Wobbly Stand

[VR28man]

So, I finally started to setup a tank. However, it's just going to be a FOWLR for now; we don't have the money for a full-blown reef, the way we want it, for another year. We're Starting with a 29 gallon tank.


I have assembled the stand by Petco/Imagitarium, it is a bit wobbly. (and yes, this is the correct stand for this tank). Should I be worried?


ETA: yes, I have tightened everything I can as much as I can with an electric screwdriver

 

[GBRsouth]

Hello vr28man, does the cabinet have a back wall fastened to the back edge of the sides and top? If it does not it would help stop the sideways swaying. An alternative to a back wall is diagonal bracing.

The cabinet can be levelled on the floor by thin shims under the legs to get it level.

Hope this helps.

Mick.

 

[VR28man]

Cheers Mick.

It doesn't really have a back wall, just a piece of cardb0ardish stuff you put on the back with lots of small screws. Maybe I will try a diagonal brace. Most of me thinks it's not necessary because i followed instructions, part of me though still wants the additional insurance.

I am tempted to shim, if people think it's necessary.

 

[GBRsouth]

Shimming under the legs is only necessary if it is not level. But from your video of the stand swaying I would definitely put at least one diagonal brace across the back or a full marine grade plywood back. Either one will prevent that side sway.

Mick.

 

[Antics]

It's look like what I'd expect from a big box retailer. I don't think you should fear whether or not it can hold the weight. It's probably fine to just sit there, but keep in mind if you have any animals, small children, guests, etc. if they bump into that when its full of water it might not do as well. If you don't feel comfortable return it and get another.

 

[Big G]

You could attach the stand to the wall by using either some small flat metal straps or L straps using screws. Usually this is done in areas prone to earthquakes. But it may work to secure your stand from collapsing. Cheers!

 

[glb]

That stand makes me nervous. You're right to fix things now when it's easy. You could reinforce it in the back with a wood frame (square) the dimensions of the back and secure it to the stand and the wall. But if it were me, I'd probably return it.

 

[bk_market]

I have my 30L (similar weight) on IKEA stand that stand on 4 legs. Once the weight is on it can not be move anymore even if I want it to.

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Personally, I would return that stand and build one. Salt water is roughly 8.6lbs/g, then you'll add about 30lbs of sand and rock each. Saying the sand and rock displaces 9g of water for simplicity leavi g 20g in the tank....
(20*8.6)+30+30=232lbs
Dont forget the tank is about 20lbs. You're looking at 250lbs sitting on that stand 24/7. I wouldn't trust it as far as the trash can.

 

[VR28man]

Thanks everyone. I just checked the floor model at Petco and it was not wobbly at all (so it's either a flaw in this particular unit, or assembler error. Ockham's razor says.....nevermind;Smuggrin). It's also more crooked front to back - due to the floor - so I'll shim it either tonight or tommorrow night and see how it goes. If it's still like that even when straight, it's going back and I'll either straight out return it. Or take the floor model. Or get a different stand. I'm not going to bother WECSOG*ing this stand.

Robin,

Building is tempting - especially since when I assembled it, you can see that the basic design is not really complicated at all - but since I only look to keep this tank for about 6 months if I'm going to that much effort I'll just do it for the big tank. Especially since I know zero about woodworking beyond "nail/screw together a 2x4", which has a WAF** even lower than my woodworking skills.

BK,

29 US gallons is 110L. That being said, you're still probably right.

*The Wile E Coyote Skool of Gunsmiffin'. Coined on US gun forums where, to reassemble rifle parts kits (made of sometimes very tired surplus foreign rifles that had their receivers cut) people would assemble them on receivers + the legally required U.S. parts, of sometimes questionable quality, and adjust using a dremel tool. Fine - albeit ugly- if you know what you're doing. But if you don't..........


** Wife Acceptance Factor

 

[Big G]

Personally, I would return that stand and build one. Salt water is roughly 8.6lbs/g, then you'll add about 30lbs of sand and rock each. Saying the sand and rock displaces 9g of water for simplicity leavi g 20g in the tank....
(20*8.6)+30+30=232lbs
Dont forget the tank is about 20lbs. You're looking at 250lbs sitting on that stand 24/7. I wouldn't trust it as far as the trash can.

That's why I built my own for my 90gal. Could not find a decent stand through the "Big Box" places that would fit my older tank's size. Back during my college days I got by with Concrete blocks and 1 1/2" thick planks for a stand. Worked great and very strong. Stained the wood and painted the concrete blocks.

 

[John Holbrook]

If you can have a friend help with you building one. Also you could make the stand to the size of what you want to get, it would be real wood and not partical board

 

[VR28man]

Thanks, again all. I thought at first the paperboard thing in back was just something you screw onto the back.

BUT, there's a actually a little cutout in the back that just fits the paperboard; of course it makes it much more stable. Now it's as solid as the one in the store. I'll keep this for now, though I may DIY my own stand for the big tank.

Ockham's razor is right again..........