Do you think this will work as a stand?

Kuhlifan

Kuhlifan

AC Members
Mar 28, 2007
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Ohio
I'd like to use this old TV stand as an aquarium stand for a 20 gallon extra tall tank. It's one of your standard pressed board stands, but having looked at a few displays of aquarium stands in stores, so are many of them. A 20 gallon will probably weigh between 180 and 200 pounds.

Any suggestions or comments? I may be able to reinforce it with 2x4s.

Front.JPG inside.JPG
 
My TV stand (also pressed) came with a rating. Mine's rated up to 320 pounds. (I would guess it would probably work for just a 20 gallon.)

If you have any idea on the manufactuer/etc... you may be able to look that up.
 
If you got to Wal-mart to buy a stand (which I wouldn't do but...) you would get a standard pressed board thing just like that only looks more like an aquarium stand. Even the 55g stands are pressed board there.
 
With the way it is built there shouldn't be any problem. Keep in mind that one thing about liquid is that is distributes the weight equally. Just make sure you take time to ensure it is level - front to back and side to side.
 
Should work OK - the average weight of a person is just under that, so unless you're exceptionally small (or large!), a quick test would be to simply sit on it! If it holds your weight, it should be fine.
You might want to take the feet off the bottom to spread the weight evenly, and put some styrofoam between the tank and stand to do the same.

As mentioned before, most aquarium stands are built pretty similar to this and are rated to carry these weights, so I can't see a problem.
 
Yea I agree! I wouldn't go much bigger than a 20 gal or so. both my 55 gal and my 180 gal are on a solid oak frame. I would never go with a pressed wood stand for a large tank.
 
I would attach a sheet of 1/4" plywood across the back to tie the vertical ends together and provide more strength. That sheet of cardboard that is tacked on isn't doing much.
 
Cool. I thought it would probably work, but I just hate the image in my mind of the tank going kaplooie. I wondered about the height too, but the 20 extra tall will give it some size, but still make it easy to get over to clean. Additionally, being closer to the ground will make it easier to view while sitting nearby.

I like the idea of replacing the back with plywood. That'll be a definite.

And about the styrofoam, I have a question. What type of styrofoam do you use, and how thick? There are two types, the kind that is pressed from lots of little round balls, and the type that is a more uniform foam. Which is best, and how thick should it be?
 
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