Smidge too narrow tank stand

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Sinister-Kisses

Aimara
MFK Member
Jan 19, 2022
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BC, Canada
I have a stand that a friend custom built me a few years ago, with the intention of holding 2 x 5gal tanks at that time. Because it was for that specific purpose, in a specific tight spot, I had him build it to be 11" wide. Well, I just picked up a 30gal (tall) that I'd reallllly like to put on this stand (currently it's being used as a TV stand lol), but the tank is 12" deep. So, obviously, the tank when centered would be 1/2" overhanging the front and back. I already KNOW you never leave the tank overhanging like that, that's not my question. My question is, to alleviate that overhang, would it suffice if I bought a piece of plywood and cut it to 12" wide to mount onto the existing tank, as a topper? Would that be enough to support the front and back edge for that half inch overhang without risk? I know a lot of prefab tank stands are built with an overhang lip on the top of the stand so I'm thinking that's all I really need to be safe, but would like those with actual construction/engineering/manufacturing experience to confirm lol.

The stand itself is skookum as hell and can definitely support the weight, it's just that 1" too narrow.
 
Is there any way to add a piece of "trim" around the edge of the stand to make up the 0.5 inch needed for full support? Not sure how "nice" you want it to look. If properly (glued and screwed) attached, this could be a classy looking option.
 
Wouldn't a thin 0.5" piece glued to the edge be more decorative than supportive? That's why I was thinking a full sized "platform" on top. It has to be easy and functional more than pretty lol.
 
I don't know what skookum means but yes adding a plywood top would definitely work as long as the stand can support the weight.
 
Certainly, adding a larger top would be easy and functional. I'm an environmental engineer, not mechanical or structural, but I would be very comfortable adding a 3/4 inch top, probably 1/2 inch. Maybe a "real" engineer can give you some numbers. I added 4 inches to the back of a 72"x20" stand to convert it from supporting a 150 gal. to a 230 gal. I just attached an extension from the top of the stand all the way to the floor and made sure it was level on top. This is what it looks like:
150exten.jpg
 
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Reactions: deeda and tlindsey
I don't know what skookum means but yes adding a plywood top would definitely work as long as the stand can support the weight.

What! Is "skookum" some weird Canadian only terminology and I didn't realize it? Skookum - "sturdy AF". Hella solid. Lol.

Thank you both :)
 
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