Acrylic tank stand question

[riverfishguy]

I just bought a 50g acrylic tank from glasscages and now I read in several places that an acrylic tank needs a completely solid topped stand, not a frame support stand.

Um, this is a reef ready tank, how am I supposed to plumb my tank to the sump on a completely solid top stand? On top of that all I have is an iron stand. I could go get a wood stand but it would still just support the sides same as the iron stand and I really don't wanna buy another stand anyway.
Can I just use the iron stand as is or will I have to mod it with a wood board or something so the tank is fully supported on the bottom (besides the spot where the plumbing is)?

 

[Tongue33]

Just add some plywood with holes drilled where your plumbing goes..

Then you don't have to worry.

 

[House 64]

You need to support the bottom w/ plywood and like the forementioned cut a hole around where the plumbing goes. I also recommend lining the top surface, between the tank and stand surface with a 1/2" piece of styrofoam (this is typically done to ensure that any unleveled areas on that surface is compensated by the foam.

 

[ziggy2]

I heard that with acrylic, you shouldn't use foam. Just a question, why wouldn't you?

 

[ShadowBass]

Ok, cool.
We decided to get wood panelling and paint it black to match the 125g stand in our livingroom anyway, so the plywood won't be visible.

I heard that with acrylic, you shouldn't use foam. Just a question, why wouldn't you?

I've never seen anything about not using foam, but none of the setup directions I read said it was necessary so I'm not sure.

 

[DanProwse]

Ok, cool.
We decided to get wood panelling and paint it black to match the 125g stand in our livingroom anyway, so the plywood won't be visible.



I've never seen anything about not using foam, but none of the setup directions I read said it was necessary so I'm not sure.

for the low price of foam i'd add it anyway, just for peace of mind

 

[Bud8Fan]

I heard that with acrylic, you shouldn't use foam.

Exactly the opposite. You should use foam.