fish tank stand question

[Doma25]

If i put my 72" x 18" tank stand on a piece of plywood that is 72" x 24" would that distribute the tank weight over that new surface area?

Say the tank weights 2000 lbs that would be 2000 lbs over 9 square feet

but if i put down a piece of wood thats 72" x 24" undere the stand would that distribute the 2000 lbs equally (if level) over 12 feet?

[Metal Man 1221]

A simple answer is no, the weight will not be evenly distributed. Your primary support will come from the frame underneath. I don't think adding plywood will add much if any structural support to a stand that is wider than the tank.

[billdogg]

What he said. if it is a framed tank it must be supported all the way around all four edges. An oversize piece of plywood will not be enough.

[Metal Man 1221]

The stand for my 125g (18" X 72") is 2ft wide. Now because the weight of the tank is distributed only by the side panes, that puts the weight (lets say 2000lbs) on the edges of the tank only. If the back edge of the tank is not supported by a member, the entire length of that edge of the tank, it would require additional support joists perpendicular to the length of the stand, inside the frame, to compensate for the lack of support on that edge, and distribute that weight to the rear lateral support. The weights is then distributed by this lateral support to your vertical supports.

The only benefit to adding plywood that I can see, would be to more evenly distribute the weight to your perpendicular joists, but is NOT a substitute for them.

Please let me know if you need clarification

[Doma25]

wow thanks for the response! I have to continue to read what you wrote to fully absorb it.


My stand is good and it will support the tank my issue is i want to spread the weight of the tank over a larger surface area. My stand isn't a 4 legged metal stand its a wood stand that every part of the stand touches the ground

[Metal Man 1221]

So, to clarify, you would like to more evenly distribute the weight to the floor?

[Doma25]

yes. I want to spread the weight of the fish tank over a larger surface area.

[sponger0]

Then you need the stand to meet the dimensions of the tank. The corners is where the weight is distributed. So get or build a new stand.

What you are thinking doesnt sound safe all all...unless you like water on your floor.

[Metal Man 1221]

yes. I want to spread the weight of the fish tank over a larger surface area.

The only way you would be able to do that, is if the foot print of your stand is larger.

[Doma25]

thanks for the feedback thats what i thought. I have a 150 gallon long tank with a 55 gallon sump. I got the ok from management to have it in a nyc high rise 16th floor. But i am doing my own due diligence to make sure its safe.
The floor is concrete and rebar. should i go for it ? lol