Stands help

Hello! I'm interested in a new acrylic tank--as small as 46 gallon bow front or up to 75 gallons (will decide later). Its a show tank so I really want an attractive stand or table for the tank to go on (almost invisible stand or table actually Bc I want the stand to be the main draw). I also want doors or some hidden area for the cords. If go with a table (not a specific aquarium stand) a rectangle it's easier to find a shape for. The question is and I'm truly unsure--can I use a non solid (meaning not having a center support and only having two legs on each end) table made of acrylic or glass for a 50 plus gallon acrylic tank? Or do I need wood but without a center support? Or do I need a solid center support for acrylic tanks? I thought that acrylic tanks are lighter than glass but need more solid support stands (like solid underneath with a center support) but they do weigh less so maybe I'm wrong? I only ask how they are relative to glass Bc I know glass and what it needs a bit more. But mainly I'm wondering about the support needed (and if anybody knows of some clear or very subtle stands or tables that's awesome!).

Thank You!!!!!

 

Not sure on the stand itself, but using a sheet or other cloth draped over it is a great way to make it invisible and hide cords.

 

I've never seen anything like this. I would seriously look at that "Tanked" show to see if they had any builds like this.
The other option would be to have the stand look like the wall. Like if you had a door on the end, but the whole front was solid, and had the same wall material and texture as the wall it will go on (better if there was no seam between the wall and stand). So if you have a red, orange-peel (a type of texture, like "popcorn" on ceilings, but troweled down) wall then make the stand (all but the tank itself) red orange-peel. I know that isn't what you want, but it might be less noticeable than a normal stand, while still giving you tons of storage.

The better option, according to your post, might be to have a welder make you a stand. I didn't hear anything about cost, and this would NOT be cheap, but they could do an ⅛" thick piece of steel across the bottom, and whatever legs you wanted, and it would support the tank fine (assuming they know their business). You don't need it, but I'd look for one that offers TIG welding, as that is precision welding, not something any guy with a welder can do.

 

I've never seen anything like this. I would seriously look at that "Tanked" show to see if they had any builds like this.
The other option would be to have the stand look like the wall. Like if you had a door on the end, but the whole front was solid, and had the same wall material and texture as the wall it will go on (better if there was no seam between the wall and stand). So if you have a red, orange-peel (a type of texture, like "popcorn" on ceilings, but troweled down) wall then make the stand (all but the tank itself) red orange-peel. I know that isn't what you want, but it might be less noticeable than a normal stand, while still giving you tons of storage.

The better option, according to your post, might be to have a welder make you a stand. I didn't hear anything about cost, and this would NOT be cheap, but they could do an ⅛" thick piece of steel across the bottom, and whatever legs you wanted, and it would support the tank fine (assuming they know their business). You don't need it, but I'd look for one that offers TIG welding, as that is precision welding, not something any guy with a welder can do.

DREAMS right? I should SO WAIT to purchase my next acrylic tank (I will be breaking down my forty breeder that's glass upstairs and putting an acrylic downstairs). Bc at this point honestly I'll wind up with a 46 bow front or a 50 gallon (Bc wider than a 55) and a stand that's not as nice whereas if I wait I can go larger etc etc . The stand is going to be more money than the tank I truly think. Here's the thing--I can find tables I love (I mean besides that they won't hide the cords this is something I love) but there's no way it will be able to support an acrylic tank that weighs as much as a 50 gallon right? This table isn't the proper size but it's what I would love. It's not as sleek as a hidden door or as a custom build but you see how it would blend into an acrylic with a black background (built in)? I just don't want a bulky piece of equipment Bc the space the tank is going is not so large and one side will be up to a wall and so the stand needs to blend in (as opposed to standing back and looking at the tank like a large show piece that some stands create). The bow front is nice Bc it can go in a corner but that stand will be tougher even with a custom build (more money I am sure).

 

DREAMS right? I should SO WAIT to purchase my next acrylic tank (I will be breaking down my forty breeder that's glass upstairs and putting an acrylic downstairs). Bc at this point honestly I'll wind up with a 46 bow front or a 50 gallon (Bc wider than a 55) and a stand that's not as nice whereas if I wait I can go larger etc etc . The stand is going to be more money than the tank I truly think. Here's the thing--I can find tables I love (I mean besides that they won't hide the cords this is something I love) but there's no way it will be able to support an acrylic tank that weighs as much as a 50 gallon right? This table isn't the proper size but it's what I would love. It's not as sleek as a hidden door or as a custom build but you see how it would blend into an acrylic with a black background (built in)? I just don't want a bulky piece of equipment Bc the space the tank is going is not so large and one side will be up to a wall and so the stand needs to blend in (as opposed to standing back and looking at the tank like a large show piece that some stands create). The bow front is nice Bc it can go in a corner but that stand will be tougher even with a custom build (more money I am sure). View attachment 756927

Another option might be to build a 4" or 6" deep shell that goes under the table, in front of the back 2 legs, that would hide cords and still be out of sight basically.

I have never had anything welded except a couple brackets to hd a fish tank together, and that was literally four 90 degree welds lol, so only like $20 or something.
I was thinking something about the same style as that, except with a steel sheet for the top, and steel legs. I'd certainly ask around though, asking doesn't cost anything...

I honestly wouldn't trust a piece of glass like that to hold any tank over 5g. It might work, but id worry constantly lol. Then there is the issue of dropping a rock or wood from a shape just heavy enough to crack the glass. I know that isn't at all likely, but I like things that are basically unbreakable, leakproof, etc

 

Another option might be to build a 4" or 6" deep shell that goes under the table, in front of the back 2 legs, that would hide cords and still be out of sight basically.

I have never had anything welded except a couple brackets to hd a fish tank together, and that was literally four 90 degree welds lol, so only like $20 or something.
I was thinking something about the same style as that, except with a steel sheet for the top, and steel legs. I'd certainly ask around though, asking doesn't cost anything...

I honestly wouldn't trust a piece of glass like that to hold any tank over 5g. It might work, but id worry constantly lol. Then there is the issue of dropping a rock or wood from a shape just heavy enough to crack the glass. I know that isn't at all likely, but I like things that are basically unbreakable, leakproof, etc

So true. Thank you SO much I will def ask and let you know what I find!