55G tank question (pics)

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
12 Volt Man;2866294; said:
I wouldnt worry. the manufacturers tell us that glass tanks technically only need support on the corners. as long as the tank is level and flat, you should be fine. its likely not the tank that is the problem, rather the wood warping. I have had tanks set up for years and years, with the same type of small gap. as long as the tank is level and flat, you shouldn't have a problem.

also, if your tank has a 'floating bottom' - ie a plastic center brace on the bottom of the tank as the top does, stryofoam is not recommended (so say the manufacturers). I don't use styo either. I have had tanks for 20 years now. but they are alway level and flat.

even if your tank is like this, you might be okay:)
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I would be pulling my little sister away from those lol :nilly: Thats scary looking maybe its just me.
 
twk1;2866757; said:
Those are great pics. But what if a tank was stocked with big boulders or some heavy rocks towards the middle of the tank. Will it need more than just Corner Support??
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Apply logic to that question please. sorry :ROFL:
 
well, considering that tanks usually have only perimeter support and the rocks are fine on the bottom panel (with or without gravel) it shouldn't matter.

if tank bottoms were that fragile tanks would be breaking all the time with only perimeter support because the pressure would be too great on localized points of the bottom glass.

but they don't...

obviously they handle the enormous pressure/weight of the water so a rock, even a heavy one, is not likely to matter much,..
 
cheap stand ideas are coming into my head now. How would you make sure the cinderblocks are exactly level and wouldn't move though? Is just the weight of the filled tank enough? Could you use bricks or wood boards instead?
 
I'll assume you're in Orange, CA not some other OC.. a stand made from concrete blocks that are stacked loose is a Really Bad Idea if you're in earthquake territory. A much more robust stand made from dimensional lumber wouldn't be much more expensive, anyways.
 
Wow... I dont know what to say about that setup on cynder blocks! Crazy is all that really comes to mind but I guess they are doing the job so I guess it answers your original question. I have had a metal stand that had small gaps at the center of a 30 gallon but never had any issues with it. The tank stood for a few years with no problems.
 
I have had a metal stand that had small gaps at the center of a 30 gallon but never had any issues with it. The tank stood for a few years with no problems.
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I don't think small gaps in stands are as big of an issue as people make them out to be -as long as those gaps are not at the ends/corners. I have had aquqariums for 18 years now and every tank I have ever had has been on a metal stand..

including my new 150..there has been small gaps near the middle of the tanks in all of them..never had a problem (touches wood) lol.

like the manufacturers say, they only need corner support.

keep in mind, though, all my tanks have always been flat and level too.

I was going to put foam down under my new 150 but after some research I did not - its not recommended for tanks with a 'floating bottom' as mine has..
 
Wow, that' s one risky set-up!
 
but is it really? just because it is not normal doesn't mean its unsafe or going to break.

if glass tanks only need support on the corners (so the manufacturer's tell us) then as long as the tanks are flat and level, those tanks on the cinderblock stands should be fine..

the thing is, is that just because it is not conventional does not mean its going to break..
 
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