How Much Weight (in Rock) Can My Aquarium Hold?

I've got a beautiful 24 gallon, rimless, low-lead glass tank that I've been gathering hardscape for. I found some beautiful rock that I want to use, but this stuff is dense and heavy.

I'm concerned about the amount of weight I'd be putting on the floor of the aquarium. Is there a formula out there to determine the maximum weight (including substrate, hardscape, and water) a tank's structure can sustain?

Is there a tried and true method that helps distribute the weight evenly, without adding too much weight? (I've seen video of bags of pebbles and slate tiles being used for this, but those people aren't "building" for long term stability.)

Thank you

 

I've got a beautiful 24 gallon, rimless, low-lead glass tank that I've been gathering hardscape for. I found some beautiful rock that I want to use, but this stuff is dense and heavy.

I'm concerned about the amount of weight I'd be putting on the floor of the aquarium. Is there a formula out there to determine the maximum weight (including substrate, hardscape, and water) a tank's structure can sustain?

Is there a tried and true method that helps distribute the weight evenly, without adding too much weight? (I've seen video of bags of pebbles and slate tiles being used for this, but those people aren't "building" for long term stability.)

Thank you

Something I've seen used often, and used myself, to distribute the weight of rocks in a tank is eggcrate or lighting diffuser cut to size to fit your tank.

 

I honestly do not know. I have seen many cichlid tanks with big rocks from bottom to top all across the back wall.

 

I honestly do not know. I have seen many cichlid tanks with big rocks from bottom to top all across the back wall.

I've seen that too, but in much larger tanks that I assume have thicker glass. I'll have to do some digging. I don't want a stress fracture across the bottom of the tank.

 

I'm concerned about the amount of weight I'd be putting on the floor of the aquarium. Is there a formula out there to determine the maximum weight (including substrate, hardscape, and water) a tank's structure can sustain?

I've been wondering the same thing, thanks for asking!

 

I love when people ask this question because I get to post this video .
I love watching it every time I post it !

 

That’s a lot of rock!

 

Something I've seen used often, and used myself, to distribute the weight of rocks in a tank is eggcrate or lighting diffuser cut to size to fit your tank.

That's what I used in my 55 several years ago. I got the plastic diffuser at Home Depot, and cut it to size with my tablesaw, but it could be cut with a handsaw or jigsaw.

 

That's what I used in my 55 several years ago. I got the plastic diffuser at Home Depot, and cut it to size with my tablesaw, but it could be cut with a handsaw or jigsaw.

Yup. Stuff works well. I actually use it above my tank as well to support my pothos plant. I just cut mine to size with a pair of wire cutters, much longer process.