A Few Questions About A 65 Gal. Tank Location

[Shmorgasopoly]

I've recently gotten a 65 gallon tank, but the only convenient place for me to put it is on top of my dresser. The largest tank I've put on top of my dresser was 12 gallons. The dresser is sturdy, well-made, solid oak. Will it be strong enough to take the weight of that large of a tank? Also, the dresser itself is little bit smaller than the tank. Would it hurt the integrity of the tank if I had 1.5 inches hanging off the front and back of the dresser and .5 inch hanging off each side?

 

[luque]

I personally wouldn't have any of the tank hanging over the sides, in a 65 gallon tank the weight is going to be alot. I don't think it would be a good idea to do that.

 

[shelaghfishface]

just place a peice of wood the same size as the tank over the top to act as a shelf, no over hang,no worries

 

[OldMan47]

Don't forget the weight that you are looking at there Shmorgasopoly. The water alone at about 8 pounds per gallon (actually 8.43) means 550 pounds. Add in about 50 pounds for the tank, another 75 pounds for the gravel and maybe 25 pounds for miscellaneous stuff like a filter and light fixture. I get about 700 pounds, a third of a ton, that you are considering putting on top of your dresser. Personally, I would not try it.

 

[Tolak]

Consider the cost of buying or building a suitable stand, vs the amount of damage 65 gallons of water would create if there was a structural failure of the stand. Years ago, when 5 gallon water bottles were made of glass, I saw one break on a concrete loading dock. Instant 30 foot circle of water.

I wouldn't do it.

 

[Mr._Fishy]

I wouldn't do it either. I blew out an entire panel of glass on a 10 a couple years ago causing it to explode all of its contents onto carpet. It was not fun. All furniture out, lift and prop up carpet, run 4 box fans under it to dry it out. Imagine 65g of water on your floor.

I built my stand for my 29g with nothing more than a sheet of mdf, 4 3' sections of 2x4, and a couple angle brackets and screws for support and to screw the whole thing to the wall so it didn't move. The whole thing cost me about $12.