Bowing stand 125g

[muffinman51432]

My 55 gallon only has perimeter and hasn't failed me yet (knock on wood) its been going for 7 years. Should I except something?

 

[uncwnells]

that is an amazing spot for a tank! GL with the stand

 

[krichardson]

I think the stand needs to be replaced. particle board stands are strong when dry, but when they get wet, the particle board swells and weakens.

your fine for a while, but eventually you will need a new stand.

Yep,I have a similar stand for a twenty high and the floor of the cabinet inside has sunk in a few inches from water.

 

[12 Volt Man]

perimeter support is fine for a tank. glass tanks only technically need corner support. thats why most stands have no cross supports and they hold tanks for years and years..

the problem here is not the lack of cross supports, but the material that the stand is made of. particle (pressed) board is not good for aquariums but the manufacturers use it anyway because it is cheap.

but it does not mix with water/moist environments. and thats precisely what they are used in...

 

[tcarswell]

2x4 stands with oak plywood look fantastic if you take your time and do it right.

I kinda like how mine came out. Finished clear coating today. Building an all new stand is another good option.

 

[cor]

Ok I have some more pictures of the inside of the stand.

The center vertical brace is bowed.

 

[shelbyzman]

Definitely add some 2x4 supports to that stand. Be sure to take out the fish and most if not all of the water before adding any supports. You don't want to be under a full tank if it was to happen to fall from bumping it or moving while adding the 2x4's. Be safe!

 

[starrdog211]

i would get a new stand just to be safe....

 

[cor]

i would get a new stand just to be safe....

I have been looking at some of the 2x4 diy stands and with some plywood to cover the outside they really do look nice. This is easily the safest option. Hopefully before summer I can get one made and my tank does crash.

 

[malawi mayhem]

Is your 125G in an office...? Mine is... either way....

My advice would be.....

GET THE WATER OUT NOW....!!!

If it's partical board... it could go at any moment... not a good scene in an office.... I know... I had a small flood in mine while I was down the street with a client and my super called me...!

My pick would be...

Steel stand.... and then when you have time.... fit a 3 sided (= front left and right side) faux covering... easy to change... cheap, adaptable... for example... I will be moving my office soon and not sure what configuration it will be set back up in... I am also adding another tank connected by a common sump...

Right now I just have a black fabric "skirt" over two sides...

Good luck...!!!!!

mm