55 gallon stand customization

[rwilson24]

Hi all

I was supposed to start a saltwater tank, sadly a move and timing have made that not doable at this moment. Because of the move, I had to adjust the tank size and am switching to freshwater (any ideas for fun tank mates, I would love to hear it. Looking for something unique!) and have a 55g tank.

I had an old TV stand from ikea that is the perfect height for what I need. I am planning to beef it up with 2x4s. Add supports at the very bottom as footing to support the 2x4s inside the stand. I figure if I add 2x4s in each corner and the centre, and run a 2x4 connecting them, this should be enough support. Does that make sense? Forgive my drawing skills on trying to describe my thoughts

Attached are photos, and here is a link just in case TONSTAD TV bench, brown stained oak veneer, 178x37x55 cm (701/4x145/8x215/8") - IKEA CA

Thanks!

 

[Andy Sager]

Whenever you are working with furniture that is not made for holding fish tanks, there is always a chance that it will fail due to the weight of the tank and water. If you are going to reinforce this stand, why not build a new one from scratch so that you know the support is good where it needs to be?

 

[rwilson24]

Mainly because I am not that handy and wouldn't be able to finish it to the aesthetic I like.

My plan is to basically make a box inside and use this as a shell, with 2x4 supports wherever needed (all shelves in side are removable).

 

[Andy Sager]

Mainly because I am not that handy and wouldn't be able to finish it to the aesthetic I like.

My plan is to basically make a box inside and use this as a shell, with 2x4 supports wherever needed (all shelves in side are removable).

The issue is the corners more than anything else. If that stand is longer than 48" you can make sure the tank corners are on the 2 x 4s inside in the cabinet. Just make sure those 2 x 4s go to the ground, not just the bottom of the stand. If the wood at the bottom of the stand sags, you risk a pressure crack in the tank. As you can see in this picture ( Forty/ thirty setup ) , this is a 40 gallon long ( same dimensions as a standard 55 only not as tall) and it's only sitting on a piece of wood laying on a cinder block. The middle isn't an issue because it's a glass tank. If this were a plexiglass tank, it would also need support in the middle to prevent bowing in the middle. FYI, that tank is about 40 years old and still holds water so you know I wasn't taking any chances.

Hope this helps.

 

[rwilson24]

Thank you!

Yes, my plan was to add 2x4s under the bottom piece that I could screw the supports on the inside of the cabinet into to support the corners. I will post a photo once done for any critiques haha

 

[Andy Sager]

Thank you!

Yes, my plan was to add 2x4s under the bottom piece that I could screw the supports on the inside of the cabinet into to support the corners. I will post a photo once done for any critiques haha

When you are done, get some people together, about 700 lbs worth ( roughly what a filled 55 weighs), and have them stand on the stand. If the stand holds them and doesn't bow at the corners, it's safe for a 55 with water and substrate and decor.

 

[rwilson24]

So, it is sturdy now. Sat on it with some friends and it held.

It’s maybe not the prettiest but it will do.

My concern now, is apparently one side is a bit higher than the rest, for the corners, there is a small wobble when the tank is on the stand. I’d say, maybe a mm or 2.

Would buying a tank leveling pad fix this? Or is that more only for all glass tanks. Thinking something like this: https://a.co/d/dpUSou9

I know all 4 corners are to be flat. It isn’t even noticeable unless you touch the tank. Hoping for some help. Thanks!

 

[Andy Sager]

I'm a HUGE fan of styrofoam under all tanks ( even on level stands). For a 55, I would get at least 3/4" or 1" styrofoam under the tank. That should be enough to allow the tank to settle itself so that it's flat. You can see that it's used in these pics of a 20, 30 and 40 gallon tanks since they are sitting on unlevel surfaces. You can lay a whole sheet under the tank or as I did with these tanks, just a 2" strip from front to back at the ends.

 

[rwilson24]

Thank you!

The neoprene sponge won’t work at all? I had ordered it in case, just as it would look nicer than styrofoam.

If not, I’ll be sure to get some styrofoam. Thanks!

 

[Andy Sager]

Thank you!

The neoprene sponge won’t work at all? I had ordered it in case, just as it would look nicer than styrofoam.

If not, I’ll be sure to get some styrofoam. Thanks!

Depends on how thick it is. Don't forget, there is going to be a lot of pressure from the water weight on the tank so you want the most amount of flexibility underneath as the silicone can have a little "give" or stretch to it.

 

[rwilson24]

So this mostly solves the issue I was having. Although it is still a smidge off

I’m thinking, I can cut strips and just put them under the corners, and that should help. Again, just confirming this is fine? I guess I’m nervous as I’ve never built or modified a stand before

Edited to add, I’ve actually just bought the 1/2” thick version

 

[Andy Sager]

It will all depend on how much the neoprene squishes. This is why I use styro. It takes a lot of pressure to squish it flat.