Fish tank stand

Fish tank stand
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Posted by: LunkHead ^®

04/03/2006, 12:01:45

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I am seeking advice on load limitations on standard kitchen base cabinets. I have purchased two 24" base cabinets (particle board construction) to support a 110 gallon fish tank (48"W X 30"H X 18"D). Base cabinet face frames are screwed together at front as normal and the cabinets are mounted to wall studs at back. Countertop is 3/4" plywood, 2' X 4', laminated for appearance. Support is double at center where the two 24" cabinets meet. Estimated total weight of the tank filled with water, gravel and decorations is 1300 - 1400 pounds or approximately 175 lbs. per square foot.

I am a hobbyist woodworker and looked carefully at the designs offered by fish tank stand manufacturers and found this base cabinet design to be very similar in construction and in fact superior because of the center support. The tank is full of water now with no noticeable stress. My wife is nervous. Can anyone comment on the safety and stability of this design?

Thanks.

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Re: Fish tank stand

Re: Fish tank stand -- LunkHead Post Reply Top of thread Forum

Posted by: Kelly_Bramble ^®

04/03/2006, 16:54:24

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I don't think anybody can easily answer your question without a bunch of details and calculations. My gut feel is that 175#/ft^2 may be ok, however 1400# total may not. If you could measure the deflection of the counter due to the weight of the fish tank then you could estimate what is going on.
If it where me, with the kitchen counters I have, I would reinforce significantly. Maybe, 2x4 in all corners as well as accross the top to be sure. Particle board will strain creep with any humidity. I would also consider the effects of time. I wonder how strong your floor is...
If you choose to reinforce the cabinet, get most of the water out of the fish tank first. When you add structural members, make sure they are a very tight fit. In other words, minimize the gaps.
Good luck.

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Re: Fish tank stand
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