Bigger tank on current stand?

[Emarley]

Hello fellow reefers,

Not sure where to post this so if it’s in the wrong thread I apologise in advance.

Currently got a fluval m40 and stand (dimensions approx a 400mm cube, 14 gallon).
Looking to upgrade to a 800mm long, 400mm wide, 450mm high, 36 gallon tank.
If I add a 25mm worktop, 800mm x 400mm on top of current cabin for tank, which will give a 200mm overhang each side, will this be ok, or am I better off buying a bigger stand or building one?

Thanks in advance

Dom

 

[Peace River]

Dom - I encourage you to get a stand that fully supports the tank. Good luck with the upgrade!

 

[foxt]

Well, you are more than doubling the weight that the stand needs to carry, not to mention relying on that 25mm worktop to carry the load without deflecting over the length of the 200mm overhang. A lot would depend on how the stand is constructed, as well as how the tank is constructed - does it have a bottom frame, just glass, etc. It could be possible.

Personally, I would not do it because I would constantly worry about it. Plus it would be fun to build a new stand.

 

[Katrina71]

I'd go for a new stand as well.

 

[JoshH]

I'll echo everyone above and say either buy a new stand or build it. If you have the tools to do so, I'd say build it hands down.

 

[SeaJay]

You could definitely do it if the new top is built properly, my biggest concern would be aesthetic. I don’t like the top heavy look.

If you really want to use the stand, build a wood frame first. Something that sits directly on the existing stand then attach your ply to that. Then you could even run a crown molding or something around under the edge to give it a nice decorative look.

 

[Emarley]

Thanks for the replies, was looking for the cheap option but in this hobby nothing comes cheap lol, best start looking for some plans and getting my woodworking tools out of the shed... I qualified as a joiner 20 years ago, then took another career path, time to put them qualifications to some use!!!

 

[JoshH]

Thanks for the replies, was looking for the cheap option but in this hobby nothing comes cheap lol, best start looking for some plans and getting my woodworking tools out of the shed... I qualified as a joiner 20 years ago, then took another career path, time to put them qualifications to some use!!!

Sometimes building it yourself is still the cheapest option

I built the stand for my 5 foot tank out of 3/4" ply and trimmed in laminated pine. Cost me about $300 (CDN) and looks WAY better than any of the premade options.

A good read for building your own stand...

DIY: 1-Sheet Laminated Plywood Stand

Here are some photos from my plywood laminated-style stand. The construction is made up of 3" wide birch 3/4" plywood strips, that are laminated into 1.5" beams. This strategy lets me always have side-grain to screw and glue with- I will have a photo below of what a section looks like. @JoshH I...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[JCOLE]

I would build a new one. For the time and cost to build a new one is worth the peace of mind of not having to purchase a new stand and tank.