oak entertainment stand

**photobuff42** · 06-12-2009, 09:36 PM

Hi, all! I'm newbie with a question. I want to get a 55 gallon aquarium. I have an old, ugly oak stand that I want to turn on its side and place the tank on. Do you think it will be ok?

**MonkeyPox** · 06-12-2009, 10:26 PM

Highly doubtful. Those things are usually made with paneled particleboard. Once filled, a 55 gallon aquarium will be in the 600+ lb range.

**korith** · 06-12-2009, 10:58 PM

I gotta agree with the previous post, that stand doesn't look like it could carry the weight. I think the weight of the tank would bow the stand, and you might end up with a leak. Think of it this way, if you put the stand on its side with a few friends, would it hold up? If you want to build a cheap stand, what I did was make a simple box frame out of a few 2x4's and then put a plywood sheet on top of it. Was fairly simple to put together.

Oh also particle board, if you are anything like the rest of us, water will get onto the stand during a water change or at other times. Particle board and water equals very bad news.

**Needi** · 06-12-2009, 11:21 PM

I have to agree with the previous posts. To start if it is anything but solid wood you would stand no chance to hold up a 55g. Even if it was solid I don't think it would hold up that much weight placed on it.

A simple yet sturdy purpose built stand would work much better. From my experience (20g sittin on tv cabinet) im pushin the limit. My stand is very slightly bowed but holding...but its not trying to hold near the weight ur asking for. Good luck and happy fish keeping.

**Wild Turkey** · 06-12-2009, 11:38 PM

Agree on no particle board. When that stuff gets wet its all over.

If its solid wood, more pics would be needed to make a serious judgement. The 600lbs is quite accurate, if anything that estimate is a tiny bit shy so we are talking about a lot of weight here.

**Northernguy** · 06-12-2009, 11:50 PM

Although almost all fish tank stands bought at any aquarium dealer are made from particle board that one is not designed to hold any weight!
That cabinet would need some more supports to hold the weight.Support to stop any side to side movement,a sheet of plywood across the back.Most tanks don't do that but people do tend to bump into things.It will fold!
A thicker top wouldn't hurt either.

**domjd05** · 06-13-2009, 12:14 AM

Get a few of your buddies to sit on it.. see how it does... that should give you the an answer fairly quicky.

Most cheaper and mid quality stands are made out of particle board and over time repeated exposure to water can sometimes cause it to expand and it will be destroyed.

I've seen particle board destroyed from water, but if you wipe the water off quickly it shouldn't hurt it, and it usually takes a long time for it to start showing signs of damage

**fireman5214** · 06-13-2009, 12:21 AM

go to lowes, buy some 2x4's or to really be sure, by some 2x6's make a box and then put plywood on it and a cutout or 2 in the front some simple door hinges or handles and a small cut out in the back. a coat of primer and paint and there you go.

**domjd05** · 06-13-2009, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by fireman5214

go to lowes, buy some 2x4's or to really be sure, by some 2x6's make a box and then put plywood on it and a cutout or 2 in the front some simple door hinges or handles and a small cut out in the back. a coat of primer and paint and there you go.

You can buy some luan wood paneling for the front fairly cheap, and it would cover up all the 2x6's and stuff, it would be cheaper then buying a stand, probably be stronger, and look decent. My advice is to make sure you purchase a good level.