Solid Desk To Be Used As A Stand?

[devilsphoto]

Hello

I have a 200 litre tank but no stand
I have a solid computer desk which is long enough and wide enough to hold the stand but im worried about the weight

Would this be ok as a stand for this weight of tank?

Cheers

 

[SimoUK]

Pictures of the desk, along with pictures of the underneath and supports would help us decide

 

[PDSimon]

200L = 200kg!

Get a few people to sit on it...

 

[Christoff]

Also worth considering that if the desk bows even slightly then your tank will be in big trouble. If it has a centre support this will help prevent it bowing. Agree that photos are essential to answer the question.

 

[IAmATeaf]

If it's a standard desk with side and half/two thirds back support then no way as the front middle of the desk will bow under the weight of the tank and water. Personally I wouldn't risk it as 200l of water is a lot of water to deal with should the worst happen.

 

[JoshuaA]

The wood computer desks are made of usually isn't the best for supporting large masses. Perhaps putting a spirit level and then adding around 250kg + of mass to the desk. The water alone will be just under 200KG the glass tank is going to be some weight too maybe 30kg? (not too sure) Then all your ornaments + substrate + whenever you lean onto the tank you place more force onto the table.

Your best bet is just to get a new table!

 

[SlyPolak]

Most computer desks I have ever seen were made of either particle board or fiber board, so I would say NO. If you REALLY want to use it just re-inforce it with plenty of 2 by 4's and maybe some plywood. But what you have to figure is that it is going to be a tank of water on top--- so particle board and fiber board SWELL like crazy!!! No matter how much you try to prevent spill, it WILL happen then you will be in BIG trouble because thats when the desk will weaken to cardboard. If I were you I would just save some cash and get something you KNOW is strong enough... Do like the people above and test with people or equivalent weight!!! GOOD LUCK

 

[greengoddess]

There's nothing wrong with chipboard or particle board when used correctly. My new Jewel 240 litre tank weighs around 300kg when the weight of the substrate, water and tank are considered. The supplied matching stand is made entirely from particle board and has no metal supports whatsoever. It came in a flatpack and was quickly assembled with a few wooden dowels and a handful of screws.

If you must insist on using the computer desk then you must use full width plywood or particle board as vertical supports under the desk or it will probably bend. The slightest amount of bend will be fatal for the glass tank. Do yourself a favour and forget the desk. Save up and buy a proper matching cabinet. They're not that expensive and you will be able to sleep at night without worry.

 

[JoshuaA]

The supplied matching stand

That's because the stand is designed to hold a fish tank, A computer desk has literally no centre support and purely because that's where your legs go! Even with 2x4 support I would question its safety because it will still bow where there is no support and then create stress points on the glass. Isn't worth it, Just like everyone has said though he is best at least getting another desk for the tank, though if he wants to he may as well just build his own.

Edit: Also how many of you have computer desks? Just go give it a horizontal push and see what happens. A lot will sway, some will stress and then imagine that will 250Kg + on top. Mine is pretty sturdy both me and my girlfriend can sit on the centre piece however there is noticeable dipping.

 

[the biffster]

i wouldn't use a computer stand to put
that size tank on its not designed to take
that sort of loading and stress i have seen
some tank stands i wouldn't use never mind
a computer desk

good luck the biffster