Rocks adding weight?

[Sorrell]

My african cichlid tank had extensive rock caves, plants and driftwood. It looks awesome, everyone has their own territory, and it's generally peaceful. I do have to wonder though if having the amount of heavy rocks will comprimise the life of the tank itself by stressing the glass through extra weight. I was laying in bed last night watching the tank and thinking to myself, that would be a lot of water on my floor. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[rsz]

I reckon your tank will be absolutely fine

Btw, where did you get your user name from? That's my middle name!!

rsz

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I've been keeping lots of rocks in my tanks for years. No problems.

 

[Sorrell]

I ride dressage horses and my best boy is the color called sorrel, but when I entered my user name, I was bumped and put two Ls on it. Oh well. Thants neat that its your middle name, I think its very pretty. B)

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

I have a turtle in a 55 gallon tank and theres a huge rock pile at one end for him to climb out on.... prolly at least 50 lbs in all. Also, in saltwater reef tanks people have anywhere from 1-2 pounds of live rock in the tank per gallon.... so I think your fine.

 

[heresmike]

I don't think the glass would be stressed by the extra weight of the rocks. Of course, the stand has to be able to support the extra weight!

BTW, someday I'm hoping to set up a large African cichlid tank (75 - 90 gallons?)... Wouldn't mind seeing a photo of your setup!

 

[Sorrell]

When I get some pictures to turn out I'll definately post them. I think it looks really neat and I love Africans because of all the color.

 

[mrV]

There shouldn't be any problem... But avoid "point load"/"concentrated load" when glass may difinitely break.

 

[guppymonkey]

The tank should be fine and so should the stand that it is on. I would worry about the floor though! A 55 gallon tank weighs around a quarter of a ton when its fully loaded and you would have to double the weight if it was a 120 gallon tank. I would worry about the floor being able to hold half a ton!