Safe or sketchy?

[Backfromthedead]

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

Yeah I have a hard time "recommending" this sort of thing too, just was meant as a bouncing off point with possibilities. I thought maybe op was going for a certain kind of aesthetic with the cinder block design.

To the op and point, ive seen these sanded "butcher blocks" at hardware stores, nearly 2" thick, that would work great for something like you're suggesting.

https://www.lowes.com/pl/The-baltic-butcher-block--Kitchen-countertops-Kitchen-countertops-accessories-Kitchen/4294696736?refinement=4294418517

I would definitely go with a cinder block design like wednesday13 suggested where the corners are all supported.

But like someone said above by the time you spend all the money on cinder blocks and the butcher block you'll probably have paid for a sturdy 2x4 stand 2-3x over.

 

[krichardson]

Gosh,I overlooked the mention of an acrylic tank.I wouldn't have posted had I initially saw that as I have no experience with such tanks.

 

[FINWIN]

After listening to everyone here I'll rethink this. I've been trying to get estimates from 'trusted local wood workers who make custom stands' and its been a joke due to lack of response. One of these shops was even recommended through a local fish club. There's a steelworker on ebay who ships and I put in a request for a quote the other day. Will see what he says. Edge metalworks based in Michigan could fabricate one (they use wrought iron instead of tubular steel) and can build for full support.

I may just go with custom aquariums again. They make wood stands with metal wheels/casters on the bottom that allow you to move a tank even if its partially full. Will know more once I can get some quotes.

Blocks are the backup plan as it appears as if the tank will be in a display area. They may be strong but they're pretty f'ing ugly next to furniture out in the open.

 

[Rocksor]

steel stand is kinda overkill for a 120g acrylic. I used a MDF based aquarium stand from a fish store for the same size acrylic tank for over 13 years. I was able to move this tank with plastic sliders across tile and carpet when about 25% full.

 

[FINWIN]

steel stand is kinda overkill for a 120g acrylic. I used a MDF based aquarium stand from a fish store for the same size acrylic tank for over 13 years. I was able to move this tank with plastic sliders across tile and carpet when about 25% full.

Its a 125 with custom dimensions (60 x 20 x 24) so a standard stand would have some gap front to back...the only one that would fit would be 60 x 24 so that would be 2 extra inches front and back. Not terrible I guess the tank could sit forward or back, lol.

Already have two prices. The steel vs the wood with caster wheels price wise is a wash. I'd really like to have a cart build, something basic but getting reliable fabricators in the dc area is a royal pita.

 

[Randles]

How about replacing the top of a standard stand to match the 60 x 24 footprint, just a thought. Ive done this is the past.

 

[FINWIN]

How about replacing the top of a standard stand to match the 60 x 24 footprint, just a thought. Ive done this is the past.

How do you mean? Tank width is 20". From what I've seen for 5ft tanks they come in two standard widths 18" and 24". BUT if it makes a considerable difference in price I can live with the 24" width.

 

[Randles]

How do you mean? Tank width is 20". From what I've seen for 5ft tanks they come in two standard widths 18" and 24". BUT if it makes a considerable difference in price I can live with the 24" width.

The Juwel Rio 450 stand is that size so you wouldn't even have to extend the top panel as the footprint would be the same.
I'm not sure if Juwel is available in the US but don't see why not? Well worth checking out as I think it will solve your issue.

 

[FINWIN]

steel stand is kinda overkill for a 120g acrylic. I used a MDF based aquarium stand from a fish store for the same size acrylic tank for over 13 years. I was able to move this tank with plastic sliders across tile and carpet when about 25% full.

Do you have a picture of the plastic sliders and how you positioned them? This stand would go across laminate/tile flooring.

 

[FINWIN]

Hey guys, just bouncing an alternate idea off muh brain.

What do you think of these welded metal work benches as potential stands? They have levelling feet also. Just happened to see these while I was pricing blocks and lumber:

Rated for very heavy loads and have up to 1 1/2 inch thick table tops.