Off-centered tank on stand?

samnaz · Mar 23, 2018

Would it be possible and/or advisable to move the display tank to the far left side of the stand?

Seems like the uneven pressure could cause the stand to fail eventually, or something else disastrous, maybe?

Yes? No? Recipe for disaster???

Display tank is 30 gallons.
Stand is for 75-90 gallon tanks (according to manufacturer).

McArcher · Mar 23, 2018

Unless there is some kind of support member we can’t see, I would be more worried about the fact that you’re putting all of the load on a 3/4” top with little or no support than the fact that the load is off center. It may probably won’t fail catastrophically, but the top will probably bow and cause instability.

Waters · Mar 23, 2018

Seeing how it is only a 30 gallon tank, I wouldn't hesitate to move it......that is easy for me to say though since it isn't sitting in my house lol.

Scooter.B · Mar 23, 2018

I'd leave it right where it is. Centered. Any uneven weight on either side could cause it to slant.
Why take the chance?
Is there a reason why you would want or need it to the left?

LobsterOfJustice · Mar 23, 2018

That stand is designed to a larger tank with trim, which would distribute its weight around the edges of the stand. You're putting all the weight in the middle, where the stand is not designed to support any weight.

I'm not an engineer but if it were me, I would add some bracing inside the stand to add more support near where your tank is.

Labridaedicted · Mar 23, 2018

Bare minimum would be to throw a vertical 2x4 in the middle of the front and back. Personally, I'd frame out a skeleton under the tank to support the weight more evenly. That looks like particle board which swells, sags, and generally warps over time. That will potentially cause uneven support on the tank and present the possibility for failure.

Really, I'd reccommend building or buying a stand for that size tank. You can add counter space/work ledge around it to the design, but the tank should really be supported all the way around the tank on the bottom trim.

mjlash22 · Mar 23, 2018

LobsterOfJustice said:
That stand is designed to a larger tank with trim, which would distribute its weight around the edges of the stand. You're putting all the weight in the middle, where the stand is not designed to support any weight.

I'm not an engineer but if it were me, I would add some bracing inside the stand to add more support near where your tank is.

+1 It's only 30g, but for the cheap safe addition of some bracing, you can rest easy at night, as that stand is definitely oversized for the tank, and that's not always a good thing.

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

McArcher said:
Unless there is some kind of support member we can’t see, I would be more worried about the fact that you’re putting all of the load on a 3/4” top with little or no support than the fact that the load is off center. It may probably won’t fail catastrophically, but the top will probably bow and cause instability.

LobsterOfJustice said:
That stand is designed to a larger tank with trim, which would distribute its weight around the edges of the stand. You're putting all the weight in the middle, where the stand is not designed to support any weight.

I'm not an engineer but if it were me, I would add some bracing inside the stand to add more support near where your tank is.

Labridaedicted said:
Bare minimum would be to throw a vertical 2x4 in the middle of the front and back. Personally, I'd frame out a skeleton under the tank to support the weight more evenly. That looks like particle board which swells, sags, and generally warps over time. That will potentially cause uneven support on the tank and present the possibility for failure.

Really, I'd reccommend building or buying a stand for that size tank. You can add counter space/work ledge around it to the design, but the tank should really be supported all the way around the tank on the bottom trim.

mjlash22 said:
+1 It's only 30g, but for the cheap safe addition of some bracing, you can rest easy at night, as that stand is definitely oversized for the tank, and that's not always a good thing.

I definitely regret purchasing this stand, but if possible I want to make it work. Building another one myself isn't an option and buying a new one, well, I'd rather not unless I have to. I haven't found one that would work for less than $700.

How do you all recommend I go about adding support or bracing? Please explain, the extent of my handyman abilities is hanging a picture frame... so I'm clueless to say the least.

I like the idea to make a skeleton for underneath the tank. Ideally I would like the tank raised up a bit, cause this stupid stand is only 29" tall.

PatW · Mar 24, 2018

Well, I can’t tell just looking at your photo. If you know an experienced reefer, they could come by and take a look and see if it is ok. Thirty gallons is just 240 lbs plus the weight of the aquarium. That is just the weight of a large portly gent, it is not that much of a load. If it can support a couple of people, it can probably support the tank.

redfishbluefish · Mar 24, 2018

I think the easiest fix (or at least added insurance) is to simply add a second 3/4 inch plywood top. To make it look as pretty as you can, what I'd do is make it exactly the same size as the current top and then run an 1 1/2 to 2 inch trim board around the two tops to give it a finished look. Then paint/stain/varnish to your heart's content.

McArcher · Mar 24, 2018

^^^^^ this

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
I think the easiest fix (or at least added insurance) is to simply add a second 3/4 inch plywood top. To make it look as pretty as you can, what I'd do is make it exactly the same size as the current top and then run an 1 1/2 to 2 inch trim board around the two tops to give it a finished look. Then paint/stain/varnish to your heart's content.

McArcher said:
^^^^^ this

What type of plywood should I get?

Also will I need to glue/screw the new top onto the old top?

mrpizzaface · Mar 24, 2018

Any chance you could post a photo of the opposite side of the tank?

JoshH · Mar 24, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
I think the easiest fix (or at least added insurance) is to simply add a second 3/4 inch plywood top. To make it look as pretty as you can, what I'd do is make it exactly the same size as the current top and then run an 1 1/2 to 2 inch trim board around the two tops to give it a finished look. Then paint/stain/varnish to your heart's content.

Definitely +1 on this, I love using laminated pine for applications like this, used it for the extensions on my stand and painted with black melamine paint to match and turned out great. You could glue or screw or both either way will work.

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

mrpizzaface said:
Any chance you could post a photo of the opposite side of the tank?

Did the best I could, tight squeeze so weird angles. Hope these help.

And here is the top from inside. It’s two pieces. The bottom is identical.

redfishbluefish · Mar 24, 2018

Do you have any idea what "wood" is used in this stand? Might it be MDF? Hopefully plywood or solid wood!

And what are those metal squares with four screws each?

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

Definitely MDF.

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

The screws/square piece holds the two top panels together.

Mikedawg · Mar 24, 2018

If I am understanding the first picture of your stand, it looks like you are having to shim your tank with several coins and other material to get it level. This in itself seems to argue for adding a piece of plywood and leveling it, not your tank.
Good luck.

samnaz · Mar 24, 2018

Mikedawg said:
If I am understanding the first picture of your stand, it looks like you are having to shim your tank with several coins and other material to get it level. This in itself seems to argue for adding a piece of plywood and leveling it, not your tank.
Good luck.

Misunderstood. I have not used coins nor any other materials to shim the tank or stand.