Aquarium bench

[ReefJunkie]

Hello!

I have just bought an aquarium with a stand (Akvastabil, 576 liters) and in order to fit a sump underneath, I need to remove two partitions in the middle and replace them with something that can support the weight.

The aquarium is also partially supported by the side walls and the back wall.

I was thinking of welding together a rectangular structure that I can completely slide into the space, and then I'll screw it into the top and bottom. It will be hollow, allowing me to have a sump in between (actually an aquarium).

I was thinking of using square steel tubing measuring 20X20 and maybe 2 mm thick. The length of the structure will be around 70 cm and 70 cm high. I plan to weld it together so that the "rails" of the structure are positioned exactly where the partitions were originally intended to be.

Do you think this would hold? I guess the total weight will be around 700 kg, but I want to be completely sure that my idea will hold I prefer to make something that can support much more weight so I can sleep well at night! See image below. Thanks for any input!

PS. The stand measures 160X60X70

 

[gusvo085]

1/3 of the weight per steel frame becomes 230 kg per frame then. The risk is buckling but should be fine, however, should have gone up a dimension...

 

[Dan_Johansson]

So you are planning to replace the standing chipboards with two "hollow" frames? Have I understood correctly then?

 

[ReefJunkie]

So you're planning to replace the standing particleboards with two "hollow" frames?
Did I get that right?

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking. Edit: and the frames are welded together.

 

[ReefJunkie]

1/3 of the weight per steel frame becomes 230 kg per frame then. The risk is buckling but it should be fine, though it might have been better to go up a dimension...

Thanks for the response. Yes, maybe it's best to go up a dimension. I forgot to mention in my first post that the frames are to be welded together.

 

[gusvo085]

If they are connected with each other, you get a much more stable construction! Build the frame, put on a board, and gather friends so you get a weight of about 450 kg You significantly increase the strength with diagonal braces at the back, think bookcase cross.

 

[Stettler]

I also have an Akvastabil with the same type of stand. From what I've learned from the Danes, the dividers are removable and the stand is designed to support the weight regardless. However, I'm myself unsure, so I've considered a similar solution but building in a frame compartment with wooden studs.

Curious to know how your build went.

 

[ReefJunkie]

I also have an Akvastabil with the same type of cabinet. From what I've been told by the Danes, the partitions are removable, and the cabinet is designed to hold the weight regardless. However, I'm skeptical, so I've planned a similar solution but will build a frame compartment with wooden studs.

Curious about how your build went.

I would never dare to have several hundred kilos resting only on the back plus the left and right sides. There's nothing at the front to support and help distribute the weight. So you're probably doing the right thing by building something extra to hold it up. Just in case!