Simple desk conversion input.

MrBrbsmoke

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Before I get started,apologies for formatting since I'm on my phone.

So today my wife's work was throwing out these and by some divine luck, her boss asked if I wanted to do something with them.

Currently I was putting together a list of materials and costs for two frag tanks, and now I feel obligated to not only take these(I already did) but convert them into stands. My only concern is weight. Since it would be a frag tank I could in theory make it low to try and reduce the load.

These are two computer desks, I plan on ripping out the keyboard pullout, removing the flimsy shelf under that and getting rid of the wheels that I am positive will just ruin my floors and not be functional. Also, either removing the overhang top shelf or drilling it to hold up a light. I feel like I got a nice free win here, I want to believe the metal will hold up but I am paranoid that I will regret not bracing it a little.

If anyone has ever converted a desk like these before or sees any potential problems down the line, any input would be nice.

Just to compile. Two desks I want to convert, I'm afraid they may not take the weight of a frag tank, though they seem sturdy enough. Also any creative input is always fun and appreciated.
Screenshot_20240412-005735_Gallery.jpg
 

Readywriter

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Before I get started,apologies for formatting since I'm on my phone.

So today my wife's work was throwing out these and by some divine luck, her boss asked if I wanted to do something with them.

Currently I was putting together a list of materials and costs for two frag tanks, and now I feel obligated to not only take these(I already did) but convert them into stands. My only concern is weight. Since it would be a frag tank I could in theory make it low to try and reduce the load.

These are two computer desks, I plan on ripping out the keyboard pullout, removing the flimsy shelf under that and getting rid of the wheels that I am positive will just ruin my floors and not be functional. Also, either removing the overhang top shelf or drilling it to hold up a light. I feel like I got a nice free win here, I want to believe the metal will hold up but I am paranoid that I will regret not bracing it a little.

If anyone has ever converted a desk like these before or sees any potential problems down the line, any input would be nice.

Just to compile. Two desks I want to convert, I'm afraid they may not take the weight of a frag tank, though they seem sturdy enough. Also any creative input is always fun and appreciated.
Screenshot_20240412-005735_Gallery.jpg
Personally, I wouldnt trust those with more than 50 lbs on them. I could see the legs racking fairly easily. I would at a minimum brace them lengthwise. But, really, for the amount of modification id do on them to feel comfortable with putting a couple hundred pounds of live weight on them id be better off just building something new.

Id build something cool with those but probably not anything aquarium related.
 
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MrBrbsmoke

MrBrbsmoke

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Didn't wobble with 70kg on it until it was shoved a bit hard but the wheels were still on. I think I'll just do a simple 2x6 reinforcement with room to build cabinet doors on the front and test it for a few days with 200kg. The frag tank I'll probably build to put on won't be much more than 125kg maybe 130kg
 

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