When you use things like these as decor do you have to worry about the weight of them breaking the bottom of the tank. I have tanks on those metal stands that you can put two tanks on so there really is no support for the glass on the bottom of the tank. The frame of the tank sits on the stand not the glass. I know to place water or anything in them gently but would like to try some larger stones for decor but worried the weight will break through the bottom.
Large stones, rocks, pavers, ect. ?
- Thread starter Jen
- Start date
Yes you are correct, the glass is not supported. Only the frame comes in contact with the stand, thats the way they are built. The glass is pretty strong and can hold alot of weight. The one thing you might want to do is to add a flourescent light diffuser grating that you can find at home depot, under your rock structure. This way the weight is distributed on the tank bottom, and doesnt cause pressure points where the weight of one big rock sits on a area of 1/16 inch. If your keeping cichlids, this also helps them from digging under the rock structure, undermining its structural integrity and preventing it from falling. Also if it does fall, the grating will prevent rock on glass action from the falling rocks. If your using single heavy boulders and not stacking rocks, than you can use styrofoam from your grocers meat section instead and cut out a piece to fit under the single stone.
HTH
Van
HTH
Van
I am paranoid so I always cap stands with a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood and a 1/4" layer of fine grain cork board once they get to 55g or above. I haven't used diffusers (eggcrate) like that but it sounds like a great idea.
Quote: I am paranoid so I always cap stands with a piece of 5/8" or 3/4" plywood and a 1/4" layer of fine grain cork board once they get to 55g or above. I haven't used diffusers (eggcrate) like that but it sounds like a great idea.
Guppy does this fit inside the bottom frame of the outside of the tank? What I'm wondering is how to support the glass. These are metal stands where they are open under the tank. You can see the glass when the tank if on the stand. Thanks for the response,
Guppy does this fit inside the bottom frame of the outside of the tank? What I'm wondering is how to support the glass. These are metal stands where they are open under the tank. You can see the glass when the tank if on the stand. Thanks for the response,
I would find it hard to support the glass on a commercial built aquarium. The reason being is the plastic frame around the aquarium is flush with the stand not the glass. Aquariums without this trim would be O.K., I think your best bet is taking Vanimates' advice on the egg crate.
I have not used the egg crate idea yet but will, I like the idea as not only am I paranoid, I am also sometimes a clutz. I used the plywood on both wooden and metal open top stands, it covers the entire stand. The corkboard compresses enough under the platic frame that the full bottom is supported.
