how much weight can a 55 gallon hold?

My tank is supported only on the ends, and then about 3 inches in the middle. The rest of the frame is unsupported. It's kinda scary, but its been ok for 4 weeks now. Why do they use glass on the bottom anyway? Isnt there something stronger and cheaper that could be used? (Although I do like to look at the gravel from underneath my tank. Heck I don't even really need fish)
 
So you guys dont think the rocks will crack the bottom of the tank if i but board under it? To me they are kinda heay rocks not really big maybe medium. I just really dont wanna put my rocks in there and have my tank break.
 
I've seen lots of rift lake cichlid tanks with a LOT of rocks in them. Never heard a mention of any special actions to take to prevent the bottom glass from breaking.

I do agree that the entire bottom of the stand (at least around the edges) should be supported, maybe even putting some styrofoam between the bottom of the tank and the board to make sure the weight is evenly supported all around the edges.

But unless the rocks strike the glass, I wouldn't worry about them breaking the glass.
 
I have 55# of rocks in my 36g tank and close to 80# in each of my 75gs.

To clarify: I have two rocks in my 36. One weights 30#, the other 15#
Each of my 75gs has three rocks in it. The biggest in each tank weighs about 40-45#

Lemme put it this way -- reef tank. How much rock do you think they stick in a reef tank and how much does that weigh? Some of those tanks are PACKED with live rock.

A quick search or post in the Reef forum here will probably give you a good idea if you should even worry about it :)

Roan
 
a 55 gallon could hold a lot of weight. you could fill the bottom with large rocks easily with no problem. if you want go to a homedepot or something and cut a piece of plywood the size of your stand and set it on the stand and put tank on top that
 
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