Cabinet Stand Question

[Sparky305]

New to the hobby and trying to get a stand setup for my 90G 36x24x24 tank.

I had a cabinet shop make a box for me to match the furniture in my home and I just received it. Looking it over even though it has a full 3/4" top that the tank will sit on, I have a feeling I may need to add internal support either via 2x4 or perhaps some 80/20 aluminum extrusions.

Perhaps some of you more experienced in the hobby can comment on how much weight the 3/4 plywood can support.

Keep in mind that the entire back wall is not 3/4, it only has two horizontal cross braces that you can see in the first pic. At this point all of the weight will be carried into the floor by the side pieces.

Any opinions?

Back Wall:

Corner Top/Down View:

Full Top/Down View:

Bottom View:

 

[rfgonzo]

Your going to want to make sure that the front, back & sides all hold the weight. I wouldn't trust that back support.

 

[Mpup]

I don't see how this stand will support 90g. Shoulda had a proper stand built, then skinned by this guy.

 

[Sk8r]

Basically if the rim of the tank sits on a vertical piece, or something stout sitting ON 4 vertical pieces, all should be well. Anything that sets on a horizontal piece nailed or screwed to a vertical piece is really only sitting on that thin sliver of metal, set in wood that may disintegrate if rocked. Stout corner braces and L bracing can improve on that situation. Any piece of wood subject to a weight concentrated in the middle of it, and subject to frequent dampness, can bow or crack. A polyethalene coating (I hope I've got my polys straight) will save it from damp. But I'm hoping the tank fits the outside dimensions to a tee. I'd still add bracing to make sure quake slosh or just a tipsy party guest doesn't put lateral force on those joints.

 

[Sparky305]

The front is completely open and has no cross brace between the doors. This is why I said that with the back construction being the way it is, all of the weight is carried by the 3/4 side pieces.

I agree with you all, I'll strengthen it with internal support on all four corners before putting the tank on top.

 

[Sk8r]

I think you'll be happier. If someone should, say, take a fall and shove that stand, the corner braces would protect it.

 

[Sk8r]

PS---that is a nice looking stand.

 

[explorer07]

If there is a way you can add inside supports than this stand can hold anything. Here is an example. This is what I built for my 75g



Sorry for the big pics.

 

[Sparky305]

If there is a way you can add inside supports than this stand can hold anything.

Agreed.

I am more than likely going to add some vertical pieces in the corners to help carry the weight downward. I'll also probably make a 'box' that sits right underneath the top board so that it helps support the weight a little better.

Just not sure if I'm going to go the 80/20 route or regular 2x4...