second level- metal?

[avocadocrabbies]

I've been looking for ways to make a second level and toying with different DIY ideas, one of the ideas I had regarded a mini table or shelf thing that didn't require tension rods/ craft mesh to make a second level. I found on in the right size (it's actually a plant stand) except it's made out of lightweight metal. Is this unsuitable for a crab tank? In theory, I know you aren't supposed to use metal in a crab tank, but it doesn't seem like the kind of metal that would rust, it's almost like plastic

[curlysister]

Can you post a photo of it up close, so we can see what you mean?

[Xenocrab]

I think I know what you mean. It's metal, but covered in plastic/rubber. I've seen people wrap hemp or jute around it to help prevent picking and rust. We use eggcrate for our levels. We get it at Lowe's. Easy to work with and the possibilities are endless!

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[avocadocrabbies]

Wow, that looks good! I actually ended up deciding against the metal stand, I've been trying to figure out ways of creating that second level with materials I can find for a good price in-store (online will take forever to ship) and the possibilities are kind of limited. :/

Xenocrab, how large is your tank, and do you think you could possibly describe to me how you designed it? I love the egg crate idea, and I'm pretty much open to anything because I haven't purchased anything yet, still researching.

edit: I plan on getting zip ties for other things as well, but I primarily thought of them because of some egg crate ideas I had. For some reason, I can't find any store with egg crate! I checked Lowe's and Home Depot but weirdly there doesn't seem to be any!

[Wlfwo]

They have the egg crate with the ceiling tiles. Plaskolite is what Lowe's calls it. Hope that helps.

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[Motörcrab]

To easily work with egg crate you need something to make clean cuts on the plastic.

Another name for Egg Crate is lighting diffusers.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-Com ... ls/3280904

Diagonal side cut wires work great. You can use whatever you want. I highly recommend these or something similar.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CHANNELLOCK-XL ... /999914689

To keep everything together we use zip ties. Lots and lots of zip ties! For one complete tank build we can go through two or more 100 count zip ties. Most of the time you only need the thin 4" ties. The longer and heavier 8" ties are good to have on hand too.