Tank stand with no center support. Need recommendations.

[kenghua]

Bought a 3x1.5x1.5 FT tank and rack from Seaview on 3rd Dec to replace a leaking tank and rusty rack.

As you can see from picture 1, the rack is longer than the tank and does not come with center support (see pic 2). As such, only 3 sides of the tank rest on support. If you wonder why I chosen the rack, Seaview recommends the rack when I asked for one which is rust resistance. I only notice the rack is longer when I assembled it at home.

I've been increasing the water level weekly from 50% to 70%. Few days ago, I started to notice the left side, which is not resting on any support, is sinking in (see picture 1). The styrofoam base cuts into the 2 horizontal support beams at each side.

Could there be other reasons? Uneven floor or rack? Frankly, I wouldn't have noticed it if not for the replies I got on my query in another thread. (Thanks bro millenium and Ong88)

After reading up old AF threads, adding a plywood to distribute the weight appears to be a viable solution beside getting another rack. Unless there're other suggestions...

I would also be needing to replace the styrofoam base. Some threads such as this, suggest getting high density BRC foam as a replacement. Or should I just get a styrofoam replacement from C328 as suggested in other threads?


(Click to view the picture in full size)

Picture 1


Picture 2


A lesson learnt. I failed to ensure the tank/rack is of the right fit before I brought it home. I assumed it would be the same as my old tank/rack setup. The old rack comes with center support.

[Aro77]

With no center support u are definitely going to need a plywood..

[Dave57]

picture 1, the sinking towards the left is not due to the missing support beneath.
likely some extra load above that section, rocks, pumps, filter box?

[LauLanChu]

You sure the rack is meant to use for tank? The legs with screw holes looks weak and flimsy and can bend with heavy load.

[kenghua]

Originally Posted by Aro77

With no center support u are definitely going to need a plywood..

Thanks. I failed to research properly when getting the new tank set. As mentioned in my first post, my old tank rack comes with no center support. The old tank rest on foam base. No plywood.

Originally Posted by Dave57

picture 1, the sinking towards the left is not due to the missing support beneath.
likely some extra load above that section, rocks, pumps, filter box?

You're right sir. On the left, there's a small submerge powerhead, pumping water to a 2 tiers (total 4 boxes) OHF. The water outlet is on the right side which rest on support.

Originally Posted by LauLanChu

You sure the rack is meant to use for tank? The legs with screw holes looks weak and flimsy and can bend with heavy load.

That's the black rack recommended by Seaview. I probably wouldn't face this issue if I've selected the iron rack which cost $20 less. *sigh*

[kenghua]

Originally Posted by kenghua

Thanks. I failed to research properly when getting the new tank set. As mentioned in my first post, my old tank rack comes with no center support. The old tank rest on foam base. No plywood.

Correction to my reply. My old rack come with center support. The new one doesn't

Sorry for any confusion.

[millenium]

Originally Posted by kenghua

Correction to my reply. My old rack come with center support. The new one doesn't

Sorry for any confusion.

Bring back and top up to change to the more suitable one.

[exotic_idiot]

Originally Posted by millenium

Bring back and top up to change to the more suitable one.

Yeah, don't risk it!

[Aro77]

some times the seaview staff recommend things but we would prefer others. at times better to go with gut feel so wont regret afterwards

[Dave57]

I would also recommend using a thicker and denser foam for the base.
the foam in the picture looks like those thin styrofoam board used for arts and craft.