Tank Stability Question/Concern with stand

[Manu8__too]

So, I’m planning on a buying a 40B to set on top of a very nice/sturdy piece of cherry oak furniture (see pics). This 40B will be replacing the 29G that’s currently on there right now.

Despite the quality/material of this furniture, it does sag a bit under the middle of the tank. However, the short ends/corners all sit flush on top of the wood (from about 4” inward, at which point you can see a small gap under the middle section of the tank.

That said, I’ve read that as long as the sides/corners all sit flush against the stand, glass tanks should be fine. I’m asking about this, because I don’t want to buy the tank and risk putting it on there if there’s a chance it could leak/break. I figure a 40B will be roughly an additional 85lbs when compared to the current 29G. I would REALLY appreciate your feedback on this. Thanks!

 

[Manu8__too]

FYI- The center gap is roughly 1/16” between the wood and the tank.

 

[tarheel96]

I always place a flat sheet of styrofoam under my tanks in order to distribute the weight. You can get it at stores like Home Depot ... used as building insulation. Cut with an exacto knife.

 

[Oughtsix]

How far is it between the left and right ends of the cabinet? The problem is the sides of the tank aren't situated over the sides of the cabinet which causes the top to bow. Putting a heavier tank on top is only going to make the problem worse unless the sides of the tank are directy over / on top of the sides of the cabinet. Not having all the sides (the entire perimeter) of the tank supported is what usually casuses small leaks to develop over time.

If the cabinet sides are 48" wide a 55g might be better due to being 48" wide. Or a 40L tank is also 48" wide. A 40 breeder is only 36" wide and your cabinet looks wider than that.

The stands you buy in pet stores are much more flimsey than your cabinet BUT they are constructed so all 4 sides of the tank are directly over all 4 sides of the stand. The sides of the stand transmit the weight of the tank directly to the floor instead of being supported by the top which then transfers the weight to the sides then to the floor.

 

[Ogertron3000]

My only advice is dont do it if you have doubts or you will spend all your time stressing about it and wont enjoy the tank.
I always say furniture isnt made to hold an aquarium, you can get away with small tanks but I personally wouldnt put a 40G on that cabinet.

 

[esoxlucius]

In short, if you put a heavy fish tank on something that wasn't designed to hold a lot of weight in the first place, then you will never have peace of mind.

Your words, "it does sag a bit under the middle of the tank", say it all.

 

[Manu8__too]

Thanks guys.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

I always place a flat sheet of styrofoam under my tanks in order to distribute the weight. You can get it at stores like Home Depot ... used as building insulation. Cut with an exacto knife.

I have done this as well which works well.

My only advice is dont do it if you have doubts or you will spend all your time stressing about it and wont enjoy the tank.
I always say furniture isnt made to hold an aquarium, you can get away with small tanks but I personally wouldnt put a 40G on that cabinet.

In short, if you put a heavy fish tank on something that wasn't designed to hold a lot of weight in the first place, then you will never have peace of mind.

I agree with both of these. I would be uneasy especially since it is not fully level. It really depends on how much risk you are willing to accept. Could it hold it? Quite possibly. Could it break, or split? Possible as well.