Cutting into stand- Is it safe?

[nathanw81]

Recently I've decided to get back into a reef tank and hastily purchased the below tank and stand from petsmart.

https://www.petsmart.com/fish/suppl...lty | Fish,utm_campaign:GSC - PLA - Specialty

After I had brought it home I realized that the cabinet under the tank was pretty tight and since the compartment only has a height of 18 inches, fitting a skimmer inside would be tough if not impossible.

I was thinking of cutting a small section out of the shelf above the compartment to allow a skimmer top to poke through. Does anyone think that a 7" square cut into the shelf would compromise the integrity of the stand? I'd rather not buy another stand or tank as I think a 65 will look great as a reef tank. Let me know your thoughts.

I was looking at maybe getting the reef octopus 1000 or 2000 but placing it in a sump beneath the tank.



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[Idoc]

I don't think it would ruin the integrity to cut out the shelf part, but you may want to return the stand...take the money you get back and build your own stand to suit your needs! I think it is going to be very hard to fit all your "sump stuff" in that stand. Plus, just cutting out the whole for the top of the skimmer cup isn't going to be the worst of your worries. You will need to take the entire skimmer out occasionally to clean it...that may be very difficult to do with your current idea.

 

[davocean]

Most of those stands are designed and built w/ minimal amount of materials to make it structurally sound, I doubt any provide enough of anything extra that allows you to remove or hack into it at all and still be structurally sound.
it's possible that it could be modified in some way, but you should have a good idea how to do that or have someone that could physically see it and help you w/ that.
It would not be my choice or advice, I would buy or build what suits your needs.

 

[ericarenee]

Most of those stands are designed and built w/ minimal amount of materials to make it structurally sound, I doubt any provide enough of anything extra that allows you to remove or hack into it at all and still be structurally sound.
it's possible that it could be modified in some way, but you should have a good idea how to do that or have someone that could physically see it and help you w/ that.
It would not be my choice or advice, I would buy or build what suits your needs.

i agree totally

 

[iliriano6]

I don't think it would ruin the integrity to cut out the shelf part, but you may want to return the stand...take the money you get back and build your own stand to suit your needs! I think it is going to be very hard to fit all your "sump stuff" in that stand. Plus, just cutting out the whole for the top of the skimmer cup isn't going to be the worst of your worries. You will need to take the entire skimmer out occasionally to clean it...that may be very difficult to do with your current idea.

Agree. Make your own. Sheet of plywood is about 50 dollars. That tank is not as heavy as you might think. I have my 90g on a plywood stand made by me with pocket hold and wood glue. 4 years later still have the same stank. Oh yeah I also don't have a center brace on my. Only center brace I put was on the back side of it.

 

[SFish]

I wouldn't cut that crap it's Particle board. Stand is junk and the light is junk. In all honesty I would probably return the whole thing. Pick up a 75gal and make your own stand. Those stands are stapled together and thin as hell.

 

[VGT]

I take it you've already drilled the tank and everything for the sump so you're stuck with it. Cutting the shelf won't affect the structural integrity of the tank, but it will look silly. I'd add some angle iron to the MDF shelf for integrity, but MDF is far stronger than many people give it credit it for.

The problem that you're going to have is that shelf wasn't designed to hold a sump or get wet. It would be prudent to caulk all inside seams, and paint the inside of the stand with a waterproof paint.

 

[davocean]

MDF is strong when kept dry, but after getting wet it mushes, and angle iron will rust

 

[Zatoichi]

I always like 2x4 stands yes they are ugly but there is Beauty in their strength

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[SFish]

How are they ugly? You wrap them in plywood. Used stained oak on mine.

 

[SFish]

MDF is strong when kept dry, but after getting wet it mushes, and angle iron will rust

This is one of the reasons I would return it if u can as well. Think of it this way thats a bit over 540LBS of water along with a 65gal flood if the stand breaks. Do you really want to risk cutting it? My stand is made out of 2x4s and is made like a tank but that's just me.