Tank weight on table

Hi guys,

I just managed to pick up a cheap brand new 4 foot tank off ebay, for my pet Oscar. It doesn't come with a stand. I currently have my oscar in a 60L (2 foot) tank, on top of a laminated chipboard teachers desk with a steel frame.

My question for everyone here is, would it be safe to attempt to put this size tank on that table? I used to keep the 60L on some stacked milk crates, would this be better? Or should I just not be cheap and get a real tank stand?

Personally I would get a stand or at the very least put it on something more substantial than chipboard. Even with the 60L I would suspect that the chipboard might be bowing. I had a smaller tank than that many years ago on some shelving (Ikea furniture) - we went through multiple shelves (bowing) and two tanks because of leaks. The lack of solid flat surface for the tank to sit on will potentially cause stress on the glass and structure of the tank - hence the leaks.

IMO Don't risk it - get a proper stand or a solid, flat piece of furniture to sit it on.

FWIW, you can estimate the weight of the tank full of water & equipment: it's going to be 8-9 pounds per gallon. The steel frame sounds good, but is it welded or bolted together? Are the bolts/welds tight? The laminated top might bow, but if the steel frame is secure, you could lay a piece of solid wood, or even lengths of 2X4 across it from end to end, making sure all of the ends rest over the steel frame, and thus provide a good level surface for the tank. 2X4s are usually sold in 8 foot lengths ... cut in half, you'd need 2 or 3, depending on the width of your tank, to give good support to the tank.

Expect your total weight to be based on the standard 10 pounds per gallon ratio.

When that "chip board" gets wet, it will turn to mush. It's not too difficult to build a good, strong stand from common 2 by 4 lumber. Check the design of wood stands in aquarium shops, then build a stronger one.