Can my counter support a 55 gallon aquarium?

Question

I am looking to upgrade my 29 gallon aquarium in my science classroom to a 55 gallon tank. The current tank is on a 20' long formica countertop with a drawer units beneath, and I would like to put the new setup there too. The whole cabinet system is built out of MDF particle board and seems pretty solid. The roughly 5' long section of this counter where the tank would go is supported by 2 x 3/4 inch MDF uprights and in the center of where the 48" long tank would sit has another 3/4 inch upright beneath it that runs the full depth of the counter. Anyone know if I can trust this to support the 650+ lbs that the tank will likely weigh?

Wow! Thanks for all the replies. Like I said, the counter is built of formica (basic countertop material with plastic over particle board, and the way it is constructed there is very little chance of any of the MDF getting wet- the lip of the counter extends a couple inches out from the supports and the back of it is sealed. I was estimating 650 lbs based on the glass tank weighing about 100 lbs and about 550 lbs for water.

Answer 1

If you aren't sure then you should buy a stand designed to hold a 55-gallon aquarium. Otherwise you might be replacing a 55 gallon tank and your current stand.

Answer 2

Honestly, I wouldn't use the counter. Even if it is strong enough to support the weight, there's always the chance (slim as it may be) the the particle board could get wet, and the whole setup come crashing down. However, for a standard 55 gallon tank, you should be able to find a sturdy wrought iron stand for less than $100, whereas a normal wooden stand would probably cost you $250 or more, depending on the style. Plus, if it's properly painted, the water shouldn't be able to damage it. The come mostly in black, but with some quality spray pain and a decent half hour of so outside, you can paint it any color you see fit. Remember, when considereding your counter, that your tank will be extremely heavy. Water weighs approximately 8 lbs per gallon, plus the tank itself will weight about 40 lbs, plus about 5-10 lbs of filtering equiptment, at least 50 lbs of gravel, maybe another 10 for decorations, about 20lbs for the hood, then, your fish themselves. You're looking at about 570 lbs, probably more. Most countertops are not, by any stretch of the imagination, designed to hold up that kind of wieght.

Answer 3

I'd personally vote for the stand but if your school has a competent handyman then he may be able to inspect it and strengthen it to make it suitable. One thing to remember is that particle board generally is a poor choice where water is concerned. It is strong and cheap - the reason why it is popular but I've had stands made out of particle board rendered unusable when they absorb water and swell like a sponge.

Answer 4

650 lbs sounds like a lot, but I bet that's about 6 kids worth. Could the counter support 6 kids?

Answer 5

it should hold it. 55gallons = 242.27 litres = 242 kg at full volume.

Pebbles may make it heavier but driftwood will make it lighter.

Just make shore the tank is well centered and no water gets on the timber

I dont know why America is the only country that uses old fashion imperial measurements still, get with the rest of the world and convert to metric 1litre of water = 1 kilogram etc

Answer 6

With the tank fully stocked, estimate its weight at about 10 pounds per gallon.

Answer 7

im pretty sure it will support the weight , as long as you dont go jumping on the counter, it'll be fine. Stands can get expensive and most of the time you dont have any place to put them.

Answer 8

I would never put something that heavy on MDF let alone something that holds water. It may seem pretty sturdy but if that wood gets wet it becomes very weak and I would never take that chance.

Answer 9

Probably best not to take chances, get a proper stand for the tank.

Answer 10

I surgest you just get a stand with the tank.


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