Need advice on stand for 350g aquarium. Wood? Steel? Aluminum?

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HenryC

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Feb 16, 2020
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I got an upcoming 350g, 10' aquarium where my vieja and oscars will live happily, but I need to get a stand first. This is my biggest aquarium ever and I need everything to be perfect haha. Does anyone have such big and heavy aquariums? What type of stand do you have?

I would really like you guys to give me any suggestions, structure ideas, building materials, finishing touches... anything that you think is important to take note for such a gigantic aquarium. All my stands have been wood, but I've only had up to 90g aquariums. This is more than triple the water/weight!

Wood? Aluminum? Steel? How to deal with uneven flooring for such a big tank? Also, I live in earthquake prone area so gotta keep that in mind when building the structure!

Please share any advice/photos/whatever you think might help me. Thanks!

Pic: It's an aquarium identical to the one I will be getting. I saw them installing it and asked for one.

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Best of both worlds, steel stand for support and then wrapped in wood for looks.


do you make a build post? or have blueprints?

Unfortunately no, I just did a basic 2x4 then skinned it with 3/4 ply and tongue in groove paneling. I built a header across the center opening as well, that's why it's lower
 
You should buy an aquarium stand made of durable materials. This is why I would advise against getting a stand made entirely of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). MDF absorbs water easily, which makes it undesirable for use as an aquarium stand.
On the other hand, powder-coated steel frames are the best as they are highly rust-resistant. They can also carry more weight compared to MDF.
 
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Be prepared to shim the stand. The tank needs to be level. I like the design of this stand better than the one in your picture.

 
That size tank is a lot of weight. My 450g glass is estimated at 5000-6000 pounds. Wood in vertical compression is incredibly strong, but you need wider widths for a tank that size. I chose steel because of wanting a more open stand for access. Then skinned it using 1x4's, cabinet panels from IKEA, and magnets. I can take off all the panels to allow full access to the sump.


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That size tank is a lot of weight. My 450g glass is estimated at 5000-6000 pounds. Wood in vertical compression is incredibly strong, but you need wider widths for a tank that size. I chose steel because of wanting a more open stand for access. Then skinned it using 1x4's, cabinet panels from IKEA, and magnets. I can take off all the panels to allow full access to the sump.


View attachment 1476080View attachment 1476085

I like the wheels for moving your stand. We used a pallet jack to move our tank and stand around
 
I got an upcoming 350g, 10' aquarium where my vieja and oscars will live happily, but I need to get a stand first. This is my biggest aquarium ever and I need everything to be perfect haha. Does anyone have such big and heavy aquariums? What type of stand do you have?

I would really like you guys to give me any suggestions, structure ideas, building materials, finishing touches... anything that you think is important to take note for such a gigantic aquarium. All my stands have been wood, but I've only had up to 90g aquariums. This is more than triple the water/weight!

Wood? Aluminum? Steel? How to deal with uneven flooring for such a big tank? Also, I live in earthquake prone area so gotta keep that in mind when building the structure!

Please share any advice/photos/whatever you think might help me. Thanks!

Pic: It's an aquarium identical to the one I will be getting. I saw them installing it and asked for one.

View attachment 1473762

Can they make you a tube steel stand exactly as that one is? tube steel is super strong. Although my tanks are nowhere near as heavy as yours will be (90g and 150g) i have them on tube steel stands.
 
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