Will this stand be good enough?

H

Heo

Registered Member
May 23, 2013
3
0
0
Hello everybody.

I am new in this forum and this is my first time posting here, so i apologize if this is not the right place/way to post.
So here is my problem. i have a "stand" which was holding an aquarium (12 gallons I believe). Now i want to upgrade my 12 gallons tank for a 29 gallons, but I am sure that my stand wont hold the weight of a 29 gallons because it does not have any support in the middle. So, i found another stand that fits almost perfect under my old stand, and i am thinking about putting the two stands together using screws, steel corner braces, glue, and a few extra pieces of wood in the back.

Here is the description of the first one:
Filling material: Paper
Main parts: Particleboard, Fiberboard, ABS plastic, Acrylic paint

And the second one (small one under the big one)
21"H x 35"W x 14"D.
Laminated wood.

Here the pictures:




And here is a picture of my old tank:
http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w541/Heo360/IMAG0942_zps67b39db7.jpg

So what do you guys think? can I do it? Any advice?
 
Sounds like it should work...a 29 gallon tank, when full + rocks/decor, will be about 250 pounds. Do you know anyone roughly that size? Have 'em stand on it & see if it flexes, makes noise, etc. I know, a bit low-tech, but work with what ya got.
 
I'm not a fan of kludged stands. Too much can go wrong. It'll be approximately 330 pounds filled. On average, it's approximately 10 pounds per gallon for water, fish (they do have mass) and hardscape, plus about 40 pounds for the weight of a typical 29 gallon tank.
 
You really want to avoid particleboard stands at all costs. They are bound to get wet and lose their integrity. If you need a cheap stand, look for a solid wood dresser at a thrift store, or check on Craigslist...I have bought a tank and stand setup from a desperate person who needs to move (ha! that would be me this time) and then sold the tank for as much as I paid for both together. So just be patient, and it can be done. Don't risk this, besides the fact that it's unattractive (sorry) it is just not a good idea in the long run. It could work for weeks, months...but believe me, eventually it will start to degrade.

Another option is building your own. Cinderblocks and 2x4s work wonders if you don't have the tools.

Oh, and btw, having someone stand on it and jump around doesn't prove anything because even something incapable of holding the weight will be fine for a short while (I'm 140 lbs and I've stood on a 3 gallon bucket before)...it's the constant weight and the inevitable water spills/drips that become an issue over time.
 
The thing is that I don't want to get rid of this stand. It fits perfect on my room, an I don't have any other place to put it. So I am trying to see if there is a way to use this particular one. But, what is the real problem the material of the stand or the weight? What if I put the Cinder-blocks on each side of the center stand?
 
jm1212 said:
i'm going to say no...i feel like you would have to modify it to the point that you may as well get a new stand.
Click to expand...

:iagree:

The material, the shape, the fact that you need to "fix it" by putting another under the center are 3 clues you won't likely be successful with a tank on that.... set up in a long term scenario. If you're going to go so far as to put cinder blocks under this thing in the first place, buy some paint, a third set of cinder blocks, and an appropriately sized sheet of 3/4 inch plywood. Paint, and once dry, stack the cinder blocks 3 or 4 (or however many high you want to go), in 3 stacks, one for each end and the center, place the plywood (dimensions of the tank plus an inch or so should be good) centered on top of the stacks, tank on top of that. Obviously, the paint is optional. Yes, there are examples of cinder block tank stands on the internet. http://virtuallyamy.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/build-a-strong-inexpensive-aquarium-stand/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Heo, IMO, if you're in a pinch and absolutely cannot buy a stand intended for a 29g tank, it *looks* like what you want to do will work fine.

Fine, provided your floor is stable, level and relatively flat AND you don't have kids or other critters to contend with that could disturb the setup. I personally wouldn't risk it given you can get a steel or iron stand from Petco for cheap for a 29g if cost is the issue.

There's lots of links online with instructions on how to build your own out of 2"x4"s and plywood.

The majority of store bought "wood" tank stands are coated or laminated MDF. I've got one for my 29g and one for my 55g.

I've never seen a new, store bought 100% all wood stand, then again, I don't get out much. LOL.
 
go to craigslist. stands are expensive!! i have a 30g bought from craigslist but without a stand. i went to all the pet stores..all of them were 150 minimum. more usually around 250. i got on craigslist, and bought this cast iron stand that seems like it was built specifically for a 30g tank. 30 bucks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom