Safe or sketchy?

[FINWIN]

A while back I posted some cinder block configurations for the 125. It looks like the tank will probably be in a display area so for now so this is just a backup plan. The tank is 60" long and 20" wide and acrylic.

If the blocks were perpendicular (18" across) in several rows, would this be a safe alternative provided the table top of wood (3/4 to 1") supports the full width of the tank front to back? I've seen this overhang style on store stands but don't know what the limit is for stability/safety factor. Not sure if I would need 5 rows or if 4 would be enough. Probably stack 4 high.

Diagram below:

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

I may be wrong on this, but you could have to worry about the edges bursting due to nothing directly supporting them. That's how my tank burst and I'd hate to have that happen to anyone else.

 

[krichardson]

I'm no structural engineer but I would trust that arrangement.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Acrylic you say? Make sure that wood surface is covering the entire bottom of the tank. I would go with a double layer of 3/4" plywood if at all possible.

I personally don't care for cinder block stands but they are tried and true. As long as it is up against the wall and away from high traffic walkways I think you will be fine...any kind of overhang can make your setup top heavy and susceptible to being tipped by drunken or just clumsy, heavy passerbys. Also not earthquake friendly if you happen to live near a fault line.

 

[wednesday13]

IMO, for acrylic… no… If it were a glass tank with tempered bottom, probably fine. The important part to support on an acrylic tank is under the seams them selves and thats the entire permitter of the tank…bottom supports can be every 18-24” underneath for acrylic if there is also support around the seams/permitter. Honestly for the price and amt. of cinder blocks u plan, u could make a proper stand from 2x4’s. Way too much support on ur design where u dont need it… and none where it counts… granted its only 125gal so not a ton of weight. My guess is its made from 3/8” material and that bows and cracks fairly easily.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

The important part to support on an acrylic tank is under the seams

Agreed on seam support being so important. As alluded to in my other comment, I learned why the hard way.

 

[wednesday13]

If cinders are ur only option, atleast support as much of the seams as u can like this crude example ??… id still run 1” wood underneath and this setup would b “bare mininum” IMO… i dont recommend it for acrylic but if tools and 2/4’s aren’t an option this is ur best bet. The 4 corners are most important not to have any over hang and be fully supported.

 

[Backfromthedead]

Lol I ran this tank like this for almost a year. At the most had a 6" overhang in some places. This was a 3'x2' 135g and the stand had a graduated 3 layer base of 1" pine and 3/4" lumber.

Got a lot of encouraging comments from guests but i eventually built a lumber stand so I could add a sump. Who's to say how long it would've lasted though ?

 

[wednesday13]

Lol I ran this tank like this for almost a year. At the most had a 6" overhang in some places. This was a 3'x2' 135g and the stand had a graduated 3 layer base of 1" pine and 3/4" lumber.
View attachment 1494097
Got a lot of encouraging comments from guests but i eventually built a lumber stand so I could add a sump. Who's to say how long it would've lasted though ?

I mean the “display” factor is ?? lol… looks like 1/2” material atleast. “Not recommended” but im all for pushing the limits at times ??

 

[Randles]

View attachment 1494094
If cinders are ur only option, atleast support as much of the seams as u can like this crude example ??… id still run 1” wood underneath and this setup would b “bare mininum” IMO… i dont recommend it for acrylic but if tools and 2/4’s aren’t an option this is ur best bet. The 4 corners are most important not to have any over hang and be fully supported.

Agreed! This would be the best set up for what you have, its what I'd do anyway.