Iron Tank Stands

[fishwatcher]

Do any of you use/trust those iron tank stands? I got one today with a 30-gal tank and would like to use it, but am just unsure about it. I was bought for/used with the tank I bought so I know at least until now it's been ok.
What are your opinions?

 

[Dorkhedeos]

i dont really trust iron stands because i do not know how it was made or if good quality material was used because most of the stuff is made in china. i make my own stands out of high quality wood and hardware and i make sure the stand can handle at least twice the weight of what is going to go on it so there is room for error

 

[toebash17]

i have had an iron tank for the last year i would say with a 55 gallon tank on it and have not had a problem yet

 

[Josiah]

I use an iron stand for my 55g, at first I DID NOT trust it, so I tested it's strength by putting most of my body weight on it, and that made me feel better, they are a little shaky but I think they are strong enough.

 

[aquaticadmirer]

I used one for a 10 gallon tank once and it was fine. It was a little shaky though as compared to wood stands I've used, but it was never a problem.

Edit: Mine was on carpet though, and that's why it was wobbly. If it was a larger tank I wouldn't have put it on carpet.

 

[Socks]

Iron stands can hold TONS of weight.One say for a 55 gallon,Literally tons.Just make sure all four legs are on a level plane,if not it will be very wobbly and tippy,and thats where the danger is.

 

[fishwatcher]

OK, great. I really like the way it looks, but I'm scared of it tipping over with it being so top heavy, ya know?
If it's on a wood floor that may have some uneven areas, what's the best way to level it? I am thinking maybe a sheet of plywood (1/2" or so thick) and then use wood shims under it to level it... don't know if that would be the best way though.
Thanks!

 

[Socks]

I think that just the plywood would plane it out well enouhg without the shims,unless your floor in really bad.....then the shims would be good.Just make sure that if you do shim it you shim all the way around so that you don't have any bendy spots.

 

[gpgscott]

I used one for years and although it never gave a problem I never liked it. I built a nice wooden one about 15 years ago and repainted the steel one and made glass shelves for it now it sits out on the deck as a sort of side board. Scott

 

[annka5]

Is it one of those ones without a "top" - jsut a frame where te base of the tank is supported around the edges and not all over? I had one of that kind, and after about 5 years the bottom of the tank cracked and completely gave way one afternoon ... personally, I wouldn't recommend them!!!!!!!!!

 

[Darkstar]

Is it one of those ones without a "top" - jsut a frame where te base of the tank is supported around the edges and not all over? I had one of that kind, and after about 5 years the bottom of the tank cracked and completely gave way one afternoon ... personally, I wouldn't recommend them!!!!!!!!!

Tanks used on those stands have raised bases, so your tank base cracking has nothing to do with the stand. Using a flat base tank on those stands is not recommended.

 

[fishwatcher]

Oh, whew! I was worried for a second there! It is one of those stands, but the tank has the raised edges around it that it sits on. I also have a flat bottom tank, but I've got a wood stand for it and am going to lay down a couple layers of that rubbery stuff that people line drawers/cabinets with. Hopefully it'll keep it from cracking.