Tank Setup

SouthernJustice · 07-20-2005, 01:34 AM

Well, I have my 55 gallon set up and filled. It rests on 3 quite strong wooden equally heighted nightstand type of things. But I have recently noticed that the middle nightstand is only touching the tank on the left for about 2 inches, the rest of the middle nightstand has the tank about a smiggen above it, not touching the tank, until it gets to the 3rd (right) nightstand. Its unsupported for about 15 inches or so.. I'm wondering if this is going to pose a problem or not for my tank, aka breaking and filling my room with 55 gallons of water. Any solutions? All I can think of is place something in between the tank and the middle nightstand..

Mr Aquarium · 07-20-2005, 02:18 AM

Well, your tank does need to be drained right now, having it set like it is now you are running a very high risk of blowing it out, and yes 55g of water in your house.
you could get a 3/4'' piece of plywood and put under the tank, and try to shim the stands so it;s all nice and level.
Or maybe look into a regular stand for it, prolly be a better way to go sence that piece of wood will run you a few bucks, just pop for the extra and get a stand.

SouthernJustice · 07-20-2005, 02:47 AM

Have you ever heard of an unsupported tank breaking?

Huugs · 07-20-2005, 02:56 AM

I havnt personally but Im sure many people have its just I dont really know many people with tanks. I think with glass tanks you could get away with supporting all round the edges of the base but not nesscarily the whole base but with acrylic tanks you must support the entire footprint of the tank.
To be honest though I dont think I would risk it. Just put something on the nightstand to get it to the same hieght, make a proper stand or buy one. If you are thinkin of making or buying then drain it out and dont leave it sitting as it is.

fishfreaks · 07-20-2005, 07:29 AM

yup, i would drain it right now too. and try to even it out as much as possible. but dont fill it back up until you buy one (or make one). i have heard of unsupported tanks busting, but it never happened to me personally. someone here had it happen to them, vivid dawn maybe? i would never risk all that water on my floor.

flynngriff · 07-20-2005, 08:04 AM

Drain it!

I haven't heard of a tank breaking because of this, but I have heard of many tanks breaking "for no reason". "No reason" is usually an issue of uneven support for the tank or the tank not being level.

Get the 3/4 inch plywood, or if you want it to look nicer, get some boards that you can sand and stain if you want. The plywood would be more stable, though.

Also, get a level and make sure to level out the tops of the nightstands by putting thin pieces of wood under their feet.

07-20-2005, 01:34 AM	#1
SouthernJustice Self Described Huguenot Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Michigan, but my heart resides in the South. Age: 21 Posts: 103	Tank Setup Well, I have my 55 gallon set up and filled. It rests on 3 quite strong wooden equally heighted nightstand type of things. But I have recently noticed that the middle nightstand is only touching the tank on the left for about 2 inches, the rest of the middle nightstand has the tank about a smiggen above it, not touching the tank, until it gets to the 3rd (right) nightstand. Its unsupported for about 15 inches or so.. I'm wondering if this is going to pose a problem or not for my tank, aka breaking and filling my room with 55 gallons of water. Any solutions? All I can think of is place something in between the tank and the middle nightstand.. __________________ 10 Gallon: FW Community 20 Gal Whisper Filter, Heater, Red Gravel, Fake Plants and a plastic Artillery gun 55 Gallon: 4 Red Belly Piranha Last edited by SouthernJustice; 07-20-2005 at 02:09 AM.

07-20-2005, 02:47 AM	#3
SouthernJustice Self Described Huguenot Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Michigan, but my heart resides in the South. Age: 21 Posts: 103	Have you ever heard of an unsupported tank breaking? __________________ 10 Gallon: FW Community 20 Gal Whisper Filter, Heater, Red Gravel, Fake Plants and a plastic Artillery gun 55 Gallon: 4 Red Belly Piranha

07-20-2005, 07:29 AM	#5
fishfreaks M&F Couple Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: PA Age: 21 Posts: 4,272	yup, i would drain it right now too. and try to even it out as much as possible. but dont fill it back up until you buy one (or make one). i have heard of unsupported tanks busting, but it never happened to me personally. someone here had it happen to them, vivid dawn maybe? i would never risk all that water on my floor. __________________ VOTE FOR FISH FORUMS

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07-20-2005, 02:18 AM	#2
Mr Aquarium Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern Iowa Age: 43 Posts: 499	Well, your tank does need to be drained right now, having it set like it is now you are running a very high risk of blowing it out, and yes 55g of water in your house. you could get a 3/4'' piece of plywood and put under the tank, and try to shim the stands so it;s all nice and level. Or maybe look into a regular stand for it, prolly be a better way to go sence that piece of wood will run you a few bucks, just pop for the extra and get a stand.

07-20-2005, 02:56 AM	#4
Huugs Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London UK Age: 23 Posts: 253	I havnt personally but Im sure many people have its just I dont really know many people with tanks. I think with glass tanks you could get away with supporting all round the edges of the base but not nesscarily the whole base but with acrylic tanks you must support the entire footprint of the tank. To be honest though I dont think I would risk it. Just put something on the nightstand to get it to the same hieght, make a proper stand or buy one. If you are thinkin of making or buying then drain it out and dont leave it sitting as it is.

07-20-2005, 08:04 AM	#6
flynngriff Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Age: 35 Posts: 443	Drain it! I haven't heard of a tank breaking because of this, but I have heard of many tanks breaking "for no reason". "No reason" is usually an issue of uneven support for the tank or the tank not being level. Get the 3/4 inch plywood, or if you want it to look nicer, get some boards that you can sand and stain if you want. The plywood would be more stable, though. Also, get a level and make sure to level out the tops of the nightstands by putting thin pieces of wood under their feet.

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