January 27, 201016 yr comment_352160 HI, I just got my new tank. I was hoping to use an old desk we had here as a stand. It's pretty heavy but will it be strong enough? Here's some pics The sides and back have been covered by a two layers of 5ml chipboard stuff Heres a pic of underneath I'm not sure if it is good enough? Hubby reckons its strong as but I don't want to take any risks. What do you guys think? thanks Report
January 27, 201016 yr comment_352167 and maybe some diagonal bracing across the back? you wouldn't see it but it'd make it a lot stronger. Agree with mystic - another layer of board on top then poly and it should be sweet as. Report
January 27, 201016 yr comment_352172 and maybe some diagonal bracing across the back? It looks to be sufficient, I would stand on it & jump up & down to see how it handles that. if it moves then it's probably not suitable as your tank will probably weigh 4 times more than you. it has the back panels which is better than a diagonal brace but it may need more fixings to strengthen it properly. Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352179 and maybe some diagonal bracing across the back? Wouldn't do anything as the 5mm mdf will provide ample diagonal bracing. It looks to be sufficient, I would stand on it & jump up & down to see how it handles that. I doubt if an ~80kg person jumping up and down will be any use in determining if it will support 500kg+ over a long period of time. I'm not sure if I'd risk it. Some close up photos showing the construction around the bottom (like the lower half of the second pic) would help, although it is hard with the ridiculously small size of pictures able to be posted here. IMO the biggest thing to look for is how the weight will be transferred from the base of the tank to the floor. In the second pic it looks like the "legs" are made from 2x2, is that right? How thick is the timber on the top, and how thick (or are there any) horizontal supports? The other thing I don't like is that the weight will be sitting on 8 feet rather than spread evenly over your timber floor. If it were me, and my hundreds of dollars worth of gear and fish at risk, along with the floor coverings/house, I wouldn't skimp on the stand... Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352181 I doubt if an ~80kg person jumping up and down will be any use in determining if it will support 500kg+ over a long period of time. it's a better idea than judging whether it will be strong enough by looking at pictures. get the whole family on it :lol: Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352185 it's a better idea than judging whether it will be strong enough by looking at pictures. get the whole family on it :lol: Or a couple of really fat people Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352231 A 4x2x2 packs a lot of weight into a compact footprint... i had to track down a solid oak cabinet for mine... wasnt prepared to put it on anything else. Im Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352339 I would say no. Those desks are very nice and well made but just arent made for that amount of weight. That tank will be well over to 1/2 a metric ton when glass, gravel, water, rocks and all other fittings are included. Would you park your car on top of that cabinet? Report
January 28, 201016 yr comment_352344 It looks quite sturdy and the two divisions will enforce the integrity of the top. I would say it would prolly be OK, but this cabinet was just not designed for that type of weight, and to be honest I personally wouldn't use it for such a big tank. You'll just have to decide if you want to take the risk. I'm looking at our two Aqua one stands and they aren't anywhere near as sturdy as that..... Report
January 28, 201016 yr Author comment_352349 yeah I think I will make a proper stand. Not worth it if something goes wrong. I think I will go for overkill and peace of mind. Thanks guys Report
January 30, 201016 yr comment_352636 I would have a good close look at the joinery and dimensions of the main frame first. The panels will prevent the frame collapsing sideways. If the construction looks solid enough, and as I suspect the drawer frame is of 50 x 50mm timbers, I would go for it. Maybe as an extra precaution, place a sheet of 18mm ply over the top for added strength, and a sheet of polystyrene to sit the tank on. Oh, and remove the little feet from the bottom too so the frame sits nice and flat on the floor. My reasoning for all this advise, Im sitting at a similar desk as I type and would not hesitate to place a bigger tank on it. I have a 450 x 450 x 900 tank on a Criterion buffet unit that is not as well constructed with no problems. You will have great storage in the desk for all your fishes bits and under it for the filter. Report
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