Tank and Stand; Now what?

[Rbishop]

Whille the stand pictured is probably capable of filling the job requirements, I would not sleep easily.

It looks as if just one bolt(?) penetrates on the top vertical end pieces into the the top horizontal that runs from front to back. The long front piece, running left to right looks like it has two lag screws at each end going into the ends of the front to back horizontals.

I think you could strengthen this and make it perfectly usable. You definitely need more center vertical support, front and back, to help transmit the weight to the floor. The current set up has the end posts taking the weight by the one fastener and friction. It would structurally be more sound if the horizontals rested on the tops of the vertical posts, much like a header rests on a jack stud.

 

[IIRoman]

Hey All,
I'm sure everyone will notice my username is different and that I havent been on here in a week. When I registered and created this thread, I was never able to log back on. While I dont believe I forgot my password, I clicked on the 'reset my password' button 10 times and never got a response. I really wanted to be able to use the forum so I made another profile and for now I have e-mailed a mod to try to figure out what happened. As far as the advice from everyone, I really appreciate it.

Hi, Looks like you could realy make this a nice setup. As for the lights the first thing we need to know is are you going to keep live plants or not.

For now, I dont think so. I think I want to go with cichlids and I have been reading that they like rocks to hide in.

Top for the tank--either hood or glass top, unless you plan on having an open top tank (not recommended for jumping fish!)

I'm working on getting what I need for a canopy right now, I think I'm going to go with eithier birch wood or pine wood, but Im leaning more towards birch

Lights--fluorescent, not incandescent (gets too hot). If you plan to have live plants you'll need at least 125-190 watts of fluorescent, preferably
5,600 K - 10,000 K (that's the colour spectrum most chosen for tanks)

I went to lowes and home depot to look at flourescent lighting fixtures, the bulbs came in 'T' sizes and my tank is 72" long, I was completely lost as what to get. Can I get away with centering a 48" strip on my canopy?

If you look in the second picture you can see a bit of the middle support. Actually, it looks pretty sturdy. I think I would be more concerned with how it was put together (nails, screws-bolts?) and make sure that the connections are firm and wont fall apart on you.

As far as my stand goes, It previously held a 125. The wood is jointed together, and its bolted in some places. I have placed 2x6's in the middle and it feels much better (sturdier), after doing that and remembering how weak some store bought stands are, I feel much better about my stand. My stand also sits on a concrete slab.

Whille the stand pictured is probably capable of filling the job requirements, I would not sleep easily.
You definitely need more center vertical support, front and back, to help transmit the weight to the floor. The current set up has the end posts taking the weight by the one fastener and friction.

I read this (and everyone elses comments) and took it to heart. I will put pictures up soon of what I have done to add more strength to the stand

 

[blkwdw13]

Just like stated above I would be worried that there isn't any vertical supports in the middle, so we'll see what you did to strengthin it. Cichlids sound great since I am partial to them and you will have many options with such a big tank. The lighting Home Depot should have some ballast that are 72" long at least mine does; and congrats on getting a tank for so cheap I need to find a deal like that.

 

[hmt321]

I would ditch that stand. it looks like all the weight is resting on those carrage bolts, granted it could be glued and screwed off realy well but if you did not build it you just do not know.

That tank will weigh upwards of 1000 lbs when it is full of water and gravel, fish ect.

 

[tai95]

The cost of 72" bulbs and actually finding them with the correct kelvin rating would be tough. Your best best would be to get some 48" fixtures and let them overlap in the middle. Cheap bulbs and cheap fixtures it's win win.