Placing a 35 gallon tank on a stand

[greggb]

Hi all. I picked up a 35 gallon aquarium for my office today. I have a piece of office furniture that I figured would work well for a stand. It's sturdy and the right height. The only thing is that it's slightly narrower and shorter than the width/length of the tank. The result is that the actual glass on the bottom of the tank rests on the stand, instead of the wooden frame on the bottom of the tank. I wondered if this would cause a problem?

We have a tank at home exactly like the one I got today. It came with a matching stand that is the same width/length as the aquarium. In this case the wooden frame rests on the stand, and keeps the bottom of the glass off the stand.

I just wasn't sure if any problems could arise by having the glass on the bottom resting on the stand. Also, about 3/4" on each end of the tank hangs over, which means that the edges aren't actually supported. I can't imagine why this would be a problem, as the pressure on the sides is outward. But I don't want to assume anything. So, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Gregg

[190MPH]

IMO, I wouldn't do it. From what I understand, the edge of the tank is where the most load is distributed. I wouldn't want it sitting directly on the glass. Maybe others will chime in on their thoughts too though.

[rich311k]

The edges need to be supported. That is how the tanks are built. The bottoms dont even need support just the edges do.

[Lady Hobbs]

Get a 1" sheet of plywood to lay on top of the stand. The tank needs to rest on the frame, not on the glass.

[Deleted User]

I'm not sure if the plywood would help (might but in case...). I'm thinking it still wouldn't support the edges enough if there wasn't anything that went to the edges under the plywood. Maybe though at 1" thick, it would do the trick. (Sorry -- I'm just picturing me trying this on a file cabinet at the office and ruining a bunch of client materials -- yikes!!!).

But, yes, it's the outside edges that need the support. Think of those metal aquarium stands. They are just a "frame" and I think the only support other than the outside is a center "beam" on bigger models.

[Northernguy]

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!:22:
As Hobbs said Get the plywood.thumbs2:
It will void any warranty and make quite a mess.

[Lady Hobbs]

I've already done that and it worked fine. I wouldn't do that if the stand was 8 inches short but he only needs less than an inch on each end.

[Northernguy]

1" ply will hold a truck Hobbs!
If you sand it and paint or stain it first it will look fine.
Wrap the wood in a vinyl tablecloth first.lol

[greggb]

Thanks for all the great responses! I think what I might do is look for an actual tank stand, or another piece of sturdy furniture to put it on. I've thought more about the actual sturdiness of it, when it comes to supporting 35 x 8.5# plus the weight of decorations... it may not be that sturdy.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer my question! Hope you all have a good weekend.

[Lady Hobbs]

Exactly! I didn't want to worry about it. LOLOLOL

I just painted mine black.

[Northernguy]

Greg check out Craig's list or Kijiji for used stands.
I know a guy that can build you one if you like!:19: