Stand Support for 67 Gallong Tank

[pminister]

Hello All,

I need some advice in reinforcing this table, that I bought from the Goodwill store. It seems like a nice strong wood along being sturdy, but with additional support it might be a perfect match to display my 67 Gallon tank which is been sitting idle for a year now.

Tank Dimensions: 48"(L) x 18(H) x 18(W)


I would like to know where can I put additional wood to give it more strength/ reinforcement.



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[magnosis]

I'm no carpenter but the first thing that caught my eyes are the [tiny] feet.  You need more, bigger feet, else the entire weight will sit on 4 square inches 

My 59g is in the basement on cushy carpet floor. I removed all the feet so the weight is more evenly distributed across the whole surface.

If you want the feet to make the stand higher, I would get rid of those you have, and add something like that :




just my 2 cents, I'm curious to see (and learn) what others think.

[cdylnicki]

Definitely needs more support in the middle. 

I agree with Magnosis - The legs will also need more support - either you can remove them & replace them fully or find a way to build supports behind them (its a beautiful piece of furniture!)

What condition is the wood in?  Any splits or signs of wearing?
Will you be staining it so it doesn't rot?

[pminister]

Thanks for the reply folks, and i shall definitely implement those suggestion to reinforce the stand.

Also one last question. What exactly is that piece that people place underneath their tank ? and how thick should it be? to cushion the tank sitting on a table.

Can't tell it looks like drywall or some type of foam. any ideas?

[dan2x38]

I use (as many do) 3M foam. It is not to level but prevent stress risers. If there is an uneven surface or pressure created from that it creates a pressure point. This creates stress up through the glass at that point called stress risers. The tank glass can crack, joints separate or even whole sides fail. This is usually only on larger tanks over 29g. All tanks have foam under them.

[T-Man]

All tanks have foam under them.

I disagree! Not "all".

I had tanks for over 10 years and have yet to use a piece of foam under any one of them. I don't see the point but I do know that a lot of people do use it.
My tanks have always been in the basement on carpet on concrete, never a problem.
Watch tomorrow I'll have a disaster...

[JetJumper]

If you look at mine / jon1985's build logs.  You will see why we should ave used foam to start with!  Both our tanks cracked.  Even though the stand was build pretty damn close it still cracked.  I had my tank sitting for 3 weeks full of water then I started adding things and it just went SNAP.

For the cost of foam, its WELL worth it.

[dan2x38]

It is a precaution. I have a 6 g. Eclipse tank I had not pad/foam under it. It sat on an a corner table in dining room and after 1 yr. developed a crack inthe acrylic. To me it is a couple dollars of precaution and piece of mind. It also helps insulate the bottom if planted better for them and all around will reduce a little heat loss so less stain on a heater and more stable temps. To me I have heard horror stories so why wouldn't I do it?

[pminister]

I use (as many do) 3M foam. It is not to level but prevent stress risers. If there is an uneven surface or pressure created from that it creates a pressure point. This creates stress up through the glass at that point called stress risers. The tank glass can crack, joints separate or even whole sides fail. This is usually only on larger tanks over 29g. All tanks have foam under them.

How thick should i get the foam?

[JetJumper]

I think most people go 1/4"

[jimskoi]

We use the Blue from the hardware store.Its about 1/2-3/4" thick.Do not use the white.

[pminister]

Just a silly question. So when I go to Home Depot. I just ask for 3M Foam in 1/4 size and thats it ? But is it specifically called something, like insulating foam, or foamalicious...lol.....etc.  Also is this foam supposed to be stiff or a little cushiony ?

ps. i know cushiony is not a words. its only way i could think i could describe it. lol

[dan2x38]

Ask for 3M insulation foam... it doesn't come in small pieces but sometimes they have broken sheets ask. You can get it cut there which I recommend it is straight and a clean edge. Measure so there is some foam sticking out a little past the tank trim. If it is clean edge you paint the edge black with some cheap enamel too.

[pminister]

got it. thanks for the info 

[pminister]

One last thing. My tank sticks out for about 1" in width wise. I will get the foam for sure. But is it overkill to get wafer board as per tank dimension, or some other type of flat piece to put underneath the foam. Or is that OVERKILL !

Oh I aint familiar with different type of wood materials.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
|                               |
|          tank               |
|                               |
-------------------------
|           foam              |
-------------------------
|           flat board        |
-------------------------
|                               |
|                               |
|           stand             |
|                               |

[Gaspare]

Be sure to have supports installed over the legs to transfer the weight or else you may find that the legs mounts can not support the weight on their own. 

Remember you will have about 650lbs of water alone never mind the tank substrate or rock.

Hate to see you have a big spill of a mess.

I think with a bit of tinkering it can be done.

[dan2x38]

Your saying the tank is a bit wider than the stand right? If so use a board under the foam for sure! The entire idea is to relief stress. If a tank that size hung over imagine what stress it would cause. Think of it like a board with weights on each end unsupported. How would the board react? It would create big stress risers. On a small tank it wouldn't be an affect to be concerned about. Water weighs 8.5 lbs/gal. like mentioned add the substrate, decorations & tank it's self that is likely closer to 700 lbs.

[karjean]

One last thing. My tank sticks out for about 1" in width wise. I will get the foam for sure. But is it overkill to get wafer board as per tank dimension, or some other type of flat piece to put underneath the foam. Or is that OVERKILL !

Your saying the tank is a bit wider than the stand right? If so use a board under the foam for sure! The entire idea is to relief stress. If a tank that size hung over imagine what stress it would cause. Think of it like a board with weights on each end unsupported. How would the board react? It would create big stress risers. On a small tank it wouldn't be an affect to be concerned about. Water weighs 8.5 lbs/gal. like mentioned add the substrate, decorations & tank it's self that is likely closer to 700 lbs.

I do agree with Dan, you will need to reinforce the end sticking out with probably 2x4's bolted to the dresser.