Large Tank And Overhang

[iairj84]

I just got a 55 gallon tank setup for a killer deal $40 for the tank, light, cover, HOB filter (not going to use) all the gravel, a colloseum decoration, heater, and a bunch of silk plants. Which IMO was a steal! Those 300 watt heaters are $40 most places!!!

Well anyways I dont really have the time for building a stand yet at this point. But I do have an older desk that would work perfectly for the tank, and the only issue is that the desk is only 44'' across and the tank is 48'' Is two inches of overhang a huge deal? I can always get a piece of 3/4'' particle board to put it on to accomodate those sides of it. Just wondering if that's going to be a huge deal or not as long as the big majority of the tank will be on the stand. I dont want to risk the tank or the fish first and foremost. Any suggestions will be appreciated since i've never dealt with a tank of this size.

Also any ideas for stocking? I am thinking of making it a ciclid tank but am not sure yet. So for you guys that may not be technical but know ciclids or have a big tank let me know. I already have 1 20 gal community setup and have another 20 gal tank setup that I can setup if I make more space. Let me know what you guys think about stocking the 20 gallon too

 

[*Fishkies*]

Well there was a post on here not to long ago about overhanging tanks. A lot sem to think that an overhanging tank is a danger sometimes. It also is against any warrenties from the maker (but you got this second hand it seems so that doesn't matter). I personally would not have a tank over hanging. I wouldn't want to chance anything happening to the tank or the fish in it.

 

[martyn21uk]

Imo the weight will be spread out enough for it not to be a real danger but I can understand why people would say otherwise and also would probably agree with them in a discussion if that makes sense?!?

But also you don't want to leave it on an overhang forever and will look to move it eventually so calm down, stop getting so excited, take your time and get your setup correct now! It will make life so much easier later even if it means you have to wait a little while longer to get that bad boy going.

 

[MHunt]

If the tank base is going to be overhanging, i would certainly put a piece of wood of some description at least the size of the base for the tank to sit on. The pressure of the water on the sides and base of the tank is quite strong, and to have the end of the base of the tank with a pressure point running along it is risky at least. That's why you're meant to put a polystyrene pad below the tank to stop any unevenness in the stand cracking the tank. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

[iairj84]

Thanks guys, I'll make sure I get some sort of board or something to stop the overhang. I assumed this would be the case although I wasn't sure. It probably wouldnt end up being a huge problem although I would rather not risk it with that sort of thing!

 

[dthoffsett]

I think the real question here is the desk sturdy enough for the tank? You have to remember a 55gal tank is going to weigh a good 550 lbs with water alone, most furniture isn't built for that kind of weight. I would be more concerned with the desk collapsing, than any problems an overhang might pose.

 

[iairj84]

Well I did the weight test with me (180lbs and my brother 300+ lbs.) and it was perfectly fine. I will support it with plywood and 2x's if it becomes an issue. Although I dont forsee it being much of one... If it is I can always build another stand.

 

[vinylman]

I wouldn't put ANY tank on something that wasn't made for the purpose; remember, the tank is going to be on it's support 24/7, so any 'test' you've done is pretty well meaningless. There's a reason cabinets are rather expensive - they're made for the job, please don't take any chances. Think of your insurance, too, if anything goes wrong and you haven't used a proper cabinet, most insurance companies won't want to know.

 

[iairj84]

I think my brother and I moving around as much as we could to try and get it to shake was enough to let me know it's stable enough for the tank. It's only going to be on there for a short period until I have the space to build a big enough stand.