Rimless tank without central support, safe?

[Jackmot]

Hi!
So, I'm just finishing my DIY Nano build and i'm not sure if I should support the entire surface of the tank or if it's ok to just support it's perimeter (I will use a leveling mat for sure).
The tank is a UNS 45U 35 liters / 9 gallon so it's a fairly small tank. I believe it's ok to support just the perimeter because according to me that's where most of the water weight concentrates but i could be 100% wrong.
Thanks!

 

[Gtinnel]

I’ve always heard that a rimless tank has to be fully supported.

 

[ZombieEngineer]

Why not play it safe and add a sheet of coated plywood or even better an aluminum or powder coated steel plate to help distribute the weight and attach securely to the stand? That will provide some support to the center

 

[Jackmot]

Why not play it safe and add a sheet of coated plywood or even better an aluminum or powder coated steel plate to help distribute the weight and attach securely to the stand? That will provide some support to the center

Just for the looks, but if there is any actual advantage on using a sheet of plywood/MDF I'll absolutely use it

I’ve always heard that a rimless tank has to be fully supported.

Thanks for the input


Out of curiosity, why do the rimmed tanks can be supported only at it's perimeter but the rimless tanks don't?

 

[ZombieEngineer]

Just for the looks, but if there is any actual advantage on using a sheet of plywood/MDF I'll absolutely use it

Not using a facade? If you are, the plate/plywood wouldn't be visible anyway

 

[ZombieEngineer]

Out of curiosity, why do the rimmed tanks can be supported only at it's perimeter but the rimless tanks don't?

Because the frame provides support that prevents the middle from bowing enough to break the seal.

Rimless tanks don't have this support naturally, so the support at at least the midspan and at regular intervals for larger tanks is the general recommendation.

Your tank is so tiny, it might not matter, but I'm way to rusty in mechanics of materials to run the stress calculation to verify (haven't done this since college in 2008).

 

[Jackmot]

Not using a facade? If you are, the plate/plywood wouldn't be visible anyway

I was thinking of laser cutting a sheet of 6mm MDF and I don't love the looks of the burned edges but I guess it won't really stand out

Because the frame provides support that prevents the middle from bowing enough to break the seal.

Rimless tanks don't have this support naturally, so the support at at least the midspan and at regular intervals for larger tanks is the general recommendation.

Your tank is so tiny, it might not matter, but I'm way to rusty in mechanics of materials to run the stress calculation to verify (haven't done this since college in 2008).

That's pretty interesting, thanks!

So, just to be on the safe I'll use the 6mm MDF, thanks guys!!

PS: I started a build thread so if you have any tip or suggestions please let me know (Build Thread)

 

[Sean Clark]

I was thinking of laser cutting a sheet of 6mm MDF and I don't love the looks of the burned edges but I guess it won't really stand out


That's pretty interesting, thanks!

So, just to be on the safe I'll use the 6mm MDF, thanks guys!!

PS: I started a build thread so if you have any tip or suggestions please let me know (Build Thread)

MDF will not handle getting wet very well. If you want to support the tank then I would choose a different material that can get wet.

 

[Jackmot]

MDF will not handle getting wet very well. If you want to support the tank then I would choose a different material that can get wet.

I usually apply a car coating that works pretty well but what material would you recommend?

 

[Sean Clark]

I usually apply a car coating that works pretty well but what material would you recommend?

A sheet of treated plywood or expanded PVC would work, but it sounds like you have used the MDF before.

 

[Jackmot]

A sheet of treated plywood or expanded PVC would work, but it sounds like you have used the MDF before.

Yeah, I've used the MDF multiple times but the expanded PVC is actually a great idea. I'll try to look for it in a local shop. Thanks!

 

[Jackmot]

What about a 3mm acrylic sheet? That would look pretty good