Any aquarium stand experts ?? Lol or knowledgeable

[Raidensreef18]

After buying this setup iv realized it's a pain to work under neath ... I was wondering if I could expand the opening and install a double door or something of that nature... iv tried looking for info on if it's supporting the weight or not but have not had any luck ... attached is photo of where I woukd like to open make bigger .. approx 8 inches on each side.. any advise would be grateful.. thanks

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

From the picture it doesn’t appear that there is any support across the back which would mean it is basically only supporting the ends of the aquarium.

That being said it shouldn’t creat a problem making the opening larger, so long as you do leave some verticals support on both sides of the opening. Not knowing how wide it is to start, I can’t tell you how much to leave. But I would probably not remove over 1/2 of what is still there.

An alternative to ensure strong enough would be to install a middle vertical support and a door on each side. Center support may not give you the freedom you would like, but might allow you more access than you have now to work in both ends.

 

[MoshJosh]

How big is the tank?

 

[Raidensreef18]

It's a 57g stand is 36x18.

Current opening is only 15.5 inches . With leaving approx 10 inches each side of it .

My ideal was to cut about 6 7 inches each side and have roughly 28-30 inch opening . Iv emailed the manufacturer. But I literally can't find any info ..

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

It's a 57g stand is 36x18.

Current opening is only 15.5 inches . With leaving approx 10 inches each side of it .

My ideal was to cut about 6 7 inches each side and have roughly 28-30 inch opening . Iv emailed the manufacturer. But I literally can't find any info ..

Do you have any room on the inside to add a 1x4 on the inside to increase the strength at the ends?

 

[MoshJosh]

I'm sure the manufacturer will advise against it haha

If you do cut it, probably wouldn't hurt to add some reinforcement to the inside corners. 1X4 or 2X4 plus some deck screws and wood glue. . .

 

[Raidensreef18]

I'm sure the manufacturer will advise against it haha

If you do cut it, probably wouldn't hurt to add some reinforcement to the inside corners. 1X4 or 2X4 plus some deck screws and wood glue. . .

Yeah I'm sure they will. Ha thansk fir the advice...

 

[Raidensreef18]

Do you have any room on the inside to add a 1x4 on the inside to increase the strength at the ends?

Yeah I believe so... but that's what I'm going to do .. use the 1x4 on each end after cut out ... appreciate the feedback . I'll update once completed.. thanks

 

[HankstankXXL750 Verified Sponsor]

I'm sure the manufacturer will advise against it haha

If you do cut it, probably wouldn't hurt to add some reinforcement to the inside corners. 1X4 or 2X4 plus some deck screws and wood glue. . .

The manufacturer will definitely not advise changes as that can cause a liability issue.

That being said, I would believe that as long as all 4 corners are supported, and the stand is adequately (cross braced) ie the horizontal portions above and below the door opening are wide enough to keep the stand from collapsing left to right it should work.