Placing Of My Tank (weight Question)

[Bluejay]

Hey, I'm thinking of getting a Rekord 80 and at the moment I was thinking of putting it on top of my chest of drawers. I've tried sitting on it and roughly feeling how sturdy it is and it feels very solid but I'm concerned it might not take the weight. Any advice on how to test or what a good idea would be? My room is incredibly small so If I bought a new cabinet I don't think I'd have enough room to properly store my clothes.

 

[doresy]

can you post a photo of the chest of drawers? If not then is it constructed of similar design and materials as aquarium cabinets.

My best guess is that if it is a modern one then it's questionable but if an older chest then it's likely to be made much sturdier so as long as it is sound then for that tank I would say ok.

 

[Bluejay]

Here's a photo, sorry had to borrow a camera from a flat-mate. Another thing I should probably add when sitting in the middle of it the top drawer was very stiff and hard to open, the other drawers seemed fine. Its not wobbly or creaky or anything else I can think to mention through.

Thanks very much for taking the time to look.

http/www.mypicshare.com/itczdvcbpic.html

Edit : After re-measuring it I realised its about 1.5-2cm too small length wise for the tank, I'm guessing that this would be quite a bad idea then? In that case I'll probably downgrade a little

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Just remember that the general rule for aquariums is: 1 gallon = 10 lbs.

But since a lot of people on this forum are not American (i.e. different measurement systems) I'm not sure if the tank you are referring to is a 80L or a 80G.

80L is 21 Gallons so = 210 lbs or 95 kilograms
80 Gallons would be 800 lbs or ~362 kilograms

Also, just as a warning...it's a good idea to keep some plastic trashbags around to throw over your drawers when you do tank cleanings and water changes so you don't mess up the finish too much ^^

 

[doresy]

Yeah, thought it would look a bit like that

If you sit in the middle then I would expect that top drawer to become hard to open.
The tank's weight, however, will be spread over the whole area of the top and transfered down the sides and back to the legs. (Is the back solid timber of just thin hardboard/ply?) Also inspect the legs for cracks.
Try getting 2 adults to sit on either end and see how it feels (and we want photos of that too!! )

Don't forget to look at the floorboards too

I think it will be ok, but............it's not my room

 

[doresy]

Edit just seen the "too small" edition.

You could get over this by placing a piece of 3 quarter inch (0r 18mm) MDF or ply, the size of your tanks footprint on the top of the chest, remembering this will add to the load.

You know the real answer to all your problems really, don't you. Yup, downsize the tank or get a cabnet to fit and live out of a suitcase

 

[Bluejay]

Its solid timber, and I can't see any cracks. Because of it going slightly over the edge though I'm going to downgrade to the 70or the 60.

Thanks very much for all the advice Doresy I'm really unaware to all this weight stuff. I am however totally prepared for all the equipment, fishless cycling etc

 

[vinylman]

The best way I know of how to give someone the idea of how heavy a fully loaded tank will be on ordinary furniture is to fill two buckets of water; pick up one bucket in each hand, then stand with your arms straight down by your sides holding the buckets. Even the smallest tanks will be the equivalent of that weight 24/7. If you want to risk it with furniture not intended to take the weight, it's your choice. But if the unthinkable happens and you need to claim on your house insurance, the first question they ask will be ''was it standing on proper aquatic furniture?''.