New Tank Stand Concerns

[bigrob126]

Hi, I just put together my 55 gallon stand, made by aquatic fundimentals. its made from wood bi-products, or basically particle board. I have used their stands before for my 29 gallon setups and have had no problems. A little note was with the assembly instructions stating to not exceed 550 lbs on the stand. This concerns me! 55 gallons is appx 550 lbs....yes? Then about 50lbs of gravel? I realize the gravel will displace some water, but the gravel is heavier than water I think. Anyway, I feel this is cutting it way too close!! I am going to put a 2x4 in the middle of the stand from top to bottom for extra strength. Am I over reacting?

Rob

 

[micko]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

There is nothing wrong with being over cautious. I don't know these suppliers that your talking about, I'm assuming your in america. But I don't think they would sell a tank and stand together that wouldn't be suitable for the job.

I think these guidelines are to keep themselves right, there (usually) is always a good difference to what they state it should hold and what it will actually hold.

Either way, I'd strengthen it.

 

[KittyKat]

550 pounds = 250 kg
55 US gallons = 210 litres = 210 kg of water

So you have about 40 kg to spare for decor and lid (keeping in mind that the decor will displace some of the water, so it might be more like 60+ kg spare, in practice).

 

[bigrob126]

I did search, and a gallon of water is about 8.3 lbs. This equates into 459 lbs of water in my 55 gallon tank, which makes me feel alot better!! I may put the 2x4 in just for extra support, but I think I should be OK.

Thanks for the input

Rob