Reinforcing the top of a tank stand?

Hiya guys and ladies

Just a quick question- I have a 300l tank (std 4ft) cycling at the moment and I am not 100% happy with how it looks.

Result is that I need to add probably another 30kgs of rock. I was about to do it last night when I started having doubts re the weight of the tank and the support from the stand. I have never previously set up a tank for Rift conditions and as such I have never had a tank bearing the extra rock weight that goes hand in hand with the biotope.

Which brings me to my question- the tank is on a 'standard' steel tubing stand. The top of the stand is not solid and simply has the standard cross beams. With all the extra rock weight should I consider reinforcing the top of the stand? Lastly, should I consider something simple like merely adding a solid (wooden?) top to the stand- i.e. so the whole bottom of the tank is supported?

I have tried to research this on the net and there are conflicting ideas and/or opinions. I have read that most of the support is needed along the perimeter of the bottom of the tank and that the supporting cross struts give enough support. However I would rather sort this out now than later! Much easier during a fishless cycle than when the tank is full of fish!

Any advice would be appreciated- I am more confused after reading up about it on the net- too many cowboys with opinions so I am looking forward to sound advice from TASA.:bigsmile:

 

A I understand it,the edges of the frame carry the weight.... have had numerous 4 foot tanks on standard tube frame stands in the past with75 - 100kg rocks in them,no probs

My big 8 foot on standard 25mm tube frame has over 300kg of rock - been running 11 years now...

Dont think you need to worry to much,but if you want to do it for peace of mind,now is the time...

 

Legend! Thanks mate. Going to leave it then.

 

I wonder how much of this changes with a floating base tank - if at all?

Ok quick ggl ..

floating base = bottom glass never in contact with the stand so no polystyrene to be used - ever, seems like this is a big no, no. would also mean that it is ok to then directly place your floating base tank on a flat stand (like a table or custom made cabinet)

We seem to use the sheeting between tank and stand when the glass is in direct contact with the tubular stand - common internet thoughts are that these are best supported on the edges. typically our SA made plate glass tanks have a sheet of glass that is the full area of the base and the sides rest on the base to form the tank, these must have the polystyrene and should not be on a flat surfaces as stands (not that this is true for most of my tanks - hmmm)

in all cases the stand needs to be level (again not the true for most of my tanks)

Suppose this is a case for do not do as I do.


BTW have you noticed is not a floating base tank? But most "professional" / commercial brand tanks do do floating base tanks.

I recall we had a thread about this a while back when I was first introduced to the concept .. need to go dig on TASA.


BTW nice video on what I think a floating base assembly is ..