Positioning Of My New Tank. Do I Need A Stand?

[cmo123]

I've recently bought a Fluval Roma 90 tank for my son. Upon reading the instructions I've found that unless I use the manufacturers own stand I invalidate the gaurantee. I contacted the store (who did not point this out) and they've said they would honour the gaurentee so not to worry about it. Fair enough as I want to position the tank elsewhere. What I'm more concerned about is that the tank seems to have a "cage" around the bottom and when the tank is placed on a flat surface there is a gap between the glass and the surface,i.e. only the cage comes in contact with the surface. Is this safe? I'm wondering whether with the manufacturers stand, the cage would over hang the stand and the glass would be in contact with the stand top thereby taking the wait of the tank evenly. So, can I place the tank on a flat surface of my choice or do I need the manufacturers stand?

Many thanks.

 

[brian2708]

I have a fluval roma 200 and stand.

The stand has 4 plasticy type stoppers on it that are raised in each corner and touch the glass in all 4 corners. It's probably there to support the glass, so I'm not sure wether it's advisable to not put it on the correct stand.

Brian

 

[Tizer]

I have the same tank, its on a make shift stand i made myself with flat furnature wood for a surface.

The tank is bloody heavy when its full, but I wouldnt worry about it mate, i've had no problems with mine and its second hand too.

pic is in the link in my sig somewhere if you want to see it.

 

[fluttermoth]

The 'cage' around the bottom is what's called a 'floating base', so yes, you do have a free space inbetween the glass and the surface you put it on. I know you'd think the glass isn't strong enough, but glass has actually a lot of 'crush' strength, so it can take a lot of weight. It's torsion or twisting where glass becomes fragile, which is why the floating base works; you can't get grit or anything underneath that makes the glass try to flex, which is what makes it snap.

Hope that makes sense; I've got a couple of tanks that are supported only round the edge, and one of them has been set up for around 12 years with no problems.

 

[cmo123]

Thanks guys for the responses. I'll go with your advice and not bother with the manufacturers stand. Indeed it will be heavy when full of water - more than 100kg according to the user guide.