aquarium stand for 40g

A

alicialav

AC Members
Jan 12, 2005
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Hiya
well, it seems I've got the fish bug-- not one week after getting my 8 gal tank set up, I've gone and purchased a 40 gallon tank online! It's going to be a couple of weeks before it's delivered, so I have time to think about the stand.
The tank is a Seaclear (acrylic), base dimensions 35x15" (don't know if this is standard)-- anyway, I'm wondering if anybody has suggestions as to what to do about a stand. How do we feel about using "non-aquarium" furniture?? For the money I'm spending, I want it to be something nice, and some of the aquarium stands out there just... aren't.
... p.s. I am NOT a DIY type-- at least not without power tools. ;)

Thanks for input! Really enjoying the forums...
 
You'll need something that can distribute the weight of about 400-600 pounds evenly. The last word is key. If their are pressure points, you could develop leaks or cracks over time. If you do use "non-standard" aquarium stands, be sure to put a couple of pieces of cardboard cut to fit underneath the stand to help it conform evenly across the florr and also do the same directly underneath the tank. This will hopefully alleviate any uneven bits on the floor or stand itself.

As for what you could use, there are lots of desks and what not out there that could hold that amount of weight pretty easily. Heck, I'm a large fellow and I sit on my coffee table all the time. granted, I have seen the edges "bend" a little, but that's due to the design more than anything, as it only has supports underneath from which two legs come out. Again, the most important thing to do is make sure the stand is level and give it something soft that it can shimmy itself around on (i.e. the cardboard). I hope that helps!

PS: From where did you order your aquarium?
 
ok thanks :) got it from Petco

they had sale price of $162ish, plus a 20% promo discount. with shipping, came out to $150. best price I've found, even though the cut-throat competitive pricing makes me a little sad for the smaller retailers who can't offer such great bargains... ;)

ah well. :D
 
just remember if you dont put it on an aquarium approved stand its going to void its warranty. what kind are you looking for, im sure we can help you find one you like. theres also a lot of customizers around.
 
looking at "all-glass" stands

but it looks like they only have perimeter support? ((I like the pine cabinet style....)) Pets-warehouse.com seems to have a good selection.
 
Also remember...

With acrylic you need to have the whole bottom supported, not just the parimeters like glass. I got one of those seaclears too and had trouble finding a stand for it so I took it back to petsmart. I then ended up getting another used 40 gallon seaclear. I'm looking for a stand for it now too.
 
I wonder???? (thinking out loud)

Is the cabinets they sell for bathroom vanities (like at the local hardware stores) strong enough if used as an aquarium stand (if you put a top and maybe a back on them)? They have 36" bathroom vanities at Lowes and Home depot, I was wondering if they could take the weight of an aquarium with water?
 
Most bathroom type vanities and such are built with 1"x2" or 2"x2". While some may say that that would suffice, I wouldn't trust it. My 20 Long stand is being built with 2"x4" construction grade pine(covered w/ 1/2" sanded plywood, and trimmed w/ white oak). Probably heavier than it needs to be, but, IMO, a stand is like filtration. Too much never happens............

P.S.
I have a construction back ground. I helped my father build the house that I am sitting in right now. I also just went and looked at the vanity in my bathroom. It looks like it is 1"x1"(main frame of the vanity), not only that, the rest of it is made of MDF. I would trust the vanity to hold the sink, allmost..... :thud:
 
I do a fair amount of woodworking and have built several cabinets as well as a couple of aquarium stands and tops. Home center bathroom vanities are not a good choice. The cheaper ones are made of particle board or mdf, neither of which are waterproof. Desks and furniture are not designed to support heavy weight. The joinery may not be strong enough. When I build an aquarium cabinet for anything larger than a 20 gal, I build it around a 2x4 frame. I use glue and screws throughout. A well-built cabinet made from 3/4" plywood would probably be strong enough, if properly designed to distribute the load, but better safe than sorry. Your best bet would be to find an amateur woodworker or carpenter. Alternatively, you might try your hand at it yourself. A little woodworking goes a long way in this hobby. I built my first aquarium cabinet with tools borrowed from a neighbor. It's still standing 8 years later.
 
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