Can my TV stand support a 20 gallon tank?

[Green]

Hi all,

I have a TV stand that I'm using as aquarium stand for 5 years, supporting a 10 gallon tank. I want to upgrade to a 20 gallon, and wonder if the same stand could support twice of the current weight.

Please see below for actual pictures. The back panel is made of cardboard, the rest is made out of composite wood I believe.

Your help is appreciated, thank you!

 

[SaraB]

I would take something that isn't glass that is about the weight of a full 20 gallon tank (approx 200-250lbs) and see if it holds for a week.

 

[Lady.of.Babylon]

A 20 gallon tank weighs about 100 pounds or so. I would sit on the TV stand, and if it holds you and feels stable. You’re probably safe to put a 20 gallon fish tank on it. That’s at least what I did with my 20 gallon.

 

[SaraB]

I thought water was 10lbs per gallon, is it only 5? Sorry I had my math wrong.

 

[Lady.of.Babylon]

I thought water was 10lbs per gallon, is it only 5? Sorry I had my math wrong.

Lol, you might be right. I used a calculator app I found on google when I was figuring out how much my 20 gallon would weigh. Better to be on the safe side and over estimate the load weight than underestimate and have a mess!

 

[SaraB]

I just Googled it. Apparently it's 8.35 lbs per gallon. So I would still test with something that isn't glass.

 

[earhtmother]

Don't forget to add extra weight for gravel decorations etc

 

[Barliman]

Also, is it hardwood or particle board? The latter is very vulnerable to any water getting on it.

 

[Green]

It's particle board I think.

 

[Ayi]

I wouldn’t use it. I’ve had a stand that was particle board, and in a year it started coming apart just from splashes and spills during water changes.

 

[Barliman]

I wouldn’t use it. I’ve had a stand that was particle board, and in a year it started coming apart just from splashes and spills during water changes.

Agreed. I think particle board stands are too risky.