Will this hold my tank? Please help!

[Cassian]

Hey everyone! So I’m diving back into reefing with this 32 gallon biocube. I’m in an apartment with limited space so I thought putting it on my counter top was a great way to save space and not have to worry about a stand. However now I’m having second thoughts. 32 gallons x 8 lbs per gallon is about 250 lbs…. Then sand…. Then rock…..
The final poundage is just making me a little nervous on a particle board counter top. Could any one advise me on if they think this is totally fine and I’m worried for nothing, or I should get a stand for this before I continue with the build? I’ve attached some pics from different angles. The cabinetry itself is really sturdy solid wood, but it’s hollow underneath the tank and the particle board is prolly 3/4 inch?

 

[doubleshot00]

Well im sure it will but maybe reinforce it with a 2x4. That’s about 250lbs full.

 

[piscesgirl]

My husband is a cabinet maker so I had him look at your post. He said it shouldn’t have any problems, and it looks sturdier than many aquarium stands (and pointed to mine) looks like I need a bigger, better setup

 

[Cassian]

Well im sure it will but maybe reinforce it with a 2x4. That’s about 250lbs full.

I’m not able to reinforce it due to being in an apartment (I’m not allowed to alter their cabinets). But you think it’s ok without it?

 

[Cassian]

My husband is a cabinet maker so I had him look at your post. He said it shouldn’t have any problems, and it looks sturdier than many aquarium stands (and pointed to mine) looks like I need a bigger, better setup

Oh perfect haha!!! That makes me feel much better about it. Thank you and your husband so much for your help!

 

[exnisstech]

I think that would be a cool place for the tank if it will work. Maybe check the level of the counter then fill it with tap water and keep an eye on it for a week or so?

 

[doubleshot00]

I’m not able to reinforce it due to being in an apartment (I’m not allowed to alter their cabinets). But you think it’s ok without it?

I was just saying add a 2x4 and not nail it into place. Just cut it exactly and have a tight fit.

 

[Cassian]

I was just saying add a 2x4 and not nail it into place. Just cut it exactly and have a tight fit.

Ahh!! I could probably do that, thanks!

 

[JumboShrimp]

All the weight will be pulling straight down, which should be how that cabinet base is strongest. (Plus, I bet at least some 250-pound renters have stood on that counter to paint the wall and ceiling at some point in time.) I would stand on it. LOL

 

[exnisstech]

Ahh!! I could probably do that, thanks

Could even do it like an old school capital I to spread the weight and add a little stability. I just wonder what is on the bottom of the cabinet. Is it the floor or a just some 1/4 inch plywood like many cabinets I have seen have. If the latter the reinforcement won't help. But if your talking 250-300lb I'd roll with it but do so at your own risk
EDIT: to be honest that counter / cabinet is probably stronger than many mass produced stands made out of partical board that hold tanks much larger than yours

EDIT EDIT : this 40 gallon breeder has been sitting on this stand for years made out of 1x3" vertical wood can hold more weight than people think. I'm not smart enough to give you numbers tho

 

[Cassian]

Could even do it like an old school capital I to spread the weight and add a little stability. I just wonder what is on the bottom of the cabinet. Is it the floor or a just some 1/4 inch plywood like many cabinets I have seen have. If the latter the reinforcement won't help. But if your talking 250-300lb I'd roll with it but do so at your own risk
EDIT: to be honest that counter / cabinet is probably stronger than many mass produced stands made out of partical board that hold tanks much larger than yours

EDIT EDIT : this 40 gallon breeder has been sitting on this stand for years made out of 1x3" vertical wood can hold more weight than people think. I'm not smart enough to give you numbers tho

Ah! This makes a lot of sense! Thank you! And yeah the bottom of the cabinet is like 1/4” wood and it’s suspended from the floor as well, so I think I’ll just go with it and hope it doesn’t turn out bad haha!

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Hey everyone! So I’m diving back into reefing with this 32 gallon biocube. I’m in an apartment with limited space so I thought putting it on my counter top was a great way to save space and not have to worry about a stand. However now I’m having second thoughts. 32 gallons x 8 lbs per gallon is about 250 lbs…. Then sand…. Then rock…..
The final poundage is just making me a little nervous on a particle board counter top. Could any one advise me on if they think this is totally fine and I’m worried for nothing, or I should get a stand for this before I continue with the build? I’ve attached some pics from different angles. The cabinetry itself is really sturdy solid wood, but it’s hollow underneath the tank and the particle board is prolly 3/4 inch?

It will be perfectly fine on your counter.

 

[dadnjesse]

Most likely strong enough, but it's probably also made of particle board so try not to spill too much water on it.

 

[Cassian]

Most likely strong enough, but it's probably also made of particle board so try not to spill too much water on it.

Thanks! It is particle board but it has laminate or something on it. It’s a kitchen counter next to a sink, so meant to be wet occasionally