Retrofitting a 55 gallon stand

Queezyviper · 09/28/2006, 01:51 PM

Hi all, I need some advice....

Im going to upgrade to a 75 or a 90 gallon tank... and i dont really want to change my existing 55 gallon stand (because I painted it to match my furniture) which fits the tank at 48x13x20

The 75 and 90 gallon footprint is only about 5 inches more than than the 55 (at 48x18x24)and I was wondering if you guys think I can pull off just retrofitting the back of the stand with 3 sturdy wooden back braces and topping it off with a sturdy piece of plywood to cover the entire base. I hope that makes sense.

Anyways, what do you guys think? Is it do-able?

Jacob D · 09/28/2006, 02:59 PM

I think I would be a little concerned about the stand handling the extra weight. A 75g is probably safer than a 90g which is almost twice the weight of your 55.

I would probably run something real solid like a 4x4, or 4x6 across the back top and bottom, and run a few vertical 2x4 supports between the top and bottom, and lag the whole thing to the back of your existing stand.

Congrats on the upgrade.

Queezyviper · 09/28/2006, 03:52 PM

Mothra, you're right, I was getting a bit greedy with the thought of the 90g and in the back of my mind i kinda knew i would be pushing it.

4x4 braces are exactly what i had planned, but i didnt think of the vertical 2x4 supports...thank you! Im not looking forward to breaking down the tank and the re-plumb, I'm trying to psyche myself up for the transfer!

wuelfman · 09/28/2006, 11:25 PM

I don't understand. wont you have to paint the stand when your done upgrading it? I bet it wont look as nice as just building a new one, then u can go to the 90 gallon

Queezyviper · 09/29/2006, 12:04 AM

Oh the front or sides of the tanks won't be affected by the retrofit. The added support will only be in the back. The expense of the new stand and the effort of repainting is what I'm hoping to avoid.

rulesmith · 09/29/2006, 05:14 PM

You know in a year you will wish you just went ahead and did it. You will be wanting at least that 90 if not more. I would figure out what size you can put into the space that you have and then build a stand for that space. Then whatever you end up with the stand will be able to support. One time upgrade.

Queezyviper · 09/29/2006, 05:33 PM

Wow...you guys are making very convincing arguments, Im gonna go to Twins or Carters and see if i can't find a good deal. I guess I dont want to let go of the old stand...Im pretty torn about it.

Queezyviper · 10/04/2006, 01:29 PM

Quick update! I went to go see John at Twin's and I asked his opinion on the retrofit. His reply without a doubt was that bracing with the 4x4's would be perfectly fine to bear the weight of even a 90 gallon. Here's a photo of the tank and stand...I don't think the 4x4 braces in the back will be visible especially if i paint them to match the stand. I'm looking forward to spending the $ I would have spent on a new stand towards a upgrading my lighting instead. Thanks for everyone's input.

09/28/2006, 01:51 PM	#1
Queezyviper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 43	Retrofitting a 55 gallon stand Hi all, I need some advice.... Im going to upgrade to a 75 or a 90 gallon tank... and i dont really want to change my existing 55 gallon stand (because I painted it to match my furniture) which fits the tank at 48x13x20 The 75 and 90 gallon footprint is only about 5 inches more than than the 55 (at 48x18x24)and I was wondering if you guys think I can pull off just retrofitting the back of the stand with 3 sturdy wooden back braces and topping it off with a sturdy piece of plywood to cover the entire base. I hope that makes sense. Anyways, what do you guys think? Is it do-able? __________________ I've been bitten with the reefbug! Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA with Megaflow. Softies and some fish.

09/28/2006, 02:59 PM	#2
Jacob D Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Bay Posts: 6,613	I think I would be a little concerned about the stand handling the extra weight. A 75g is probably safer than a 90g which is almost twice the weight of your 55. I would probably run something real solid like a 4x4, or 4x6 across the back top and bottom, and run a few vertical 2x4 supports between the top and bottom, and lag the whole thing to the back of your existing stand. Congrats on the upgrade. __________________ Jacob. Current Tank Info: Retired from reefing...

09/28/2006, 03:52 PM	#3
Queezyviper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 43	Mothra, you're right, I was getting a bit greedy with the thought of the 90g and in the back of my mind i kinda knew i would be pushing it. 4x4 braces are exactly what i had planned, but i didnt think of the vertical 2x4 supports...thank you! Im not looking forward to breaking down the tank and the re-plumb, I'm trying to psyche myself up for the transfer! __________________ I've been bitten with the reefbug! Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA with Megaflow. Softies and some fish.

09/29/2006, 12:04 AM	#5
Queezyviper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 43	Oh the front or sides of the tanks won't be affected by the retrofit. The added support will only be in the back. The expense of the new stand and the effort of repainting is what I'm hoping to avoid. __________________ I've been bitten with the reefbug! Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA with Megaflow. Softies and some fish.

09/29/2006, 05:33 PM	#7
Queezyviper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 43	Wow...you guys are making very convincing arguments, Im gonna go to Twins or Carters and see if i can't find a good deal. I guess I dont want to let go of the old stand...Im pretty torn about it. __________________ I've been bitten with the reefbug! Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA with Megaflow. Softies and some fish.

09/28/2006, 11:25 PM	#4
wuelfman Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: stockton ca Posts: 309	I don't understand. wont you have to paint the stand when your done upgrading it? I bet it wont look as nice as just building a new one, then u can go to the 90 gallon

09/29/2006, 05:14 PM	#6
rulesmith Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 366	You know in a year you will wish you just went ahead and did it. You will be wanting at least that 90 if not more. I would figure out what size you can put into the space that you have and then build a stand for that space. Then whatever you end up with the stand will be able to support. One time upgrade.

10/04/2006, 01:29 PM	#8
Queezyviper Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 43	Quick update! I went to go see John at Twin's and I asked his opinion on the retrofit. His reply without a doubt was that bracing with the 4x4's would be perfectly fine to bear the weight of even a 90 gallon. Here's a photo of the tank and stand...I don't think the 4x4 braces in the back will be visible especially if i paint them to match the stand. I'm looking forward to spending the $ I would have spent on a new stand towards a upgrading my lighting instead. Thanks for everyone's input. __________________ I've been bitten with the reefbug! Current Tank Info: 90 gallon AGA with Megaflow. Softies and some fish.