Will tank crack?

[TomsTANKS]

Hi, so getting back into the hobby, had an old 60g cube laying around, and wanted the first tank to go in the bedroom. Found the perfect spot, however the tank hangs around an inch and a half - 2 inches over the back edge. So I added a 2x4 to support the back, however it is not connected extremely strong, just 2 screws. I think it will be okay as it's only bearing the weight of a small section. If the 2x4 wasn't there, could the tank still be okay? Or even with it? The tank is 40cm x 40cm x 40cm cube.

Also, I will be doing build updates on the tank. I have a spare 10g tank laying around and would like to make it a sump, but not sure how to do it. I don't really want to drill the tank. I do have a canister filter that I was thinking of ways it could move water from the sump to the tank? Any ideas?

Here are the tank photos, please don't mind the absolute mess of the tank, it's been in storage over a year.

 

[malacoda]

The bottom edge of all 4 vertical panels needs to be properly supported.

Pressure doesn't just act straight down. Proper and equivalent support of all 4 vertical panels allows the stress on the calk seam around the entire bottom panel to be evenly distributed.

The weak and flexible connection of the 2x4 (I'll be it you press on it or try to twist it with you hand, it will move around at least a little bit) will allow the calk seams around the back panel to flex under pressure.

This added, uneven strain will very likely cause one of the seams to eventually fail.

If you want to use that cabinet as the stand, I'd say use 4 to 6 screws at the very least.

An even better bet would be to get two more pieces of 2x4 and attach them to the back of the cabinet vertically to support the piece you already have on there.

Just my humble two cents.

 

[Troylee]

What you got is fine but I’d cut a piece of plywood the size of the bottom of the tank and set that down then the tank on top.

 

[Wolf8895]

All 4 edges have to be supported evenly. Looks like no frame on that tank either, so you'll need a piece of closed cell foam (leveling mat) under it to even out the surface of the stand.

 

[sunken3]

it's hard to tell from the picture, but will that cabinet support a 60g (500lbs tank)? to make it safe (for your first question), I would cut a piece of plywood (3/4") the size of your tank and put it under the tank... that would likely give you the support you're looking for.

 

[19Mateo83]

The plywood and foam is a must. Rimless tanks make me nervous, without proper support you are rolling the dice.

 

[Sump Crab]

I’d also be worried about the strength of that cabinet

 

[TomsTANKS]

I’d also be worried about the strength of that cabinet

What if I was to build a normal stand out of 2x4s, and cut the back of the cabinet out, and slide it over the front of the 2x4 stand? I really like that cabinet, I do have one that is exactly the length of the tank and is solid wood, I could always switch. I suppose the water + rocks, corals and even the fish and lights will add a tremendous amount of weight for an Ikea cupboard. I just like it a lot, and am thinking if I can reinforce it as I have an extra 2x4 laying around that I haven't found a use for yet as it was left over when building my diy bed

 

[TomsTANKS]

All 4 edges have to be supported evenly. Looks like no frame on that tank either, so you'll need a piece of closed cell foam (leveling mat) under it to even out the surface of the stand.

All 4 edges have to be supported evenly. Looks like no frame on that tank either, so you'll need a piece of closed cell foam (leveling mat) under it to even out the surface of the stand.

Would styrofoam be good? I've never ever used anything under my tanks and they have always been fine. I wanna keep this tank as low as possible on the budget, as I have some really expensive corals and fish I want to add , so cut costs on the build a little more

 

[Troylee]

Would styrofoam be good? I've never ever used anything under my tanks and they have always been fine. I wanna keep this tank as low as possible on the budget, as I have some really expensive corals and fish I want to add , so cut costs on the build a little more

If the top of the stand is flat nothing is required as in a leveling mat or foam.. hope that helps… are you sure that’s a 60gal cube? Glass looks thin to rimless if so.. it’s normally 3/8” to 1/2” and yours looks to be 1/4” in the photos. What’s the dimensions of the tank?

 

[workhz]

think OP meant 60l, not g.

 

[19Mateo83]

If the top of the stand is flat nothing is required as in a leveling mat or foam.. hope that helps… are you sure that’s a 60gal cube? Glass looks thin to rimless if so.. it’s normally 3/8” to 1/2” and yours looks to be 1/4” in the photos. What’s the dimensions of the tank?

It looks like an aqueon tank. I would be cautious putting expensive livestock in a tank with a 3 star rating.

 

[hexcolor reef]

I have that exact same make, it will crack for sure. Make sure you always check tank for hair line cracks. It happened to mine

 

[TomsTANKS]

It looks like an aqueon tank. I would be cautious putting expensive livestock in a tank with a 3 star rating.

you are correct. ive had it for around 3 years and it used to house my lionfish, it seems to be doing ok and seams look fine

 

[TomsTANKS]

think OP meant 60l, not g.

im uk so not sure gallons, its the aqueon frameless 60 so im assuming its 60l not g

 

[TomsTANKS]

If the top of the stand is flat nothing is required as in a leveling mat or foam.. hope that helps… are you sure that’s a 60gal cube? Glass looks thin to rimless if so.. it’s normally 3/8” to 1/2” and yours looks to be 1/4” in the photos. What’s the dimensions of the tank?

the tank is 40cm x 40cm x40cm

 

[Troylee]

That’s only a 15gal tank you’re fine.. tank will weigh about 150 pounds at best when full with rocks and sand.. cut a piece of plywood to match the tank size and place under it and fill her up!

 

[TomsTANKS]

That’s only a 15gal tank you’re fine.. tank will weigh about 150 pounds at best when full with rocks and sand.. cut a piece of plywood to match the tank size and place under it and fill her up!

alright great. thanks man. ill go buy plywood tomorrow

 

[workhz]

Wasn't sure whether you were planning on just putting the plywood under the tank or across the entire top section of the cabinet, I'd do the latter and make sure the plywood sit on the vertical edge at least. Mind you, plywood doesn't do much to help with deflection but I guess it's better than nothing. If you want to be extra safe, put a vertical piece in the middle inside the cabinet to keep the center from sagging (assuming the weight transfers down to a piece that can support the actual weight).