Knocking over a tank

[iwishtofish]

Can a tank be knocked over very easily by kids? I'm planning a 75g peninsula tank and am considering designs for a stand. I'm afraid if I don't make the base considerably wider than the 18" depth of the tank, a kid running into it (or pushing it) could potentially knock the whole thing over.

The tank/stand will be on short pile carpet (and pad) with a concrete floor underneath, and there will be a 40g sump on plywood in the base of the stand.

Realize that preventing dangerous activity around a fish tank is paramount, I'd still appreciate any suggestions regarding making the stand as safe as possible!

 

[grammatron]

While I wouldn't recommend running into it or pushing it, full tanks are incredibly heavy and aren't going to tip over very easily.

 

[Imzadi]

I don't think the "Duece Bigelow" Effect is all that common.

I dont think running into it would tip it, it would cause wicked damage tothe wee ones forehead though... You could L bracket the legs tothe floor, then the only worry would be the teeter from the center, and I think that would take a WICKED amount of force, at the very top...

I am bettin that if you have these concerns, that the tank would be broken before tipped.

 

[amkelly802]

the chances of your kids knocking over a tank that big is not likely.. 7lbs per gallon i believe is the weight of water.. dont qoute me on that. as long as the depth of the tank is a decent size im sure youll be fine. or look into a cube or a shallow reef tank.

 

[Imzadi]

The 400 pound of weight in the sump would make it also pretty much impossible to topple over...


Nothing will stop a kid from breaking it, or breaking their skin on the corners though...

 

[Daniel Reef]

Duece Bigelow effect!!! LOL

 

[deviilsadvocate]

I think it depends how big the kid is... lol

 

[insane]

I doubt it would get knocked over but the corners of a glass tank should have protection to keep them from getting chipped or worse yet, broken if accidently hit with a hard object as someone carries it past.

I have 160lb to 200lb dogs that run into my 180g stand all the time when they are playing and it doesn't budge. I am more worried that I will clip a glass corner when I carry something by. I picked up clear plastic self adhesive corner protectors to use on the tank corners.

 

[luther1200]

A 75g tank will wiegh about 600-800 lbs. So I doubt a kid could easily knock 1 over, IMO.

 

[luther1200]

the chances of your kids knocking over a tank that big is not likely.. 7lbs per gallon i believe is the weight of water.. dont qoute me on that. as long as the depth of the tank is a decent size im sure youll be fine. or look into a cube or a shallow reef tank.

I think its actually closer to 8lbs a gallon.

 

[iwishtofish]

I figured the tank would be pretty top heavy, regardless of the sump below, and being a peninsula, there'd be nothng to stop it if it got some unfortunate momentum. I even considered framing a step (perfect for kids) on either long viewing side to add stability.

I appreciate all the quick answers, and, deviilsadvocate, you are so right!

Duece Bigelow, must be a movie (yes, I'm sheltered).

 

[Ritten]

It's a good thing to be worried about. I once had the Oceanic 30 cube with the stand that came with it. It was so tippy. We put a 5 gallon full water jug in the stand, but it still could have been pulled over by a kid. Top heavy.

 

[r-balljunkie]

Well, i hate to go against the grain here, but my 125 was on carpeting, pad, plastic sheathing, and then another carpeting. It was a bit wobbly, I could rock the tan, so I understand why you are concerned, cause I have a little monster at home, a very formidable 3 year old. My tank was against a wall, so only had to keep him from attempting to climb it.

If it were me, AND I had the option; I would build the base wider, 'ala bar ledge' style...this would create a barrier of sorts around the tank. I'd rather have a kid with a knot in his head, than the possibility of the unmentionable

GL
C

 

[Falconeer]

A 75g tank will wiegh about 600-800 lbs. So I doubt a kid could easily knock 1 over, IMO.

I'm willing to bet I could easily knock over a 75 gallon tank (provided it's on a basic, metal stand and does not have a sump, haha) :lolspin:

In all honesty, I don't think anyone I know could knock over a large tank if it's on a good stand with a sump underneath. Even if I tried, I doubt I could.

Like everyone's said, i'd worry about a kid hurting himself on the edge of the tank, or of cracking a piece of glass, before worrying about a child knocking over a 75gal tank.

 

[luther1200]

If you are really worried, lag it directly to the floor. I would use either large lag bolts or 2x4's as nailers to secure it to the flooring.

 

[reefscape15]

I agree that a tank of that size with a sump under it would be quite a task to tip over, but you can always make it extra secure just for peace of mind.

And yes.......Deuce Bigelow is a very funny movie. IMO a must see!

 

[bearpeidog]

If you are really worried, lag it directly to the floor. I would use either large lag bolts or 2x4's as nailers to secure it to the flooring.

Completely agree - great suggestion. I was going to suggest using spacers between the wall and stand and securing it that way. I like your idea better.

Seriously, never underestimate children and their ability to climb. Sadly, a first grader was killed at school by a book case that fell over on her. Leverage is a powerful thing. I'd say take the advice above and rest a lot easier!

 

[xmasia]

I like this idea. lag bolts isnt bad either

 

[Grandreef 2]

The tank is bigger then them so I dont think that they will be able to push it over.

 

[theyammieguy]

I have a 30g and 12g in my living room and neither of my kids have ever ran into one. They are 7 and 2 1/2.