Hey all, newbie here with what might be a stupid question. I’m setting up a 75g mixed reef, I’m going to have roughly 60 lbs of rock in the tank. My tank stand is hollow and open across the top. This is a purchased stand not a diy. I’m kinda worried about the rock breaking the bottom glass of the tank. I would think it’s designed to hold it but don’t want to find out the hard way I was wrong. Should I add a piece of plywood to the top of the stand? I know that the tank trim keeps the glass elevated roughly 1/2” so not sure it will even matter. Thanks for any info.
Rock weight
- Thread starter Tice
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miPapareef
Well-Known Member
I have the 75 gallon marineland tank and stand with about 65 pounds of rock. You are correct that all the weight is supported by the trim on the outside edges and the addition of a piece of plywood wouldn’t help. In addition, the manufacturer’s warranty says not to modify the stand and set the tank directly on the stand.
Some people add a plastic panel inside the tank to prevent an impact on the glass from falling rocks or a point load from the rocks on the glass. That plastic is called Starboard. I didn’t use this, but rather sanded the bottom of the rocks flat.
Some people add a plastic panel inside the tank to prevent an impact on the glass from falling rocks or a point load from the rocks on the glass. That plastic is called Starboard. I didn’t use this, but rather sanded the bottom of the rocks flat.
Try and ensure your tank weight is distributed directly down the outside edges of your stand. It's hard to follow without pictures but if you check my post history I had a similar issue regarding weight distribution. My tank wasn't sitting directly over the stands vertical struts so bowed slightly. I ended up reinforcing although it was only a 13.5g!
