How Much Weight for a 55g stand?

[JoeBel]

So, I have a 55g tank that I've just added about 75lbs of rock too for my african cichlids. I have the tank on a stand I bought with it from a LFS. I'm pretty sure it's particle board or something of that nature. It is the type of stand that is open underneath, and the tank sits evenly on top of all 4 corners.

The stand is only about 1.5years old and I've had no issues with it or my tank. No bowing/warping and I do my best to keep it from getting wet for any duration of time.

What I'm wondering, is how do I know what the stand can support in terms of weight? If I'm having no issues with it, should I worry about upgrading to a real/solid wood stand? I think I read something somewhere and it's got me worrying about the stability of particle board, after adding the extra rock weight. I've attached a pic in case anyone has the same stand, it has one single door, hollow inside.

I'm guessing I have about 625lbs in my tank, but not sure if the water displaces the actual weight of the rocks and sand. I'm renting the apt. so some advice/experiences of others may help me worry less, or more .

Thanks,
Joe

 

[JoeBel]

Anyone have any advice/experiences to add? I guess that's good in a way, as noone has any "my 55g stand collapsed" stories to make me worry more .

 

[Circa4190]

You should be okay, just don't let the stand get wet if it is in fact particle board. It will disintegrate exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, even just a few hours.

 

[JoeBel]

Thanks Circa, I have done my best to make sure it's never wet at all, other than the occasional splashes (water changes) that I wipe down immediately. Def no noticeable bowing/warping/damage at all, so hopefully I'm good.

I guess I've just read one to many horror stories and after adding the extra rock weight, my paranoia went into overdrive.

 

[01yellowr]

I had one like that for my 30 long. The stand was fine the only problem I had with it was the board on the inside that you would put your sump or canister filter bowed after I spilled some water on it from a wc. The stand itself was fine even after that.

 

[JoeBel]

I had one like that for my 30 long. The stand was fine the only problem I had with it was the board on the inside that you would put your sump or canister filter bowed after I spilled some water on it from a wc. The stand itself was fine even after that.

Good to know, more positive reinforcement for my sad little particle board. I think it's hilarious when the rule of thumb is "don't get your fish tank stand wet". I'm like "no prob, water is rarely near my fish tank stand " ... I know they mean for extended soaking periods, but it's def ironical.