Metal Tank Stand - How Much Weight?

[jiffy]

I am moving into an apartment in a month and bringing my fish tanks with me. I want to put my 30 gal in my living room and set up another 30 gal (planted!!!) once I am settled.

I have a metal aquarium stand that looks similar to this http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl36...bestand29gallon

When I bought it (used from someone) they had both 30 gallon tanks on the stand. I did notice though that the metal running the length of the tank was sort of bowed.

In any event. I am afraid that with the additional rock (~130lbs - the water it displaces) the two tanks will be too much for the stand, and the floor since there are only 4 pressure points instead of a wooden stand which the points run the entire length of the tank.

What is everyone's thought?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi jiffy

If you're in any doubt about the stand, replace it. If it comes apart, like the one in the link, get rid of it; they are weak to begin with. There are one piece iron stands available for reasonable prices that also have a shelf to hold a second tank.

Having a stand fail and send the tanks crashing to the floor is one thing you just don't want to risk.

 

[BigIan]

and a word of advice stacked tanks are a nightmare to look after.....

The wife and i had one and we could barely get in to do water changes and messing with the plants was a night mare

 

[vic]

Disaster awaits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The "shelf" in the tank linked in your post is not a shelf. It is simply an attempt to stabilize a very poorly designed tank stand. If you put a 29 (US) gal tank on that stand with water, gravel, tank and stand the overall weight is likely to approach 300 pounds. 29 gallons (US) water weights 232 pounds alone. If the "feet" of the stand are 1 square inch each (and I doubt it) the weight load on the floor is 75 lb/psi. This is large and if all the feet don't happen to hit a floor joist (under the floor) the weight diffusion really sucks. A tank stand really has two primary duties. First it must have the strength and integrity to support the load that is being placed on it. Secondly, and equally important, the stand should diffuse the weight load over as great an area as possible. This will therefore distribute the weight through the floor and therefore to as many floor joists as possible. The stand dimensions are indicated as 12' by 30". To make this stand as safe as possible place the stand on a piece of 1/2 or 3/4 plywood that is 14' by 32'. This will distribute the tank weigh over 448 square inches. the weight load is therefore reduced to slightly over 0.5lb/psi. This would also make it very easy to frame the tank stand a create a 'Hidden' storage area for the necessary muck required to maintain the tank. Have a look here under DIY or at albertaaquatica. You will find all sorts of options.

Remember, supporting the tank is only part of the problem. Creating a supportable load is also a critical consideration.
Cheers;

 

[Inchworm]

and a word of advice stacked tanks are a nightmare to look after.....

The wife and i had one and we could barely get in to do water changes and messing with the plants was a night mare

Stacking the tanks isn't really the problem, but putting a tank that's too tall on the bottom shelf could be. I have three 55 gallon tanks with 30 gallon tanks on the bottom shelves and have no problem getting into them to clean. For even more work room, I could just slide the hood off while I'm working in it.

 

[Tolak]

I wouldn't try 2 tanks on a stand like that, they are probably the flimsiest stand made. Vic hit all the good points, you would be best off making your own.

and a word of advice stacked tanks are a nightmare to look after.....

The wife and i had one and we could barely get in to do water changes and messing with the plants was a night mare

Designing stacked tanks takes some thought as far as working room, height off the floor to get a good siphon, and your height as to make them close enough to the floor to be workable without having to climb on a ladder. All my tanks but one are stacked, and are on a concrete floor.

 

[jiffy]

Ok, well it looks like the metal stand is going to be out. I currently have the 30 gal on a corner piece that goes with my bedroom set (it seems pretty sturdy), however when I move, I'd prefer to get the tank into my living room.

Unfortunately, I don't have the $$$ for a really nice stand and I don't have the time (or space) to build my own.

I think something like this stand, from BigAls would be my best bet:
http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl36...and36x12darkoak

I have seen stands that I like better, however it is hard to find stands made to fit a 36" long tank.

PS. I live in the US.