Is my stand missing a piece?

[davmul]

Hi all,
I purchased the stand pictured below second hand. I am just about finished with refinishing the stand but something is bugging me. Is my stand missing an insert. As you can see in the picture there is a big empty space in the middle and the whole weight of the tank (55G) seems to be supported by the two 6" sections at each end. There is no evidence (

[hr]
holes / glue residue) that leads me to believe that there was a center support previously installed. Does anyone else out there have a simmilar stand, I think it is a Marine land Pine Majesty?
I am thinking about putting in an insert. What do you think?

 

[alix2.0]

ive had one like that before... IMO definately install the support!!! glass breaks.

 

[srfisher17]

There are many stands that support tanks along the edges and the middle is empty, and many tanks are made with a frame that just allows support along the 4 edges. I can't tell if your stand is one of those, there should be at least 1" or so supporting all 4 edges.

 

[davmul]

The only contact that the tank has with the stand is at either end of the stand. In the picture you will see a 4"-6" shelf on the right hand side. The tank rests on these shelves but there is nothing supporting the edges under the long face of the tank. I was thinking of droppng in a board to rest upon the vertical supports that are visible. This would support the tank along all four edges.

 

[grumpygils]

If it is only supported by the two end shelves, you need to shore it up. I would run a stringer down the length on both sides and maybe install a center brace. The center is not as important as having support on ALL of the edges.
I have a 4 X 3 foot tank with no center brace but is supported on all sides.
Mc

 

[srfisher17]

Whenever I've do some home-made modifications; I like to add a piece of Styrofoam the exact same size as the tank--it helps level everything out.

 

[davmul]

Thanks for the help.... I really wanted to hear "Don't worry tempered glass is surprisingly strong."

 

[grumpygils]

Originally Posted by davmul
Thanks for the help.... I really wanted to hear "Don't worry tempered glass is surprisingly strong."

Don't worry tempered glass is surprisingly strong.
Now shore it up.
Mc

 

[m0nk]

I actually have the exact same stand for my 55 g. It's not missing anything. The tank itself should actually have a bottom brace across the middle and technically that's all the support it really needs. If you're worried about it you can secure it more, but I'm sure the manufacturer would have added more if it was needed.

 

[davmul]

thanks mOnk

 

[crt81]

If you wanted a easy fix b/c your worried about suport, just place a board across the top (the same size as the stand), this is an easy fix. It may not look good or finished but this is a simple fix if you are not skilled in wood crafting!