new 55 gallon tank/stand question

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redrf900

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Dec 28, 2002
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Hi Guys,

I stopped at Wally world today and picked a 55 gallon tank kit.
Of course I needed a new stand as my old tank was a 34.(same dimensions as a 29, only taller)
I brought everything home and assembled the tank stand. It's the same brand as the other 3 stands I have. I really liked the others, so I went with this one for the new 55. Only thing is, this one doesn't have a top. Looks like it is only supposed to support the edges of the tank. After placing the tank on the stand it appears as if the stand doesn't make full contact with the edges of the tank. It has a gap of about 1/4 " or so in the middle of the stand and the tank seems a little wider than the support frame. It clearly states that this is designed to be a 55 gallon stand and is made by the same company as the tank kit.
Do I need to shim the tank stand so everything sits nice and flush? Because it looks like if I fill this thing with 55 gallons of water and 40 pounds of stones , it will bow/bend in the middle. I realize it has a center brace on the bottom of the tank, but can I really trust this??? I'm REAL skeptical of THIS stand. The others are rock solid and seem to be well designed. ( they all have tops)
Do all large tank stands NOT have tops? It WOULD make sense as 500 lbs of downward force could cause a crack if there was a piece of sand or something underneath such a large tank.
Anyone else encounter anything similar with THEIR 55 gallon tank stand???
ANY and all responses are gladly appreciated, as my current tank is leaking and water change day is tommorrow. (Thursday)
THANKS in advance!!!!! Jimmy G
 
If i read this correctly a large piece of stryfoam should even out any imperfections. This is generally reccomended for ALL tanks.

Aaron
 
I guess that would make sense if it was just a mild unevenness, but the front and back of the tank never touch the top of the stand. Only the right and left sides are currently supporting the tank. I think I might need to get another stand. :-( I REALLY don't trust this setup.
 
1/4" is too much, take the stand back and get another one, you might want to check it out in the store. That being said, you should always put a little foam between the tank and stand for medium to large tanks.

Alex
 
Thanks for the great advice!!! :-) I just got back from the LFS with a new stand.(different make/model) This one lines up with the tank's edges PERFECTLTY!!!!There is no top whatsoever, nor is there a center brace. It DOES however, look like it will work. I ASSUME that the tanks center brace should be strong enough to support all the weight??? THANKS AGAIN!!! :-) I'm about to dive in to this new project. Jimmy G
 
The 55g tank stand I use to have didn't have a center brace and it worked well until I sold it.
 
Yep--and if you look at the bottom of your other tanks, you'll see that the edges are not flush with the bottom of the tank--ie, the trim makes contact, but the glass does not. As long as the surface is level and stable, this is fine.
 
Thanks to all who replied and kept me from pulling my hair out!!
I went and bought another stand. It matched up perfectly with the 55 gallon's edges. It's all setup and looks good.
The green barbs are huddled together and my loaches are still hiding. I don't think they will know what to do with all the room. The barbs would go half tank then stop and turnaround until they figured out there was more tank. ;-) I put some live plants in there hoping there were snails for the loaches to snack on.
No one is breathing heavy and water parameters are perfect.
took 10 gallons from old tank + substrate + filter media.
I should be good to go!! :-) what a big job...Jimmy G
 
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