Advice on used aquarium stand

[new_reef_friend]

I'm not sure if this is the right thread or place for this question. Let me know if this isn't the right question for this forum.

I recently received a used tank and stand (~55 gallons). The dimensions are 48 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 20 inches tall. The tank went unused for several years. The stand is steel and fits the tank dimensions exactly. I'm may just be overly paranoid about the stand as it is light as looks as though it is lacking in support, but maybe that is just how the steel look is supposed to be. If I push on it from front or the side it sways a bit, not much but a bit. It is on carpet so that may have something to do with it. It doesn't nudge if I walk by or stomp by. It looks as though it is all one piece. Sorry if I'm being overly dense or paranoid, I've just been second guessing myself. Thoughts, suggestions, and/or criticism is welcomed. Thanks for any help!

Attached is an image from the side of the aquarium.

 

[reef thief]

Honestly it makes me nervous just looking at it. Not to mention it's on carpet with what looks like 4 narrow points of contact. The metal frame although thin could support the weight I suppose but not ideal. The tank weighs around 450 lbs I'm guessing. I would replace the stand. It's biggest drawback is the lack of support for being top heavy.

 

[new_reef_friend]

Reef thief,

Thanks for the comment and feedback. I agree, it being top heavy has been on my mind as a concern. I calculated the weight to eventually be around 650-700 once the rock is in it. This is an overestimation on my part. It doesn't budge much or at all when pushed from the front. It budges a little when pushed from the side. I am considering going to home depot and buying cinder blocks and solid wood for a DIY stand. I would put a board of wood on the floor and then have four columns of cinder blocks beneath the tank with boards between some of the cinder blocks.

 

[reef thief]

That would give you the desired support. You don't have to use blocks but I can easily see the advantage to having a support system you could make and take down in a modular fashion. My first was a 55. Make sure things are level since a 55 is so tall it makes a big difference in tall tanks. Personally I prefer a 1:1 or maybe 5:4 height:width.

 

[electronaught]

While I've used a stand like that for a smaller tank (29g), I never liked them because they don't look sturdy.
Of course, I'm using one at the moment as a temporary stand for the 25g reef.

Another problem with those old iron stands is that they will rust. And fairly quickly with saltwater.

If you have another solution, definitely go with it.

 

[new_reef_friend]

Thanks for comments and feedback, I really appreciate your time and suggestions as. I think I'm going to remove the water and sand on Tuesday and begin building the stand with concrete blocks and thick wood. I will be getting base rock and live rock on Tuesday and Friday so that seems like a good time to take apart the tank.

The stand is about 10-15 years old, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I've read up on DIY concrete stands and they seem to be solid and cost effective. Let me know if you have heard otherwise! Thanks again!