bookpage

I have a 75 gallon tank and need to know about how much weight the bottom of the tank can hold; with gravel (eco-complete), rocks, etc?

I know there must be some kind of limit as to how much the bottom glass can stand.

The thing in question is a large 'holey' rock that I want to put in the tank. It weights a lot.

TIA,

Shaina

I think the main thing to avoid is pressure points, where they large rock is pressing directly on the glass...it's better to have the weight dispersed by having the rock sitting on top of the substrate than directly on the glass itself.

The actual weight would be depend on the type/quality, the thickness, and the shape of the glass.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable can give you a more complete answer, though.

Tumbleweed

The main point to remeber is balence. First off what is the tank on? A solid base or abase that holds mainly around the edge with just 2 cross brasses. Is the stand level? I dont meen level with the floor but level itself. Is the base warped or flat and even. With a solid base that is level, the base of a tank can hold alot of weight. In my 100gal tank I plan on having at least 150lbs of live rock in it, not to mention that there is at least 120 of sand in it, and that is perfectly safe for the tank. Also you need not worry about having the rock on substrate and not on the glass that is of no matter, as long you dont have a sharp point of the rock pressing with a lot of weight directly on the glass. Some times it is better to have the rock directly on the glass and not the substarte, if you have fish that like to burrow or dig in the substrate, they could cause the rock to move with there digging. hope that helps.

Butterfly

I had 80lbs of rock(and 50lbs of sand) in the 55G at one time and theres about 40Lb of rock(and 50lbs of sand)in the 75G right now. What I do is put silicone feet on the rocks then put that in direct contact with the glass and stack and silicone rocks to each other from there and then pour the substrate around the rocks. By doing this the rocks are very stable and not likely to fall. If you think it would be beneficial to you i could hunt some pictures of the process up for you.
Carol

steveangela1

You must be setting up a cichlid tank? With mine, its a 55g.. I have the weight over a large area not in one... its padded w/ sand and crushed coral...
you can also cut styrofoam and put it under the outside the tank itself to support under the glass... or egg crate...

bookpage

Thank you to everyone for their help and suggestions. I got the rock into the tank without breaking anything and very much relieved.