Will the table support the tank? (VERY CHEAP DIY)

[Common Blevil]

So I'm a student living in dorm, and I'm planning to upgrade to a bigger tank (15 g to 30-40 g), as the administration allowed it. I want to know if my table will be able to support it. It looks sturdy, i would even say i trust it more then 50% of commercially available stands that i see on sale here, similar tables were able to support me and my friends when we were studying in a study room(if a weaker table was able to support a few students sitting/stanging on it, i think this one will be able to support a 30-40 g), but I'm still unsure.

Also, if buying a 40 g, it would be 8 inches longer than the table, but i have found a few nice pieces of chipboard from recently thrown out table, to put under the tank to support these 8 inches. I've seen stands that were shaped like a fat T, so i think that additional 8 gallon volume can be supported like that? The chipboard piece is 1+ inch thick and is slightly wider and longer than the tank will be.

The wooden part of a table is 1+ inch thick, metal supports add another 1.7 inch thickness, the metal legs are 2+ inches in diameter there will be another two pieces of wood on top of the table(one, then another and then a tank, like a cake) if i will go for a 40 g. The table does not move or shake when several people are on it.

So the question is, can i put a 30 gallon(34 if precise) on the table, and if i can put a 40 g with additional wood, or it's better to not take the risk.

I am adding photos of a table, approximate tank size and other stuff.

My hand near the side of the table, the width is in cm(7)

The table lenght in cm

Table joints???

One of the pieces of chipboard.

How i want to put a tank, a prick??? line is a space the 34 g will occupy (80*40*40 cm, or 31.5*15.7*15.7 inches), so exactly to the measurements of the table, a normal line is approximately where a 40 g (100*40*40 or 40*15.7*15.7) will go, as you see, it will go slightly above some part of this wooden platform on the left, so i need to elevate the tank and wood with another wood.

The goby WAS NOT amused

 

[Besieged]

The table will probably hold the tank, from a look. However, you would need to put the supporting plank of wood on TOP of the table, and it should at the very least be the exact same dimensions of the tank, if not 2,5cm wider on each side: the tank absolutely must be fully and evenly supported across its entire footprint, or you're courting disaster.

 

[Common Blevil]

The table will probably hold the tank, from a look. However, you would need to put the supporting plank of wood on TOP of the table, and it should at the very least be the exact same dimensions of the tank, if not 2,5cm wider on each side: the tank absolutely must be fully and evenly supported across its entire footprint, or you're courting disaster.

The planks are wider and longer than the tank, that was the plan. I am thinking that even if i will go for a tank that will be as long as the table is(34gallon), i will still use the wood to support it underneath.

 

[Üter]

30g ~ 256lbs
40g ~ 342lbs

 

[Common Blevil]

30g ~ 256lbs
40g ~ 342lbs

I know, i googled. Also, the table doesn't shake or move when i stand on it plus the 15 gallon. (Yes, I'm a madman.) So it can carry more than it does now, and probably even more people, but how much is anyone's guess...

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

Just my 2 cents, if your questioning if it will hold, it may not be worth the risk. If dthe stand were to fail or cause aquarium to break and water gets everywhere, they may not allow any tank where you are at. You are also wanting to add 3 levels so to speak. The stand, a piece of plank to raise and then the wood it will be on. I would look for a solid build that is the right height and dimensions. If you decide to go with what you have now screw or bolt everything in place. Also doesn't hurt to add extra support.

 

[Common Blevil]

Just my 2 cents, if your questioning if it will hold, it may not be worth the risk. If dthe stand were to fail or cause aquarium to break and water gets everywhere, they may not allow any tank where you are at. You are also wanting to add 3 levels so to speak. The stand, a piece of plank to raise and then the wood it will be on. I would look for a solid build that is the right height and dimensions. If you decide to go with what you have now screw or bolt everything in place. Also doesn't hurt to add extra support.

The problem is... I'm questioning not because the table stand is bad itself, but just because I don't have a lot of experience with this and wanted to ask what other people will think and recommend. If i was really questioning if the table will be able to hold the tank, I wouldn't even think about upgrading. Before i bought 15 gallon, i changed the table i had before to this, because that one would support like a 10 gallon max...

As i said the table itself is quite strong looking and for now doesn't show itself as bad or unstable when weight is put on it. Plus a lot of locally available stands are... Lets just say i trust this table more then a lot of them and it is saying something... A lot are good, but these good ones are not cheap.

I was monitoring when i put a 15 gallon on the table, so if/when i will buy the bigger tank i will monitor it too. Often the stand shows when its not that good when it will start to bend or something like that, so we'll see. It will take a month to see something bad, but still.

Also thanks about the suggestion about screwing together the wood support, i will think about it. In all honesty , i just planned to put everything on top without screwing, because size and weigh will keep everything together. But I won't make any modification to the table as i don't own it.

Also, as i understand, it will be better to put smaller tank that will fit to the table dimensions (35 gallon) and not the longer 40g. I just wanted to have more footprint for the fish to have bigger territories, but that big of a tank will take more space and could be a bit annoying to live around, so your remark about "if you're questioning something, don't do it" works here, because i always question if i should put 40 g, but 35 is a lot more manageable, takes less space and there will not be much difference for the fish i keep(primarily blennies and gobies)

But saying all that, i still have a few months to think everything through, so we'll see...

Probably will post here the results, if there will be any.

 

[Ben's Pico Reefing]

Well that's good to hear it's a strong table. What you could also do is if it's going to the wall and your allowed to anchor, you could use an L bracket to keep the top board from moving. Stand will be support. This will also prevent instability from bumping. But I can't tell if it is in the middle away from wall or not lol. Definitely want to see how it turns out.

 

[GARRIGA]

Tank failure can lead to expensive lawsuits by others affected and perhaps just not worth the chance. Even if the place allows it. Water is very damaging and 40 gallons can blanket a small room.

 

[Oldreefer44]

If it were me I would go with a few cinder blocks with 2x4's. Long used inexpensive stand method.

 

[Common Blevil]

Tank failure can lead to expensive lawsuits by others affected and perhaps just not worth the chance. Even if the place allows it. Water is very damaging and 40 gallons can blanket a small room.

I thought about it, but already have a tank, so like if I'm taking a risk at least it's better to make it worth it.
Also i think i reconsidered buying 40 g and will probably opt to a 30-35 g, i better have the tank completely supported by the table. Also i will need less sand and new rock for a smaller volume, and there will be less temptation to be stupid and put a lot more fish .

 

[Common Blevil]

If it were me I would go with a few cinder blocks with 2x4's. Long used inexpensive stand method.

Yeah, i read about it, but i will need A LOT of cinder blocks that i can buy locally to level the tank with the window at least a little. And if bringing those big ones that I can't find if googling, i think bringing them in the room will cause more destruction and lawsuits(joke). But i will think about it.