the tanks/ room.