Can my desk support a 20 gallon aquarium?

[Incredulous_Ed]

How can I tell if my desk can support a 20 gallon aquarium? At one time, It held an 8 gallon aquarium (tall), and now it holds a 5 gallon aquarium. Later I will post a pic of the desk so maybe that might help.
thanks

[NorthernBoy]

Well, 1 gallon of water is about 8.34 lbs. So the water is 166.8 lbs + whatever the tank it self weighs. I would say if you think it can hold 200 lbs. your safe. If not there are cheaper stands at your LFS for about $20 that will work fine.

[Full3R]

Is it a steal frame? because i have a 4 and a half foot long steal frame desk that can hold 80 gallons

[Incredulous_Ed]

Ok, I know that a 20 gallon aquarium would be 225 pounds with all the equipment, gravel, fish and stuff. The desk is completely wooden and is about 10 years old. It has like two layers of paint on it.
But it isn't really possible to get rid of the desk and put an aquarium stand there.

I will post a pic in a few hours, dumb essay I have to write....

[Madc0ws]

20 gallon tank is nothing, as long as it's not made in china you're safe.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Here's a pic of my desk
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=41&pos=0

and another

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&file=displayimage&album=41&pos=1

So do you think it can support 20 gallons?

[NorthernBoy]

I think yes if you keep it to the right above the drawers. I woulde keep it off the side whith the space for the chair.

[Incredulous_Ed]

ok, but what if the tank is kinda long and part of it goes over the space for the chair?

[Madc0ws]

I'd say that looks like a pretty solid desk, your only worry is to check for desk stability. Make sure the boards on which the entire frame sits on are not lose or raggety.

btw cute little aquarium

[Incredulous_Ed]

Thanks,

(Iprobably sound like an idiot now) How would I check if those boards are stable?

[Madc0ws]

Just put some weight onto it (like your body weight,or books or have a friend with a big fat butt sit on it) and check if it's not wobbley. If it's going to collapse under the weight better for it to do that then and there than with the tank & fishies in it.

UTTER INGENIUS MADC0WS! ROCK US MADC0WS!

[Incredulous_Ed]

If I combine my weight with the tank that's already on it, it will probably equal 225 pounds.

Okay, thanks

[NorthernBoy]

if it breaks the dest your out both a tank and desk. Use something else besides the tank to check.

[Incredulous_Ed]

okay, It's strong enough, to support me and the tank, and other assorted items, so I'm good.
Thank you for all your help.
One last question-
If I put the 20 gallon tank on there will it gradually weaken the desk?

[NorthernBoy]

maybe if you get the desk wet.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Well, the desk is bound to get wet sooner or later, but doesn't the paint act as a water sealer?

[NorthernBoy]

It may. I would invest in a 20 gallon stand....it's like $20.

look

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?Nav=103&sku=526967&R=9244&enemerch=1

or

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=6638&Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=stand&sku=949981&familyID=13738&

[NorthernBoy]

better safe than sorry...lol

[dj_pee_zee]

sit on it...if it can support you...it can support a tank.