How strong is our glass tanks and can withstand the weight?

[RD.]

If you watched that vid all the way to the end, I think you will understand just how much weight the bottom pane of glass in an aquarium can withstand. Standing on that stack of rocks was just icing on the cake. lol And that was a 10 gallon, with thin, tempered glass.

 

[jcarson]

If you look closely at my tank above, you'll see that there is only one "stacked" rock, and that rock can't go anywhere. It weighs approx. 30 lbs. lol

But we weren't even discussing "stacking" rocks....

The OP asked:



I answered those questions, and addressed those concerns. Large rocks with smooth flat bottoms, that cover a large area on the glass is the answer. They simply cannot go anywhere, and their weight is no different than the weight of water. Some of their weight is also displaced by the water.

NOT stacking boulders, or using rocks with sharp uneven bottoms - the latter two scenarios can cause problems, possibly even if one places acrylic across the bottom pane. Hard to ever say with certainty how an avalanche inside a glass box will play out.


And if anyone still doesn't believe me...…..

For me Billy Jack you set my mind at ease with your first reply.
To be honest I can tell you know what your talking about and I know I can trust your feedback.

I just happen to be one of those people that NEED to be extra sure and this video you just posted made me extra sure!!

Thank you Billy Jack

 

[jcarson]

@RD I also noticed in that video that only the sides of this tank was supported, well obviously the all four corners are in contact with the wood. Keeping this in mind if building a rack for multiple tanks, will only the corners need be supported?

 

[Matteus]

Wow. That was crazy. The big ol stack looked like a cool lizard or newt tank with no lid. I think he was trying to break it. He put the smallest rock on the bottom then stacked bigger and still held up. I thought for sure with his fluctuating weight of the rapid in out motion would have put it over the edge. Crazy how strong it is. I hope most tanks are this sturdy.

 

[RD.]

@RD I also noticed in that video that only the sides of this tank was supported, well obviously the all four corners are in contact with the wood. Keeping this in mind if building a rack for multiple tanks, will only the corners need be supported?

Yes, that's correct. Most of the larger aquarium manufacturers build their stands in the same fashion, only the 4 corners support the weight of their tanks, including 100+ gallon tanks.

Check out the pics that I posted in the following past discussion.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cinder-block-stand.687460/

And as I mentioned in that discussion, those blocks were actually stacked incorrectly. The holes should be pointing up, vertically, for maximum strength.

 

[jcarson]

Wow. That was crazy. The big ol stack looked like a cool lizard or newt tank with no lid. I think he was trying to break it. He put the smallest rock on the bottom then stacked bigger and still held up. I thought for sure with his fluctuating weight of the rapid in out motion would have put it over the edge. Crazy how strong it is. I hope most tanks are this sturdy.

I wish/hope too but with most newer tanks..

Look at the bottom of your glass tanks before you buy them, if they are tempered they will indicate it, it there is not an indication its probably regular plate glass.

Aquarium manufacturers can and will use what glass they have available

Yes, that's correct. Most of the larger aquarium manufacturers build their stands in the same fashion, only the 4 corners support the weight of their tanks, including 100+ gallon tanks.

Check out the pics that I posted in the following past discussion.

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/cinder-block-stand.687460/

And as I mentioned in that discussion, those blocks were actually stacked incorrectly. The holes should be pointing up, vertically, for maximum strength.

This is awesome to see and very ensuring. I was gonna use 2x4s across the blocks but now Im not.

As far as your stacking comment,
I know cinder blocks will not have a uniform edge if stacked with holes going up and down. I dont know if it the casting process but there is always the little extra concrete and make stacking them the right way can be uneven and wobbly.

I think with a little chipping or filing i should be able to fix that problem.

 

[The Morning]

I used to have a 55 gallon that was stacked with various rocks well over half way. Never had a problem and never used any sort of cushion.
Thank being said I have transitioned to these. These are fake rocks and each one is actually a cave. They displace very little water, IMO look good and are easy to maintain. Plus my cichlids love them.
Just another option.

 

[Lepisosteus]

Don’t worry about adding a couple 20-30lb rocks. My reef tank has around 100lbs of rock in it. Will likely be adding a bit more as well. Very common in reefs to have at least as much live rock as gallons. Many of us place the rock work before the sand in direct contact with the glass so it appears more natural within the scape. I have seen as much as 200lbs of rock crammed within a 75.

 

[phreeflow]

Don’t worry about adding a couple 20-30lb rocks. My reef tank has around 100lbs of rock in it. Will likely be adding a bit more as well. Very common in reefs to have at least as much live rock as gallons. Many of us place the rock work before the sand in direct contact with the glass so it appears more natural within the scape. I have seen as much as 200lbs of rock crammed within a 75.

View attachment 1343132

Lol...that’s exactly what I was thinking. My first reef was designed after the Jaubert method and included at least as many pounds of live rock per gallon plus a super deep sand bed. I’m guessing the crushed coral was at least as many pounds as gallons, maybe double. That’s a lot of weight, not including water, and I never gave it a second thought...until now. You brought up an interesting point OP. I guess I’ll have be mindful of the types of rocks I place on the bottom of tanks.