Sebastiancrab
2500 Club Member
Get a building inspector or construction manager to give you an opinion. I wouldn't take the chance without checking it out.
Will this hold a fish tank?
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kyleinpdx
Well-Known Member
Here are the problems I see:
1. That top is probably particleboard/MDF and not up for the job of supporting the load either at the over hang or the spacing between whatever lumber makes up that box (the middle)
2. The red line with the downward arrows/question mark: that built in bookcase is a big void and its unlikely there is adequate bracing to carry the load downwards.
3. Box with the question mark: there might be a stud there you could tie into since theres a gang box but you'd need to see how its tied into everything else before determining if its useful.
Would I trust this with that much weight? absolutely not. I've opened up enough walls to know what the inside of that looks like.
Could it be built to work? 100%, it really wouldn't even be that much work. I'd ditch the built in, cut the dry wall out wider than the length of whatever you go with, add lumber until you've essentially built a wooden stand for the tank in void, cover it back up with new drywall, finish the seams and repaint. If you actually want to do this, theres a bit more to it than that but its a weekend project if you're reasonably handy.
1. That top is probably particleboard/MDF and not up for the job of supporting the load either at the over hang or the spacing between whatever lumber makes up that box (the middle)
2. The red line with the downward arrows/question mark: that built in bookcase is a big void and its unlikely there is adequate bracing to carry the load downwards.
3. Box with the question mark: there might be a stud there you could tie into since theres a gang box but you'd need to see how its tied into everything else before determining if its useful.
Would I trust this with that much weight? absolutely not. I've opened up enough walls to know what the inside of that looks like.
Could it be built to work? 100%, it really wouldn't even be that much work. I'd ditch the built in, cut the dry wall out wider than the length of whatever you go with, add lumber until you've essentially built a wooden stand for the tank in void, cover it back up with new drywall, finish the seams and repaint. If you actually want to do this, theres a bit more to it than that but its a weekend project if you're reasonably handy.
Sebastiancrab
2500 Club Member
What is an otherworldly ugly cryer? Never heard that before.
fishnovice33
Community Member
Here are the problems I see:
1. That top is probably particleboard/MDF and not up for the job of supporting the load either at the over hang or the spacing between whatever lumber makes up that box (the middle)
2. The red line with the downward arrows/question mark: that built in bookcase is a big void and its unlikely there is adequate bracing to carry the load downwards.
3. Box with the question mark: there might be a stud there you could tie into since theres a gang box but you'd need to see how its tied into everything else before determining if its useful.
Would I trust this with that much weight? absolutely not. I've opened up enough walls to know what the inside of that looks like.
Could it be built to work? 100%, it really wouldn't even be that much work. I'd ditch the built in, cut the dry wall out wider than the length of whatever you go with, add lumber until you've essentially built a wooden stand for the tank in void, cover it back up with new drywall, finish the seams and repaint. If you actually want to do this, theres a bit more to it than that but its a weekend project if you're reasonably handy.
Excellent information and analysis. Thank you. I can handle dry wall and simple bracing...but how good would it look appearance wise? Not sure. I may have to hire someone for this. I will take your pointers as I go along
What is an otherworldly ugly cryer? Never heard that before.
Otherworldly is something that you most likely do not see/know about until years into a relationship when it’s too late and can make you question your decision...and if bad enough, life in general.
JoshH
Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
Definitely not single, just don't see the point in doing all this work setting up the 75 then ripping it all apart anyway when you upgrade in a year or two. Money and time wasted, buy once, cry once (Even if its otherworldly crying).
Other than that, I agree with @kyleinpdx on his points if you're sticking with the 75
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I am not single, my wife has a lot of say in what happens in the house. My motivation for saying to you not to use it without being 100% certain it can sustain the weight is based on the fact that I have already seen what can happen when a stand fails.
An accident happened when my brother did an installation in the late 90s. After filling the tank the support system broke on one side of the platform and the full tank slid off and hit the ground. Part of the broken tank tumbled and hit his leg. I was not there at the time but when I saw him hours later he had about an eight inch long gash in his leg and a whole bunch of stitches and bandages. It took about two months for him to walk properly again. I think had he been directly in the path of the tank it could have killed him. My current stand can probably hold three times the weight that is on it. I take no chances!
An accident happened when my brother did an installation in the late 90s. After filling the tank the support system broke on one side of the platform and the full tank slid off and hit the ground. Part of the broken tank tumbled and hit his leg. I was not there at the time but when I saw him hours later he had about an eight inch long gash in his leg and a whole bunch of stitches and bandages. It took about two months for him to walk properly again. I think had he been directly in the path of the tank it could have killed him. My current stand can probably hold three times the weight that is on it. I take no chances!
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MaxxuM
Active Member
It will take the weight. What I'd be more worried about is there are outlets and wiring there. A leak or tank maintenance could cause a fire. More the reason to get in there and just change it into a real peninsula with a sump and all. Joking aside, it would be the safest way to go.
fishnovice33
Community Member
That is terrifying to think about because my dog sleeps right near the wall. And he’s older and slow no way he’d move in time.
I am overbuilding this tank with thick acrylic to minimize the chance of leaks and making sure I have drip loops. I can also install hinge covers. Bout as safe as it can be. As far as maintenance I am confident to be careful.
But you’re right according to a well regarded carpenter than just inspected the area about the weight.
He inspected the entire wall and inside after I pointed out all my concerns. He also went into the basement and looked at my joists. He said he is ‘98% sure it would easily hold the weight’. Of course this is just one opinion. I have another guy coming tomorrow but he’s $125.00 just to look at it. Debating on getting two opinions.
jeffrey750750
Reefin in the slow lane
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I think it looks like a perfect spot for that tank and possibly one more, lol
kyleinpdx
Well-Known Member
that’s good, someone in person will be able to tell far more than we ever can from a few pictures.
I wouldn’t be concerned about it falling through the floor, depending on which way the joist were running sure something like sistering may have been needed BUT my concern was whether or not the “box” could take the weight. It’s possible it can, it’s also possible it’s built of warped scrap that wasnt suitable for framing out the house and is only help together by 2 nails at each connection point. You don’t want your weight being held up by fasteners only.
OP your biggest concern here is not immediate catastrophic failure but rather slow, gradual deflection in one plane that will cause a seam rupture. Most tank failures don’t come from explosions but rather pressure applied to the mechanical bond of silicone and glass.
fishnovice33
Community Member
Don’t tempt me! I did think about two instead of one..
Joists are running horizontally under the wall but that wasn’t my concern either. My concern was exactly as you said, the wall itself. Also the tank will be acrylic set on thick padding. Where I live these walls are in 99% of the houses, it’s how they’re built. So leads me to believe they’re not from scraps but most certainly doesn’t rule it out and indeed doesn’t address how they’re fashioned.
kyleinpdx
Well-Known Member
You are probably in a good spot. if I were in your shoes I’d probably open it up from within the built in, grab a flashlight and get as much of my body in there as possible to give it a good once over. Much easier to cover up should you need to abort.
The thing is right now it’s schroedingers support structure. Be wary of anyone who speaks in absolutes.
MaxxuM
Active Member
If it was built after 1978 it should comply with the minimum building standards for kitchen construction in most states. The typical minimum kitchen counter weight allowance is 600lbs. So, all's good. Of course, I'm assuming no modifications have been made or the builder's didn't adhere to state building codes.
I used to help my brother in construction when he accepted too many contracts.
That’s a lot of assumptions!
From personal experience I would not be so confident that a simple counter was strictly built to code.
I have seen much more critical items like electrical, gas and even roof construction that was substandard imho.
Also assuming it is built to code I would not feel comfortable putting a 700+ pound tank on a counter made to possibly hold Only 600 lbs.
GlassMunky
2500 Club Member
Your numbers are way off....
if the tank was fully willed with all 75G that would only be 625lbs not 850
Seems like people can’t use google or a calculator
It will be fine.
Just on the layout of the trim and drywall corners it has enough structure to support a 75. You can likely spy the fasteners in the top to get an idea of the cross bracing.
That’s not an MDF top, and even if it was...it would take the weight; ongoing water damage would be the issue. What are most mass produced stands built out of? That’s right, garbage. Water is the enemy of all wood.
The only issue I can identify is that there might not be cross bracing, and that top/cap/counter is bridging from wall to wall. Not a problem if the tank is sized to go likewise, but if it’s a smaller footprint... no good. That 40b is wide enough for it to be ok; so is a standard 75.
House looks like a 50s era, probably a whole street or ten of them built. It was done with real materials not leftovers.
All that said, trust but verify.
“It’s just drywall” so on the dining set side open a big section stud to stud and have a look. Stay away from the corner to keep repairs easy. Don’t open the cubby side; it will have a zillion little nails and possibly glue and crap you don’t want to try putting back together.
Yes, I build houses for a living.
Just on the layout of the trim and drywall corners it has enough structure to support a 75. You can likely spy the fasteners in the top to get an idea of the cross bracing.
That’s not an MDF top, and even if it was...it would take the weight; ongoing water damage would be the issue. What are most mass produced stands built out of? That’s right, garbage. Water is the enemy of all wood.
The only issue I can identify is that there might not be cross bracing, and that top/cap/counter is bridging from wall to wall. Not a problem if the tank is sized to go likewise, but if it’s a smaller footprint... no good. That 40b is wide enough for it to be ok; so is a standard 75.
House looks like a 50s era, probably a whole street or ten of them built. It was done with real materials not leftovers.
All that said, trust but verify.
“It’s just drywall” so on the dining set side open a big section stud to stud and have a look. Stay away from the corner to keep repairs easy. Don’t open the cubby side; it will have a zillion little nails and possibly glue and crap you don’t want to try putting back together.
Yes, I build houses for a living.
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fishnovice33
Community Member
What do you mean by the bridging comment? Are you stating a tank closer to the edges would be more supported than say a 55 gallon that’s only 13 inches wide?
House was built in 2003 but indeed has a very very old style, think you’re spot on about around 1950s given my state’s history and yea you’re correct -there were many of them built/lined up together. Probably 7-8 streets worth.
just use a small cutting tool and take out the small drywall piece and look inside; never underestimate the cost cutting hack job of a US home builder as i'd be worried the side near the stairs is secured against the stair frame and not going all the way to the ground. Kill two birds with one stone, if this makes your wife cry then you know the tank thing is probably not going to happen.
2003? seriously?
Yes, that’s what I meant, picture a piece of paper laying across two bricks. If you put something in the middle, it won’t support it, but if the object reaches from brick to brick, then the paper is inconsequential.
Open ‘er up. A 16” square. If you cut carefully along the mid point of the stud the piece can be re-fastened and taped back in place. Using quick-set mud the whole inspection job could be started, repaired, and painted in a day.
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