55 Gallon Tank Support

HI everyone, I’m new, my spouse and I have had a 40 gallon tank for a while...we recently upgraded to a 55. I’m a little concerned about the tank support, though. Spouse has set it on an old coffee table of ours, and I’m worried about the weight.

55 gallon

• LeanPiscine
• Jan 15, 2019

Thoughts?

 

Hanging over the ends is a recipe for disaster. You need support along the whole length.

 

There’s a plank of plywood over the top of it to help with that...does that work? I’m just not sure about the weight issue and overall stability.

 

It does look pretty sketchy. A 55 with everything in and on it will weigh around 550 pounds.

 

Another view....

55 Gallon II

• LeanPiscine
• Jan 15, 2019

Also the gravel is from the hardware store...was rinsed in the rain, but I don't know how well it will clear up. That photo is after about 20 hours. Should we switch that out for regular aquarium gravel?

 

Looks like the same thing I use for gravel. That pic doesn't make it look quite as bad.

 

Gravel was probably not rinsed well enough in the rain.

Was the water instantly cloudy when it was filled up, or was it clear then later turned cloudy.

If that is the case, it could be a bacterial bloom.

I concur with the others, the stand does look sketchy.

The coffee table was built to hold cups of coffee and some books. Even if it's solid wood frame, the fasteners used were probably chosen for cost over structural support.

The plywood laid flat and horizontally like that has minimal support and will flex and bend with the weight. Plywood has a lot of strength and rigidity when vertical and upright though.

Horizontal plywood that is acting acting as a cantilever does not work well at all.

I would advise to look for an alternative.

A simple DIY stand framed with 2x4's and deck screws will easily support it though. There are many examples on YouTube.

 

Even if the table can support the 500+ lbs the overhang could cause serious issues eventually. I can’t see how thick the plywood is but even 1” thick will warp with that kind of unsupported weight. Personally I would replace the table but if that’s not an option perhaps some wooden supports on the end would help, maybe 2x4 “legs”.

 

It was cloudy instantly upon putting in, not later.

Neither of us is much good at carpentry...2 x 4 legs, perhaps...

 

Welcome to FishLore!! I would definitely do something a little different. Long term you will most likely have unwanted issues with that.

 

Well, water has totally cleared up. Now to fixing the support system. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

That's scary.

I'd take the water out immediatley to lower the load and stresses, before and until you've found a better solution.