Not an emergency yet, need a tank stand expert

[Terr-c]

Hi, I have a 55 gallon store bought stand with a custom 55 gallon tank with 3/8" glass. I have about 55-60 lbs of live rock, 60 lbs of live sand. After researching it looks like the stand can hold about 600 lbs. With water at 8 lbs or so I worry the stand won't hold it all. I still have to drill and plumb the tank. Should I try to add bracing to the stand or will it hold it all? I've added a pic of the stand. I don't want it crashing down.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Hi, I have a 55 gallon store bought stand with a custom 55 gallon tank with 3/8" glass. I have about 55-60 lbs of live rock, 60 lbs of live sand. After researching it looks like the stand can hold about 600 lbs. With water at 8 lbs or so I worry the stand won't hold it all. I still have to drill and plumb the tank. Should I try to add bracing to the stand or will it hold it all? I've added a pic of the stand. I don't want it crashing down.

Is the stand structurally sound? Is it made for tank? Looks like it.

 

[Terr-c]

Is the stand structurally sound? Is it made for tank? Looks like it.

Yes the stand seems sound enough, I had to take the top off to get the sump in it.

 

[Nick Steele]

What’s the inside look like? Outside pics don’t always show what it’s built like.

 

[Dragonreef202]

Adding extra bracing wouldn't be bad idea. Especially if it gives you a piece of mind. If you had a picture of the stand would be good to see how the stand was put together

 

[Terr-c]

Yes the stand seems sound enough, I had to take the top off to get the sump in it.

But it also had a 1/4" glass tank on it to start with. The 3/8" is heavier. I just don't want to collapse due to the weight.

 

[Dragon52]

Are those really Drawers in the stand or just for looks.

 

[Flippers4pups]

If it's wobbly, then it's a safety issue. Is the stand particle board or solid wood?

I've built quite a few stands in my day.

 

[Terr-c]

Adding extra bracing wouldn't be bad idea. Especially if it gives you a piece of mind. If you had a picture of the stand would be good to see how the stand was put together

Here's a pic of the inside, just screws and those round lock things. Not sure what they are called.

 

[Terr-c]

Are those really Drawers in the stand or just for looks.

They aren't drawers, you open them and there are little shelves there.

 

[Terr-c]

If it's wobbly, then it's a safety issue. Is the stand particle board or solid wood?

I've built quite a few stands in my day.

I think the stand is some composite wood.

 

[Terr-c]

What’s the inside look like? Outside pics don’t always show what it’s built like.

Here's the inside.

 

[Terr-c]

Is the stand structurally sound? Is it made for tank? Looks like it.

It is sound, I believe. It had a 55 gallon 1/4" glass tank on it before, I just worry that the heavier tank might be too much.

 

[Dragon52]

They aren't drawers, you open them and there are little shelves there.

I don't think that was made to hold an aquarium. If it was mine I'd use it for something else & build a stand or find someone who could.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Here's the inside.

It looks okay on the surface. I've reinforced particle board stands before by placing 2"x4"'s in the corners for rigidity using wood glue and screws. You could do this if you feel it needs it.

 

[Terr-c]

It looks okay on the surface. I've reinforced particle board stands before by placing 2"x4"'s in the corners for rigidity using wood glue and screws. You could do this if you feel it needs it.

I think I would feel better if I did that. Thank you. Just add the 2x4's to each corner and screw through the top of the tank stand?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Tip: When you pour your water in, do it with a gallon jug and keep track of the actual gallons used. Naturally, with the rock, sand, and the fact that you won't be filling it to the tippy-top, it will be far less than 55 gallons. That will not only give you a better idea on the weight, but you will know the actual gallons if you ever have to medicate/dose anything. Best wishes.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I think I would feel better if I did that. Thank you. Just add the 2x4's to each corner and screw through the top of the tank stand?

Could and use some wood glue.

Not a good picture, but a PetSmart 56 gallon stand that was used for 5 years. Particle board and was very flimsy new. After was very sturdy.

 

[Terr-c]

I don't think that was made to hold an aquarium. If it was mine I'd use it for something else & build a stand or find someone who could.

Here's pics of the door open, the small shelf and then open down to the sump. When I bought the stand it had a 55 gallon 1/4" glass on it. My concern is the heavier tank.

 

[Terr-c]

Tip: When you pour your water in, do it with a gallon jug and keep track of the actual gallons used. Naturally, with the rock, sand, and the fact that you won't be filling it to the tippy-top, it will be far less than 55 gallons. That will not only give you a better idea on the weight, but you will know the actual gallons if you ever have to medicate/dose anything. Best wishes.

Thank you for that tip!!!!