72g bowfront Tank Stand Help

[PNWBettas]

So I have this tank stand for my 72g bowfront. The guy I bought it from used it as you see it in the photos and had the tank filled with what seemed to be no issues. Since I’m about to sand it to re-stand/paint I was wondering if there’s anything I should do to help it’s integrity. I was also hoping for suggestions for adding doors since it’s bowfront.

Thanks! (Enjoy my pupper photobombing)

 

[TucanSam]

How is that middle brace attached to the stand? Are those metal plates all that hold the brace in place? Adding in braces for the center support and beefing up the walls/braces holding the rim up by adding some wood planks are the easiest ways I can think of making it stronger - but I am by no means great at building these things and always way over engineer them.

 

[ProudPapa]

I'd add some plywood to the back so it can't fold up on you.

If you want doors you could just make them flat. Having them follow the curve would be a nightmare.

 

[PNWBettas]

How is that middle brace attached to the stand? Are those metal plates all that hold the brace in place? Adding in braces for the center support and beefing up the walls/braces holding the rim up by adding some wood planks are the easiest ways I can think of making it stronger - but I am by no means great at building these things and always way over engineer them.

There are some middle supports that attach. I’m thinning of adding some diagonal supports (elementary school taught me triangles are strong) to give it more to brace.

I'd add some plywood to the back so it can't fold up on you.

If you want doors you could just make them flat. Having them follow the curve would be a nightmare.

If I add plywood to the entire back I should leave some holes for the cords and stuff right? I have a canister filter for this tank. The other thing I could do is a curtain door. I bet I could do that fairly easily.

I think I’m actually going to do some flat doors, I think it will help muffle any sounds from the filter better then fabric.

for the top, I feel like it’s very thin to hold the entire tank. Should I add anything there?

 

[ProudPapa]

Yes, if you put plywood cut holes for cords, hoses, etc, but you mentioned diagonal braces. That would be okay too.

As far as adding anything to the top, it wouldn't hurt, but it's my understanding that almost all the weight is on the corners, so I don't know that it's necessary.

 

[Nickguy5467]

those bolts on top look kinda scary imo. having something sticking up like that wil just puncture the bottom glass panel wont it?

 

[PNWBettas]

those bolts on top look kinda scary imo. having something sticking up like that wil just puncture the bottom glass panel wont it?

That’s what I was thinking at first but the tank had a pretty thick plastic rim. That’s why I believe it rests on rather then the glass.

 

[Nickguy5467]

View attachment 706296

are those center pieces burrowed into the wood? what if someone fell or accidentally kicked it in and it slid over? i mean knock on wood that doesnt happen . im not too familiar with stands and i freak out about anything. my friend built me mine for my 30x12

 

[PNWBettas]

are those center pieces burrowed into the wood? what if someone fell or accidentally kicked it in and it slid over? i mean knock on wood that doesnt happen . im not too familiar with stands and i freak out about anything. my friend built me mine for my 30x12

If you mean the center supports on the stand... yes those are like screwed/nailed in. They don’t move. You would have to kick them pretty hard to break it.

 

[Mike1995]

You could add a piece of plywood on top and then styrofoam or a yoga mat in top of that, then the tank on top to give it more stability and make it level if needed.

 

[PNWBettas]

You could add a piece of plywood on top and then styrofoam or a yoga mat in top of that, then the tank on top to give it more stability and make it level if needed.

Hmm. I was thinking of adding more on top. I’m not sure plywood would work as well as just more cross sections. It would be hard to place right at the same level as the existing wood

 

[ZMAN3]

Hmm, that sure doesn't seem like a lot of wood to support 600+ lb. If it were me, I would add more vertical supports in the back, reinforce the two middle vertical supports, add more cross braces across the top, and cover it with 3/4" hardwood plywood. Definitely a nice piece of plywood across the back to add rigidity. Also, wood glue is your friend here for nice rigid joints. Titebond III is waterproof.

As an engineer I tend to overdo these things, but what's it worth to keep 72 gal of water off your floor?

 

[PNWBettas]

Hmm, that sure doesn't seem like a lot of wood to support 600+ lb. If it were me, I would add more vertical supports in the back, reinforce the two middle vertical supports, add more cross braces across the top, and cover it with 3/4" hardwood plywood. Definitely a nice piece of plywood across the back to add rigidity. Also, wood glue is your friend here for nice rigid joints. Titebond III is waterproof.

As an engineer I tend to overdo these things, but what's it worth to keep 72 gal of water off your floor?

I’ll look into some of this. I agree, it does not look like a lot. Especially cuz my tank is going to be closer to 8000 lbs. I’m going to have lots of rock, wood, and 3in of substrate. The only think I don’t know about is plywood on the top. I’m wanting to stain it so just placing plywood on top of the wood already there won’t look great. And cutting pieces
to just fill the gaps will be a challenge. I do want to add more supports on the top and I think this will be easier to do and look better in the long run. I’ll post updates once I get further along.... sanding this thing is already a pain.