Does a stand like this need a top to be stable?

glb · Apr 13, 2016

Here's the frame for my tank stand:

It's the frame model a lot of people use (the diagram with the different colors).
It can easily support the weight of the tank. Should I put a top on it? My tank is a 40g glass breeder with a black frame, so the glass doesn't touch the frame. Is a wood top for the frame to sit on the better way to go??

jgvergo · Apr 13, 2016

A top will add stability. I always over build if in doubt. Even a thin piece of plywood will help

Reefing Madness · Apr 13, 2016

Nope, don't need a top. Your good to go.

BlackFish · Apr 13, 2016

jgvergo said:
A top will add stability. I always over build if in doubt. Even a thin piece of plywood will help

+1
Adding a top sheet would help eliminate any twisting the stand may do, but I don't think it is necessary.

143MPCo · Apr 13, 2016

The stability of the stand has more to do with the vertical and horizontal supports of the structure and how they are anchored together, if you add a top without securing it to the support structure you achieve no additional stability, however anchoring that top to the supporting structure will generally add additional stability to the overall stand as it locks in all the vertical and horizontal supports underneath it.

Does a stand require it, not really. You only have to look at commercially designed stands to note they don't come with a top.

Can you benefit from adding a top and anchoring it in, of course. It aids to the overall stability of the structure making for a more stable platform for your aquarium.

glb · Apr 13, 2016

Thanks everyone. Is there any danger to the underside of the tank breaking if it's exposed (eg it getting bumped while you're working on the sump)?

cromag27 · Apr 13, 2016

glb said:
Thanks everyone. Is there any danger to the underside of the tank breaking if it's exposed (eg it getting bumped while you're working on the sump)?

Of course. but other than that, there's no reason to add a top on this stand.

Reefing Madness · Apr 13, 2016

If you look at my stand pics, I've got nothing on top but the tank, and my tank is 240g, and has less bracing than yours. Its not needed.

glb · Apr 14, 2016

Reefing Madness said:
If you look at my stand pics, I've got nothing on top but the tank, and my tank is 240g, and has less bracing than yours. Its not needed.

I'd rather do it that way. But will the bottom of the tank break if you bump it with a skimmer, etc?

143MPCo · Apr 14, 2016

glb said:
I'd rather do it that way. But will the bottom of the tank break if you bump it with a skimmer, etc?

It would have to be one heck of a bump, or badly manufactured glass for that to happen.

Reefing Madness · Apr 14, 2016

No the tank will not burst if hit on the sides.

glb · Apr 14, 2016

Reefing Madness said:
No the tank will not burst if hit on the sides.

Or the bottom? I think I'm going to go without a top.

Lionfish Lair · Apr 14, 2016

Are these the plans that are specially laid out to direct the load to certain joints, negating the need for center support?

Reefing Madness · Apr 14, 2016

The bottom will not shatter either.

cromag27 · Apr 14, 2016

I've witnessed someone crack the bottom of their tank while working in their stand. it was a dumb mistake and luckily the tank was empty.

Lionfish Lair · Apr 14, 2016

If it's the design I used to build mine, the top would add support for the tank's length, not weight. Does that even make sense, how I said that? LOL!

glb · Apr 14, 2016

This is the plan I used. All of the weight is supported in the corners and there are no load-bearing screws.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...o7MAhXI6CYKHTjCCuMQMwh4KDowOg&iact=mrc&uact=8

Lionfish Lair · Apr 14, 2016

Ya, that's the one I used for my 210g.

glb · Apr 14, 2016

Here's the pic

I plan on using 1x6's on the stop of the stand to cover the wood frame and the black plastic frame of the aquarium itself. I know the stand is strong enough. The back and sides are attached. The entire front will be removable. One of the reasons I wanted to go without a top is the stand is perfectly level right now and I don't want to mess with it!

Cbenner · Apr 14, 2016

Looks great! You have plenty of vertical support. I suggest a top only when you're dealing with a tanks that are not framed in plastic or metal.
When there is no frame on the tank itself, a Plywood top and Styrofoam is the way to go. This prevents any pressure points on the bottom of the tank.