How much stand bowing is acceptable?

[reeflover]

I just filled a 32 gallon Fiji Cube AIO as my re-entry into the hobby! The stand I was able to find was a little short front to back (~0.5 inches) so I added a sheet of 3/4 inch red oak to support the small overhand and secured that to the top of the original stand. After I got everything running I noticed an ever so slight bow in the wood top. It’s not noticeable from a distance. I am able to slide 2 pieces of paper under the middle of the table between the self-leveling mat and the stand top.

I don’t think the stand structure is to blame; I think it’s just an imperfection in the wood. Any ideas on how to fix this? Should I be concerned?

 

[56longroof]

It needs to be completely level. Over time that will sag more and more. I would save up and buy a dedicated stand instead of that set up.

 

[hondacbr600rr]

Are you able to shim between the 2 pieces of wood with a very thin shim? This should help push the top piece up to make contact with the bottom of the tank evenly.

 

[hondacbr600rr]

It needs to be completely level. Over time that will sag more and more. I would save up and buy a dedicated stand instead of that set up.

Could also add support braces under the 2 pieces of wood to help avoid more sagging.

 

[Reef Jedi]

No bowing is acceptable. You could maybe use a foam leveling pad since it’s such a small gap. Over time you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t grow however.

 

[56longroof]

Could also add support braces under the 2 pieces of wood to help avoid more sagging.

They can but the rest of the table is suspect in my opinion. Thats why I didnt suggest that. There are plenty of stories of failures with stands like this.

 

[hondacbr600rr]

Could also add support braces under the 2 pieces of wood to help avoid more sagging.

They can but the rest of the table is suspect in my opinion. Thats why I didnt suggest that. There are plenty of stories of failures with stands like this.

That’s fair. I’m not a structural expert. I just figured if the OP decided to use it, that would be one way to strengthen it.

 

[rtparty]

Zero. The top needs to be perfectly flat first and level second

 

[danny.kay]

That’s a hell nah from me. I’d say zero bowing from any stand.

 

[gkprevite]

Bowing means that the tank isn’t supported evenly which can lead to seam failure or the furniture collapsing. That’s a great tank, get a proper stand

 

[reeflover]

Thanks for the responses! Because of the dimensions of the tank, its made finding a stand really difficult. I’m not able to make my own right now so my options were kinda limited.

I ended up just ordering the Fiji cube stand made for the tank. Probably should’ve just done that initially, but I haven’t seen many reviews on them, so I was hesitant. Do you think if I drained the tank down to the top of the rocks it would be okay until I can switch stands? At least get the cycle started. Tank would be about half full at that point.

 

[jsmkmavity]

That is a lot of weight for that table, and missing required supports in critical areas. Both sides of the tank need supports directly under them all the way to the floor and the span between them need some horizontal support. The reason the top is bowing is because the weight of the tank is all on the top of the table instead of the the legs because the table is too wide. You probably have almost 400 pounds sitting there. As a temporary fix you could put a couple 2x4 legs in the center of the table.

 

[gkprevite]

Thanks for the responses! Because of the dimensions of the tank, its made finding a stand really difficult. I’m not able to make my own right now so my options were kinda limited.

I ended up just ordering the Fiji cube stand made for the tank. Probably should’ve just done that initially, but I haven’t seen many reviews on them, so I was hesitant. Do you think if I drained the tank down to the top of the rocks it would be okay until I can switch stands? At least get the cycle started. Tank would be about half full at that point.

Leaving it for any length of time has risks. I would put everything in a bin with a heater and pump if you wanted to get the cycle going.

 

[jsmkmavity]

I just looked at the stand again and realized legs would be very difficult to install. Since you will have to drain and move the tank for the new stand anyway i would do that now and put it on the floor until the new stand arrives

 

[steveschuerger]

I see a few things you could do. Make a DIY brace for the gap in the middle. I did something similar myself for an SR60 on an office desk. Or get a more reinforced desk or better yet an actual tank stand.

 

[reeflover]

Thanks for the advice! The stand was advertised to hold over 800 lbs and does have several metal braces that run the entire length of the stand that were supposed to prevent bowing…clearly they are not doing their job. I’m draining it right now to try and minimize any further stress of the glass/seams.