Stand for 65 gal tank?

[Congaken]

Just bought a 65 gal tank (36" by 18")...water weight would be 542 pounds...plus the tank...I have a buffet that seems quite sturdy, but that's a lot of weight!...Any ideas re: whether this would be safe or not...the buffet has doors in front and panels going vertically in two places which should bolster things up and carry some weight...will put up a pic for a better idea...

 

[Congaken]

Just bought a 65 gal tank (36" by 18")...water weight would be 542 pounds...plus the tank...I have a buffet that seems quite sturdy, but that's a lot of weight!...Any ideas re: whether this would be safe or not...the buffet has doors in front and panels going vertically in two places which should bolster things up and carry some weight...will put up a pic for a better idea...

 

[Bloody.Knuckles]

Just my opinion, not a professional, but I have done a lot of woodwork and calculus based physics courses... DIY is still at your own risk.

Okay, the front looks good, but the back panel could be of concern. If it is in the style of Ikea furniture with Luan or cardboard as a back, then I would strongly suggest reinforcing with 3/4 inch OSB plywood; one solid piece, screwed in with 2 to 2 1/2 in deck screws no more than 6 inches apart. I would do that if I had any slight doubt about the backing to your buffet.

 

[Congaken]

Just my opinion, not a professional, but I have done a lot of woodwork and calculus based physics courses... DIY is still at your own risk.

Okay, the front looks good, but the back panel could be of concern. If it is in the style of Ikea furniture with Luan or cardboard as a back, then I would strongly suggest reinforcing with 3/4 inch OSB plywood; one solid piece, screwed in with 2 to 2 1/2 in deck screws no more than 6 inches apart. I would do that if I had any slight doubt about the backing to your buffet.

No...the thing is from the late '50 from a highish end furniture store...I just checked, even in those days they used Luan for the backing...your plywood idea is good...I may just do that...

 

[Bloody.Knuckles]

I would normally add MDF for strength but nowhere near any water nor moisture.

You can possibly insert it where the Luan was and use nailing straps. The main thing is to keep it from losing its rectangle status and becoming just a parallelogram, lol. A good wood store will also have birch faced plywood you can stain to match.

 

[Kodama]

You want to make sure you have direct contact to the floor. That means nothing pieced, stepped, or stabbed. You can balance a glass of water on 2 playing cards but only if it is from glass to floor. So, roll it upside down and see if the side panels go all the way to the bottom not resting on the toe kick. If not add a 2x4 to make it solid.