Pallet aquarium stand

[gabe.sari]

Hey guys,

I made an aquarium stand from pallets. I just wanna make sure it is safe.

 

[lapin]

Safe as in how safe?

Pallets can be used to hold bottled water.
They can be used to hold toxic chemicals like acids.
Some are used to hold boxes of fresh chickens packed in ice. It does melt and the red water mix harbor a lot of unwanted bacteria.

Structurally is prob fine. There is some flex in the cross boards.

 

[gabe.sari]

Thanks for your fast reply. Cross boards were like that. I will put plywood (or something like that) and foam under the tank to avoid any stress from the pallets.

 

[X-37B]

Thanks for your fast reply. Cross boards were like that. I will put plywood (or something like that) and foam under the tank to avoid any stress from the pallets.

For pallets I would have used the plastic solid top ones. I am in the freight business and these are the ones used by many beer companys.
If you have a way to band the pallets together, use the plastic bands, it will be much more stable.
With that said I have my 275 gallon tote sitting on wood pallets in the garage for ro/di storage in order to get the correct height for a 5 gallon bucket under it.

 

[threebuoys]

I would feel more comfortable with it if the edges of the tank were directly over more substantial structure that the planks which can be really thin and flexible. At the very least, I would add a top of 3/4" plywood extending to the edge of the top pallet. I don't doubt the ability for the pallets to support the weight, just concerned they are much more flexible than the rigid edges of the glass aquarium which could lead to unsupported edges = leaks or cracks.

 

[gabe.sari]

I would feel more comfortable with it if the edges of the tank were directly over more substantial structure that the planks which can be really thin and flexible. At the very least, I would add a top of 3/4" plywood extending to the edge of the top pallet. I don't doubt the ability for the pallets to support the weight, just concerned they are much more flexible than the rigid edges of the glass aquarium which could lead to unsupported edges = leaks or cracks.

Unfortunately i can only get 1/3 inch (8mm) thick wood. Should i double it or get 3/4"?

 

[Dom]

Are they stacked only or stacked and secured to each other?

Yes, I would absolutely put a full piece of 3/4" ply under the tank and spanning to the edges of the pallet as that is where most of your strength is located.

I'm curious; why have you chosen this route for a stand?

In all honesty, at first glance, I'm not liking this idea.

 

[threebuoys]

Ah yes, metric system in Europe. I would double it

 

[gabe.sari]

Are they stacked only or stacked and secured to each other?

Yes, I would absolutely put a full piece of 3/4" ply under the tank and spanning to the edges of the pallet as that is where most of your strength is located.

I'm curious; why have you chosen this route for a stand?

In all honesty, at first glance, I'm not liking this idea.

They secured at every level by two washer screw. Should i put the tank on one side (so that side have full support), or just stay in the middle. I choose this type, because its fit in the room style and massive.

 

[CMMorgan]

Is this a turtle tank?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

from someone in the shipping business, pallets will hold thousands of pounds, should be no problem for the aquarium. Its a little redneckish looking though, maybe you can put a sheet or blanket around the pallets to hide them

 

[gabe.sari]

from someone in the shipping business, pallets will hold thousands of pounds, should be no problem for the aquarium. Its a little redneckish looking though, maybe you can put a sheet or blanket around the pallets to hide them

Thank you for your response. I think so, not worried about pallets, actually half ones, but the bending, cause the tank is shorter so there is no direct support at the ends.

 

[threebuoys]

If you add the plywood you should be able to keep the tank centered without a problem.

 

[threebuoys]

from someone in the shipping business, pallets will hold thousands of pounds, should be no problem for the aquarium. Its a little redneckish looking though, maybe you can put a sheet or blanket around the pallets to hide them

WHAT? you don't like the rustic look? I've seen a lot stranger things done with pallets:D

 

[gabe.sari]

If you add the plywood you should be able to keep the tank centered without a problem.

Just finished the cutting of the two plywood, 3/4" (2 cm) thick in total, size of the pallet, full length full width. Tomorrow i will get the plyfoam as well.

Thanks all of you!

 

[Dom]

from someone in the shipping business, pallets will hold thousands of pounds, should be no problem for the aquarium. Its a little redneckish looking though, maybe you can put a sheet or blanket around the pallets to hide them

The strength in tank stands are at the edges of the stand, not in the middle.

Sorry; I'd buy or build a proper stand.

 

[gabe.sari]

I put 3/4" plywood under the tank in the full length of the pallet, now looks massive enough!

Thanks all of you again!