Buying a 140 Gallon

[Bree7]

Hey guys!
I am finally getting a bigger tank. I found a crazy deal for a 140 gallon ($70!!!!). However, it comes with just the tank and only the tank. It is glass- no cracks, no leaks etc. Considering that it doesn't come with a stand, I have a question:

Do I need a special stand designed specifically for the tank? I have a counter space that will fit this tank perfectly and I really want to use it. The counter is really sturdy, just a flat surface. Will this work fine? I have no idea where I'd even begin to look for a stand that will fit this perfectly. It's 6' long and I have the perfect spot for it!

[DiscusOnly]

Hey guys!
I am finally getting a bigger tank. I found a crazy deal for a 140 gallon ($70!!!!). However, it comes with just the tank and only the tank. It is glass- no cracks, no leaks etc. Considering that it doesn't come with a stand, I have a question:

Do I need a special stand designed specifically for the tank? I have a counter space that will fit this tank perfectly and I really want to use it. The counter is really sturdy, just a flat surface. Will this work fine? I have no idea where I'd even begin to look for a stand that will fit this perfectly. It's 6' long and I have the perfect spot for it!

Just remember that 140gal is close to 1500lbs. The counter may look and appear study. If it's not design to hold weight, you are asking for a disaster.

[Bree7]

What's the best way to know how much the counter can hold?

[mathao]

take a couple pictures of the counter and more of the experts will tell you if it will hold the tank or not, or you might have to modify the counter.

[DiscusOnly]

What's the best way to know how much the counter can hold?

Yes.. picture so we can get an idea of how the counter was built. I assume it has laminated on top and without proper support on the bottom, it could go right through those particle laminate.

[Tito]

Is this a kitchen counter? Typically counters are not designed to hold that kind of weight. If you decide to go with it make sure you are away from the tank as you fill it. Dont want to read about this in the papers.

Maybe some pics with the structural members - 2x4s or what ever is holding it up.

[Bree7]

Not a kitchen counter, but a piece of cabinetry furniture that matches our house. Here's some pictures. If it needs to be enhanced for support, give me ways to do it cheap. Thanks guys!

I've tried and tried to upload pics here but my file size is too large. So you get links instead... sorry! Try to expand that little betta tank in your mind into a huge discus tank haha

The first picture is of the whole counter:
http://tinypic.com/r/6old3l/6

The second is a side view.
http://tinypic.com/r/20qfl6v/6

The third is a look inside the bottom cabinet
http://tinypic.com/r/mh81w2/6

The fourth is what it is currently holding, that huge top piece.
http://tinypic.com/r/mwd2e9/6

The fifth is inside one of the top cabinets, which is being held on the main counter. It has a ton of books.
http://tinypic.com/r/2hdyxpi/6

The sixth is inside the other top cabinet, to see what it's holding. It has books and a super heavy leather kit with metal tips yada, yada.. basically that wooden box is just really heavy.
http://tinypic.com/r/256sktf/6

[Bree7]

any thoughts?

[krucianking]

Don't even think about using that cabinet. Its not designed to hold the weight of your tank.

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Hello,

I have a few friends who built their own stands for under $100.00, and they look real nice when completed.

http://www.aquariumlife.net/projects...m-stand/56.asp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGppF8lAnok

Here are some ideas for you.

Hope this helps. Good luck and nice score on the price of that tank!

DiscusLoverJeff

[fishorama]

I have added 2 x4s inside a buffet type thing to support a 55g, more that that I'd be scared. That is a pretty piece of furniture but I'd have major concerns...I'm worried about my floors holding that kind of weight LOL Maybe a safer way would be to add a similar style casing over a wood or metal stand.

[yikesjason]

This must be the 140 in Gresham. I agree that your cabinet would not be a good stand as is. I don't know if it would be worth it to reinforce it or not.

Good luck.

[Bree7]

This must be the 140 in Gresham. I agree that your cabinet would not be a good stand as is. I don't know if it would be worth it to reinforce it or not.

Good luck.

Haha! I was thoroughly confused for a minute how you could possibly know that... now I remember you live in Portland! Yes, it is the one in Gresham.

[DerekFF]

I think it would be fine, add some 2x4s using a "T" formation along the inside underneath and id think it would be fine. Ive done this with a 300gal tank on a really weak stand and it works just fine.

[Bree7]

Thanks for all of the advice, guys! I'll ditch the idea to use that as a stand.. not worth reinforcing either. BUT, I had another idea. A better one. I don't know why I didn't think of this before, because it's much more visually appealing and it looks way sturdier to me... Would this work as a stand? It's a solid wood work desk. I may also go with just a 100 gallon instead of the 140. Fingers crossed that this would work??

Pictures:

http://i45.tinypic.com/1zlbzgo.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/e892zs.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/ncicee.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/ezqq84.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/i4qpv7.jpg