I jumped in 225 gallon monster coming soon!

[FreshSaltyGuy]

So I got this nice glass aquarium 225 gallon for a steal with a sump, skimmer, and stand. It was dirty but nothing some elbow grease couldn't fix to make it new again.
My BIG question though is how is this stand made to support all the weight from 225 gallons? The 2 crossbeams line up with those on the bottom of the tank, but they also sit about 1/2" -3/4" higher than the inner wood lip on the side of stand. Is it really only those 2 beams supporting all that weight or?

Thanks!

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

So I realize now the tank sits on the top rim boards duh. From the sticker on it I found out that it's a Aqueon Stand that sells for $799 https://www.petswarehouse.com/aqueon-classic-pine-stands-black-24-x-72-l-b-sd-4/

Is it worth keeping or ditching and building new?

Thanks!

 

[Mikedawg]

If you decide to keep this stand, I think it would be smart to reinforce it at many points. BTW, hard to believe that any store could sell this for $799

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

If you decide to keep this stand, I think it would be smart to reinforce it at many points. BTW, hard to believe that any store could sell this for $799

Agree on the price kinda nuts for a cheap stand. How do you suggest I reinforce it?

Thanks!

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

So I think I'm going to home depot to build me a new one custom with plenty of room for a 90 gallon sump as well. Wish me luck!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So I think I'm going to home depot to build me a new one custom with plenty of room for a 90 gallon sump as well. Wish me luck!

Best of luck with the build!

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

Best of luck with the build!

Is that a good or bad thing? LOL
Is it possible to keep the front wide open instead of having a vertical support beam in the middle front ? Any ideas?

 

[ptrusk]

I have a similar stand on an old 90 gallon Allglass who I believe became Aqueon. The stand is rock solid. Been moved once and running for at least 15 years.

The tank actually sits down in the stand. It looks like yours is missing the end supports, Let me get some pics to show you.

 

[ptrusk]

Here is the corner showing where the tank sits:

The ends are supported by lateral boards the same thickness as the center boards. My stand does not have the uprights on the ends that yours does, it has angle brackets supporting them. Yours looks like a stronger design.

It is also supported by the center braces, but only on the ends

I think if you get some pine boards the same size as your center boards, wider though, you are golden. Seal/paint, and staple.

As you can see, my stand is gross because it is so old and lives in the basement. I guess its time to clean and touch up the paint.

Your stand looks like it is in very good condition, just missing those two boards to support the ends.

Hope this helps.

 

[ptrusk]

Only problem, as you mentioned, the front access sucks. Have to remove the tank to replace the sump. But I never had to do that.

Oh yeah, the hinges rust after 10 years. Mineral oil keeps em moving and probably rust free if you apply it more than once every 10 years.

 

[FreshSaltyGuy]

Here is the corner showing where the tank sits:

The ends are supported by lateral boards the same thickness as the center boards. My stand does not have the uprights on the ends that yours does, it has angle brackets supporting them. Yours looks like a stronger design.

It is also supported by the center braces, but only on the ends

I think if you get some pine boards the same size as your center boards, wider though, you are golden. Seal/paint, and staple.

As you can see, my stand is gross because it is so old and lives in the basement. I guess its time to clean and touch up the paint.

Your stand looks like it is in very good condition, just missing those two boards to support the ends.

Hope this helps.

It seems like staples is what holds all this together. You think it's ok to have the staples instead of screws or nails?

 

[ptrusk]

The staples just keep Them in place. Not load bearing. nails or screws would do the same, just drill pilot holes so you don’t split it. I am thinking the end boards on that stand were just layed in, that’s why they are missing so you may not even need to fasten them as long as they are positioned correctly. I would secure them.

To put sump in, pop the center boards up/off with a rubber/ plastic mallet and bang it back when it’s in.

Seriously that stand is a rock.