[Devon29492]

I was in my wifes back shed with her dad looking for a trimmer when I found a 55g aquarium. I inquired about it and found that it had been there for 7 years. Full of spiders and dirt I took it anyway. I set it up on a table I had that seemed sturdy enough. I took some pictures as I am very worried that this thing is going to crash through my floor.

The first picture is straight on, everything seems ok, dirty of course but holding water.

The second picture is the side. The border is completely gone on the back side, nothing but glass and caulk. I propped it up with some cardboard.. lol..

The third picture if you can see it, is about a quarter inch gap between the tank and the table caused by a slight bow of the table.

Any help would be amazing as I am very worried but I want this to work so bad. Ive had plenty of tanks before but never a 55g. Thank you!!

 

[Sharky1234]

Personally I'd find something sturdier to put the tank on. While it might be okay I wouldn't chance it. If you're nervous about it then definitely do something about it. My general rule about fish keeping is that if something seems like it could be a bad idea there's a good chance it is.

 

[JDM]

55 gallons.... if you wouldn't get up and stand on the table and do a little jig in complete safety, don't put the tank on it, you are not asking for trouble... you are demanding it.

Jeff.

 

[Tracy Bird]

FIRST OFF: Welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping - glad you found us!

I agree with your concerns and the suggestions of the others....

I'd keep an eye on Craigslist, in my area 55 gallon stands come up pretty often, they are cheap and you can find them in wood and metal.

Are you good at building things? There are a number of Do It Yourself stand plans on the internet.

 

[Devon29492]

Thank you!

Ok, Ive decided Im going to build my own stand, but question. The trim is broken off in several places on the bottom. If I build a wooden trim tight on the bottom will that be sufficient? Also! The plastic "support beam" trim is broken, what about a top wooden frame piece wrapping around the top.

 

[ChuckinMA]

Thank you!

Ok, Ive decided Im going to build my own stand, but question. The trim is broken off in several places on the bottom. If I build a wooden trim tight on the bottom will that be sufficient? Also! The plastic "support beam" trim is broken, what about a top wooden frame piece wrapping around the top.

When I read your inital posting, I was mush more concerned about the missing trim than the table. Cardboard is woefully lacking any ability to support weight when used as a shim. Any chance the missing bottom trim is still in the shed somewhere? A wooden top frame could work, but with exposure to water and high humidity from the tank, you'll want to address potential swelling if it isn't thoroughly sealed with a non toxic finish.

Regarding the table, I'd be concern with any lateral 'sway' such as induced if someone bumped the tank. I can't tell from the pic if the table has lower leg cross pieces which would lessen lateral sway from the top heavy load. To more evenly distribute the weight on the floor (currently localized in the four table legs), you could set the entire table on a 1" piece of plywood (with a trim border for aesthetics).

I built my stand, and you'll find many good approaches on YouTube.

BTW, the tank could be used as a terrarium for frogs, turtles, etc, so even if you decide not to trust its structural integrity for holding water, it still has some value to someone.

 

[JDM]

Missing trim and broken cross piece... as much as you would like this to work, I'd suggest passing on it. Too many things that, individually, might not give you any trouble, but combined likely will.

I was talking to a fellow yesterday that had a 72gallon tank .... had, the glass let loose on him. I didn't ask why but I saw a picture of his tank and it looked fine, nice white oak cabinet unit too. That is a lot of water to have on the floor all of a sudden.

Jeff

 

[Agent13]

Thank you!

Ok, Ive decided Im going to build my own stand, but question. The trim is broken off in several places on the bottom. If I build a wooden trim tight on the bottom will that be sufficient? Also! The plastic "support beam" trim is broken, what about a top wooden frame piece wrapping around the top.

By the end of this ...you are really wish you just bought one off craigslist or something like that.

 

[Tolak]

You can buy new top & bottom frames, but by the time you add that cost you could buy a used 55 that already has them. 55's are pretty common, I run across used ones for well under $50, often in the 25-30 range. I wouldn't be using that table without some serious reinforcement, once again probably better off building a purpose built stand when you add in the material costs.

 

[chances14]

Thank you!

Ok, Ive decided Im going to build my own stand, but question. The trim is broken off in several places on the bottom. If I build a wooden trim tight on the bottom will that be sufficient? Also! The plastic "support beam" trim is broken, what about a top wooden frame piece wrapping around the top.

You can get replacement frames from here if you decide to keep the tank

Over The Edge- Wholesale Aquarium Tank Frames, Aquarium Trim, Aquarium Rims, Aquarium Lighting, and Iron Stands

but as others have said, 55's are pretty common. might be better off just getting a new tank